Van Rensselaer Park - Circa 1905 [Transportation and Amusement]

The 1905 advertising pamphlet for Van Rensselaer Park has interesting glimpses into life in Rensselaer at the turn of the last century. With rail, trolley, and water transportation easily available, folks were fond of taking excursions and outings with their church, school or fraternal organization. This brochure described every means of transportation to the old Forbes Manor grounds.

Van Rensselaer Park

Transportation.- The Troy boats will land passengers from both Troy and Albany at the new dock (to be erected directly opposite the Park) regularly and at a moderate rate. The Albany and Rensselaer boats, two in number, will make regular trips to and from the Park. We will furnish, when occasion requires: A modern and thoroughly furnished barge, recently equipped with all lifesaving appliances required by law, and under the management of one of the most competent captains on the river. Tugs both speedy and reliable. Connections with the Catskill, Hudson, Coxsackie, New Baltimore, Coeymans and Castleton boats.

Barge and boat connections for the convenience of railroad excursions entering Albany via the New York Central, West Shore, Boston and Albany, Delaware and Hudson, Boston and Maine trains, and Hudson and Schenectady electric cars. Fare from depot to Park five cents. The United Traction Company can land passengers in Rensselaer to the north end of the Third street, which is but a short distance from the upper gate of the Park.
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Place.- Rensselaer-on-the-Hudson, Park closed on Sunday. Boats do not land at our dock on Sunday, No intoxicating drinks allowed on the grounds, Ample police protection. Plenty of pure, cold water. Sports of every kind. Two baseball diamonds - one for men, one for boys. A tennis court. Croquet ground. Swings. Livery, Ponies, Goats for the children. A straw wagon, which will be one of the principal features of the season. Sand heap and pails for the children. Toy water wheels on Black brook, for the children. Telephone to your place of business. Boats every fifteen minutes. Railroad service from Forbes avenues. Mountain climbing, Camping. Track sports. Football. Merry-Go-Round. A Model Bakery, Lunches, Soda Fountain, Fruits, Confectionery, Milk, Tea, etc.
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This is Part 2 of a three-part post. Read Part 1 and Part 3.