Railroad records
A Birthday, a Ferry, and an Unexpected Discovery
An obscure railroad publication reveals an important date in the Binghamton's early history — and a coincidence that makes the discovery unexpectedly personal.
Read the discoverybehind the book
The Investigation
What began as research for a book has become an investigation spanning more than a century—through historical archives, court records, property documents, newspaper accounts, and the memories of those who were there. Here's a look at what I've uncovered along the way.
THREE THREADS OF THE STORY
The Ferry
From its 1905 beginnings to its final years on the Hudson, reconstructing the life of a vessel that outlasted the world it was built to serve.
The People
Captains, restaurateurs, investors, employees, and families whose lives become intertwined with the Binghamton.
The Mysteries
Conflicting records, unexpected connections, unanswered questions, and the violent crime that changed the Binghamton's story.
Discoveries from the archives
Historical research
Finding Captain Relyea
A name buried in the Binghamton's early history becomes the starting point for tracing the life of one of the men who commanded her.
Follow the researchThe Edgewater Years
The Mystery Bungalow
For years, a mysterious brown building raised questions about the Binghamton's waterfront property. It took a devastating hurricane to provide an unexpected clue.
UNCOVER the storyDOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
Historical research rarely follows a straight line. Sometimes, a single photograph, an unfamiliar name, or an old map leads somewhere entirely unexpected. Along the way, I've uncovered some fascinating connections, surprising coincidences, and mysteries I never set out to investigate. Below is a preview of a few of those stories. I'll be sharing the discoveries, the detective work, and the occasional detour in more detail as research continues. Check back soon – there's much more to come!
The Republican Power Broker and the Boxer
Where Was Miss New York?
Six Degrees of the Binghamton
The Map That Took Me Home
Have a Binghamton Story?
Did you work aboard the Binghamton, dine there, visit the waterfront, or watch the old ferry through its final years? Perhaps you have a photograph, a menu, a newspaper clipping, or simply a memory worth sharing. If you do, I would love to hear from you.