History #
The year was 1926, and Clayton, New York, buzzed with excitement. The Yacht Edith Line, a newcomer to the bustling Thousand Islands scene, christened their pride and joy – the Edith II. This grand vessel, crafted from polished wood with gleaming decks, was destined to carry countless passengers on unforgettable tours through the scenic waterways. For eight years, the Edith II faithfully served, her horn echoing through the islands as she introduced visitors to the wonders of the region.
In 1934, the Yacht Edith Line passed the torch to the Clayton Boat Line. The Edith II continued her duties, her pilot skillfully navigating the intricate passages between the islands. Over the next two decades, she witnessed countless joyful moments – families snapping photos on deck, children pointing at lighthouses, and couples stealing kisses under the twinkling night sky.
However, by the 1950s, a shift in tourism trends left the grand tour boats like the Edith II behind. At the time the Edith II belonged to Paul’s Boat Line (owned by Paul Snyder) from Clayton who continued to operate the vessel in the area after acquiring it from the Clayton Boat Line. As business died off and Paul’s couldn’t afford to keep the doors open Uncle Sam’s Boat Line bought some of their vessels and moved them to Alexandria Bay, NY. Unfortunately the Edith II did not have the luxury of continuing her service as a tour boat and in 1964, her official documents were surrendered, marking her as “dismantled.” Yet, this wasn’t quite the end of the Edith II’s story.
Rebirth #
Enter Jerry Russell, a man with a vision as grand as the Thousand Islands themselves. He saw potential in the retired tour boat, not for hauling passengers, but for creating a one-of-a-kind summer sanctuary. With meticulous care, Jerry moved the Edith II to Wintergreen island with another one of the tour boats that was put out of service. He took special care in transforming the Edith II into a waterfront cabin for maritime enthusiast to continue enjoying her proud structure. Her cabins became cozy bedrooms, the cargo hold a charming living space, and the sundeck a private balcony overlooking the very waters she once traversed.
Thus, the Tour Boat Cottage was born. Reborn from a vessel that showed countless tourists the beauty of the islands, she now offered a unique opportunity for a select few to truly experience it. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of waves against your private dock, the scent of pine and fresh water filling the air. The bygone era of the Edith II lives on in the craftsmanship of the wood, the creak of the floorboards whispering tales of past journeys.
And even today as the Edith II sits as a solemn reminder of the old days of touring the Thousand Island there are many who remember growing up in the area and playing on the Edith II as she lay at anchor adjacent to Wintergreen Island. Stories of childhood memories where children would pretend to be Captains giving their passenger “tours” of the area. Others remember family travels around the island viewing the old tour boats sitting on the Island prior to becoming a cabin. (The other tour boat we suspect was the Julia III which reportedly burned on land).
Now, as the current owner Debbie Green plans renovations for the Tour Boat Cottage, you can embark on a new chapter in the Edith II’s story. This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a chance to breathe new life into a local legend, for others to visit and continue making memories, and for children to pretend they are still captains providing their passengers a tour of Wintergreen island and the surrounding area, ensuring the legacy of the Edith II continues to delight guests for generations to come.
Photo Gallery Dan Gildea 2024 #
Historical Photos #
Links and Resources #
- Thousand Island Life Magazine – https://tilife.org/
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Bowling Green State U
- Hip Postcards
- Thousand Islands River Rats Facebook Page
- Personal recollections of Debbie Green, Andrew Russell, Zachary Russel, Dave Knapp, Peggy (Berry) Hale, Alice Peron, Gerald Umstead, Dyann Zusi, Rodney Irwin, and Elizabeth Fox