Marion River R.R. from Raquette Lake to Marion River – Shortest Narrow Gauge R.R. in the World

This postcard features the Marion River Railroad at Raquette Lake, New York, in the Adirondack Mountains. The image shows passengers boarding or riding an open-sided narrow gauge train at the station. The printed caption identifies the line as running from Raquette Lake to Marion River and proclaims it the “Shortest Narrow Gauge R.R. in the World.”

Postcard Details

• Subject: Marion River Railroad narrow gauge train
• Location: Raquette Lake, New York, Adirondack Mountains
• Caption: Marion River R.R. from Raquette Lake to Marion River. Shortest Narrow Gauge R.R. in the World.
• Additional caption: P.O. Raquette Lake, N.Y., Adirondack Mts.
• Series number: 233
• Back type: Divided back
• Postcard period: White Border Era
• Printing method: Color lithograph
• Embossed: No
• Publisher: Standard Supply Co., Otter Lake, New York
• Publisher number: 122442
• Stamp: United States 1¢ George Washington stamp affixed
• Postmark: Tupper Lake, New York, January 1951 (visible on card)
• Writing: Yes, handwritten message and address
• Postal use: Mailed postcard

Historical Context

The Marion River Railroad was a short narrow gauge railroad connecting Raquette Lake and Marion River in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. It served as an important link between waterways, allowing travelers and vacationers to transfer between steamboats and continue their journeys through the Adirondack region. The railroad became well known for its remarkably short length, a distinction reflected in the postcard’s printed claim that it was the “Shortest Narrow Gauge R.R. in the World.” Scenic railroad postcards like this were popular souvenirs for visitors exploring the Adirondacks during the early and mid-twentieth century.

Why Collectors Value It

This postcard is collectible for its appeal to:

• Adirondack Mountains history collectors
• Narrow gauge railroad enthusiasts
• Raquette Lake and Tupper Lake memorabilia collectors
• New York transportation history collectors
• Railroad and tourism postcard collections
• Early scenic railroad postcards

Condition

Pre-owned postcard in vintage condition. This postcard has been mailed and includes a United States 1¢ George Washington stamp, a Tupper Lake, New York postmark dated January 1951 (as visible), and handwritten correspondence and addressing.

Please review all scans carefully for the actual condition of the postcard.

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The postcard shown is the exact item you will receive.