This is an original and historically significant Railway Bond issued by the City of Oswego, New York, on July 1, 1871, to fund the construction of the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad (LOSRR). Issued as bond #619 and boldly signed by Oswego municipal officials, this document represents a key piece of early New York State railroad and municipal finance history. The LOSRR was a pivotal, though short-lived, line that was eventually absorbed into the larger Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad (RW&O), making this an authentic artifact from its founding period.

Important Notes:

1871 Issuance: Documents the critical moment when upstate New York towns invested heavily in expanding their rail connections along the Lake Ontario shoreline.

Failed Line History: The Lake Ontario Shore Railroad, chartered in 1868, failed to manage its finances and was sold under foreclosure just three years later (1874), making documents from its initial, independent phase scarce.

Municipal Rail Finance: A classic example of a municipal bond issued by a city (Oswego) to directly subsidize a private railroad, illustrating 19th-century public-private partnership for infrastructure.

Signees: Albert Smith: There are strong indications that an Albert Smith was a prominent and wealthy resident of Oswego, associated with building significant homes and potentially serving as a bank official (First National Bank, Oswego, NY). He was a key member of the local establishment in the mid-to-late 19th century.

B. Doolittle: This name is likely connected to the prominent Doolittle family of Oswego. A Sylvester Doolittle (1800–1881) was a businessman and developer who built the Doolittle Block, which housed the famous Doolittle Hall (later the Academy of Music). The B. Doolittle who signed the bond was likely a member of this family, involved in local politics or finance.

Condition: I am not a professional and this comes from my father’s collection of antique stocks and bonds. Given its age, it shows age related toning, foxing, edge wear /folds, cancellation holes, a small tear along bottom seam. Please see photos and ask questions.

The bond has 2 beautiful vignettes… a scenic vignette of Oswego area as well as a small one at the bottom, ornate borders, a raised corporate seal, period font/typography and all printed by Charles M. COrnwell Litho NY.

This bond is great for Scripophily Collectors, Railroad Memorabilia Collectors, and New York State/ Oswego Local History enthusiasts.