Fall 1996

Book Review

Short Lines of Central New York

by Richard Palmer

Review by Bill Treichler

57 pages with attractive four-color covers, was published by the Central New York Chapter, National Railway Historical Society, Box 229, Marcellus, N. Y., 13108

Short Lines of Central New York traces the histories of two neighboring shortline railroads, the Marcellus & Otisco Lake and the Skaneateles Short Line, both of which are defunct. Also included is coverage of the commercial boat operations on the respective lakes by the railroad companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Marcellus line operated until 1959 and the Skaneateles Shortline until 1982. Both have fascinating and colorful histories and the book contains more than 50 photographs, maps, timetables and locomotive rosters.

The Central New York Chapter maintains two railroad museums-at Martisco near Marcellus on what is now the Finger Lakes Railway, and the former Ontario & Western depot at Central Square.

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