Winter Postcards, Waiting for Summer

by: Richard Palmer

Published: January, 2026

TI Life contributor, Richard Palmer, suggested we share these photographs from his postcard collection. Richard said, "Thinking about summer in the past or present is a welcome idea in January and February."

We agree, as postcards play an important role in preserving our River history.

A man and his little daughter seem to be a bit reluctant to cross this rickety bridge at Clayton in the early 1900s. [Photo courtesy of the Richard Palmer collection]

What better way to spend a summer weekend than aboard a steamboat cruising the Thousand Islands? [Photo courtesy of the Richard Palmer collection]

This 1905 postcard is a view of the Hotel Frontenac on Round Island. [Photo courtesy of the Richard Palmer collection]

Thousand Islands Lighthouse at Alexandria Bay was originally built in 1847. Richard Palmer collection [Photo courtesy of the Richard Palmer collection]

"The breakwater" view from River at Cape Vincent. [Photo courtesy of the Richard Palmer collection]

Do you have postcards that you would like to share. Let us know.

Summitted by Richard Palmer

Richard Palmer is a retired newspaper editor and reporter, and he was well known for his weekly historical columns for the “Oswego Palladium-Times,” called "On the Waterfront." His first article for TI Life was written in January 2015, and since then, he has dozens of articles and more. He is a voracious researcher, and TI Life readers certainly benefit from his interests.

Susan W. Smith, editor, info@thousandislandslife.com

Comments?

P.S. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have something to share? Just send your comments my way, and I'll publish them. Don't hesitate—drop me a message at info@thousandislandslife.com. I can't wait to hear from you!