Antique 1898 Hudson River Line Steamboat Annual Pass EE Olcott Sign Scrapbook NY For Sale

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Antique 1898 Hudson River Line Steamboat Annual Pass EE Olcott Sign Scrapbook NY:
$109.99

Details:

• Year: 1898

• Pass Number: 1711

• Issued To: Fred Rogers, G.P.A. (General Passenger Agent) for the Washington & Columbia River Railway

• Authorized Signature: Hand-signed by legendary maritime General Manager E.E. Olcott (Eben Erskine Olcott)

• Design: Features a gorgeous, highly detailed center engraving vignette of a side-wheel paddle steamboat navigating the Hudson River highlands.

Dimensions:

• Width: Approx. 4”

• Height: Approx. 2.5”

Historical Context & Significance:

• The Golden Age of Steam: In 1898, palatial side-wheel steamboats were the premier way to travel between New York City and Albany. They offered Gilded Age travelers unmatched luxury and scenic views of the Hudson Highlands.

• E.E. Olcott's Legacy: Eben Erskine Olcott took over management of the line in 1895. He revolutionized American river transit. He built the world's most famous excursion fleet, later known as the Hudson River Day Line.

• Industry Courtesy: This specific card is a "courtesy pass." It was exchanged between top transit executives. This allowed a West Coast railway agent to experience the prestigious New York river line.

Authentic Scrapbook Origin & Condition:

This historical pass comes from a genuine family estate’s scrapbook collection of Mr. Rogers. The card remains in great condition for its age. The reverse side features a minor dark paper residue mark from the scrapbook tape. This provides wonderful provenance, proving it was preserved flat and protected from light damage for generations.

Please review all photos carefully to see the precise dimensions and condition details.

📢 Seller Note: More From This Collection Available!

This pass was part of a larger, single-owner archive belonging to transit executive Fred Rogers. I am currently listing other similar vintage transportation passes issued to Mr. Rogers from this exact same antique scrapbook.