O&W Downey Dock

The east bank of the river from the trestle slip to the Broadway bridge was occupied by fishing warehouses and related businesses. As part of the new Downey Docks, the riverbank directly south of the trestle slip was developed into a bulk transfer facility. Barbeau Studio

The close proximity of the Oswego Canal and the channel depth permitted both barges and lake boats to transfer commodities on the riverbank. Barbeau Studio

This view shows the riverfront with the cranes awaiting a ship to unload. Note the RW&O freighthouse just above the unloading area. Barbeau Studio

This view is likely in the 1940 or 41, as the Oldsmobile on the left appears to have plates that are dated 194? and the partially dismantled trestle can be seen in the background . Barbeau Studio

Bulk materials could be transferred from lake boats to barges, using a competitive all water route via the Great Lakes, the Oswego Canal and the Erie Barge Canal. The paint covering the ship's name suggests wartime precautions but a sign hanging from the railing near the wheelhouse reads "NEW YORK NEWS." Barbeau Studio

A view from the north side of the trestle area, looking across a series of shallow earthen slips where only small boats could venture. These would be filled in for the bulk terminal. Note the state grain elevator, served by the DL&W, across the harbor.

The area on the north side of the slip, parallel to the river, was the site of the first metal warehouse building. Barbeau Studio

Two other metal buildings and one wooden building were constructed paralleling the slip. Barbeau Studio

Again likely during World War II, it appears four Coast Guard vessels are tied up in the slip alongside the O&W warehouses. Barbeau Studio

Close ups of the buildings provide lots of detail on this unique O&W facility. The short building along the river. Barbeau Studio

The metal building with its wooden addition along the slip. The poles at left were part of a hoisting mechanism. Barbeau Studio

The wooden building. Barbeau Studio

The metal and wood buildings are on the right with the end of the second long metal building on the left. Barbeau Studio

Paper was a commodity moved in quantity through the Downey Docks. Inside the metal buildings, there was plenty of room for it, although this looks like it may be scrap paper or cardboard. Barbeau Studio

Newsprint from Canada was a common commodity moving via the O&W to New York City. Here, boats moored in the slip unload huge rolls of paper. Barbeau Studio

One track ran along the river side for unloading. Here, pig iron ingots are being transferred from gondolas to the hold of the Clifford F. Hood of the American Steel & Wire Company. Barbeau Studio

A view from the 1960s, showing the old coal trestle slip and the remaining terminal buildings.

The area north of the warehouses was slowly being developed and tracks were added that paralleled the river to the small metal warehouse. Barbeau Studio

Once again, Frank Barbeau frustrates us. In a closeup of the cut of cars being shoved down the track in the previous photo, you can just make out one of the GE 44-ton diesels, still in its maroon, silver and black factory paint scheme. Looks like it might be 102. Barbeau Studio

The lead to the docks and the RW&O freighthouse left the O&W tracks on Schuyler Street and swung around Fort Ontario to this switch, which sent trains straight to the freighthouse and to the right to the Downey Docks. That's an O&W Ramapo switchstand, testifying to who owned the trackage. Barbeau Studio