Description

Description: This original black and white photograph showcases the Robert Fulton, a Hudson River Dayliner, on its journey past the Dobler Lager brewery. Swathes of people can be seen enjoying the sunshine during their cruise on each of the ship’s decks. The buildings housing the Hygienic Ice and Refrigerating Company and Taylor’s Ales can be seen in the distance.

The Hudson River Day Line was a commercial steamboat line on the Hudson River active from 1863 through 1962. During its history, the Hudson River Day Line transported millions of passengers between the cities of Albany, New York and New York City. In its peak year of operation in 1925 the line had seven active steam boats and transported more than two million passengers. The line also made stops at tourist destinations in the Catskill Mountains, and at parks like Bear Mountain State Park and Kingston Point Park; making the line a popular travel tool for vacationers and day picnickers from New York City. The line was known for its reasonable prices and its comfortable and elegant environment on board gained the ships of the line the moniker “floating palaces”. The ships were equipped with live orchestras and bands to entertain passengers, and had both a high end restaurant and a more affordable cafeteria on board for meals.

The Robert Fulton launched from the New York Shipbuilding Co. in 1909. She featured a beautifully decorated interior with a garden theme and was licensed for 4000 passengers. The Fulton ran through the season of 1954 on the Hudson. Later she went to the Bahamas where she became an office and apartments for a lumber company.

The Dobler Brewing Company, founded in 1865, was one of the few breweries to survive prohibition because their refrigeration capabilities allowed them to switch to the production of soda. In 1960, the brewery closed and the main building was razed.

7 1/4″ x 9 1/4″. Item #P00269

Condition: Minor finger soil at upper right corner, otherwise very good condition.