North Country At Work

A captain of a tour boat posing on the dock; he could have been the captain of “The Pilgrim.” 1950s or ’60s. Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of the Alexandria Township Historical Society.

The crew of the “Sport,” a yacht owned by Mr. MacSherry. He also owned the islands Sport and Little Lehigh. Circa 1910. Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of the Alexandria Township Historical Society.

William James Estes opened a boat livery at the west end of Thousand Islands House in 1899. He built most of the boats and skiffs he rented, and was also a fishing guide. Early 1900s. Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of Jim Estes.

Lewis John “Lute” Estes at the helm of the General Hancock. In 1935, Estes returned to the river as the captain of the ferry boat and held the position until the ferry went out of service after the completion of the Thousand Islands Bridge in 1938. Between 1935 and 1938. Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of […]

Barbara Brown announcing (giving tour information) during an Uncle Sam Boat Tour on the St. Lawrence River. Late 1970s. Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of Barbara Brown. You can listen to Barbara Brown remembering her time as an announcer in the audio clip. 

George W. Brown (right) and another captain pose next to their boats. Brown gave guided tours of the Thousand Islands. Circa 1930. Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of Barbara Brown.

William Horace “Hod” Brown driving his tour boat, called “Just Landing.” Brown was a tour boat guide and fishing guide. Circa 1900. Near Alexandria Bay, NY. Courtesy of Barbara Brown.

Dick Zoller (right) sitting next to a colleague at Boldt Castle. He piloted the “Commander III” for Captain Thomson’s Boat Line from an early age. Alexandria Bay, NY. Circa 1932. Photograph donated by Guy Zoller.

The “Commander III” was owned by Captain Thomson’s Boat line. Dick Zoller, who is driving, piloted for this company between the ages of 16 and 19. Alexandria Bay, NY. Circa 1932. Photograph donated by Guy Zoller.

The first water patrol boat in St. Lawrence County, pictured at the county sheriff’s department. Circa 1960. Canton, NY. Photo courtesy of the Colton Library.