On the River Collection
1986 - 1993
Producers Edward P. Swyer and Ernest A. Arico
NPkMC-222-082
152 3/4 inch master tapes, 300 1/2 tapes and 300 DVD's (2 1/2
inch tapes and 2 DVD's of each episode are available for use)
Marist College Archives and Special Collections
"On the River" was a documentary TV series concerning the Hudson River and its
surroundings. It was developed to inform people about the River as an economical and
a recreational resource.
English
Please contact the Marist College Archives and Special Collections for information
regarding use and access of this collection.
Related Collections
Alexander Saunders Papers: Records Relating to the Storm King Case, 1962 - 1966
Cornwall Pumped Storage Pumped Storage Collection, 1953 - 1981
Grim Collection: Hudson River Fisheries Investigation, 1965 - 1968
Hudson River Conservation Society, Inc. Collection, 1963 - 2005
Hudson River Environmental Society Collection, 1963 - 2005
Hudson River Valley Commission Collection: Records Relating to the Storm King Case, 1966 – 1967
Hudson River Valley Greenway Council Collection, 1989 - 1996
Hudson Valley GREEN Collection, 1981 - 2002
Scenic Hudson, Inc. Administrative History Collection, 1960 - 2000
Scenic Hudson Collection: Records relating to the Storm King Case, 1963 - 1981
Scenic Hudson Decision Hearings Transcripts Collection, 1977 - 1980
Senator & Mrs. Whitney N. Seymour Jr. Papers: Records Relating to the Storm King Case, 1962 - 1978
Collection Overview
The "On the River" collection consists of 153 videotapes, documenting the impact of
the Hudson River on the area and how it has been a recreational and economic
resource to those on its shore or in the surrounding areas. It tells stories up and
down the river about well-known places and near-hidden treasures. The videos provide
snapshots of the River activities and subjects, chronicling many topics, including
the return of the Bald Eagles to the Hudson, ice yachting and the history of whaling
on the Hudson River. The videos also include historic sites, such as Wilderstein
Estate, and West Point. People profiles include author Robert Boyle, marine artist
Anton Otto Fischer, and Lowell Thomas.
Acquisitions Information
Edward P. Swyer presented the videotapes and provided funding to preserve the
collection to the Marist College Library in 1998. Ernest A. Arico presented
additional videotapes to the Marist College Library in 2004.
Historical Note
The "On the River" documentary was originally aired on WTSA-channel 62, a Kingston,
N.Y. - based station. It was hosted by WTZA news anchor Brian Madden and aired
Sunday evenings from 1986 to 1993. Edward P. Swyer produced all the episodes up to
1991. Ernest A. Arico produced twenty episodes in the final two years.
The series is an extensive recording of activities and enterprises demonstrating how
the Hudson River has been an abundant resource for people who live along or near it.
The show’s focus on the Hudson as a recreational and economic resource, as well as
its impact on those who live and work along its shores.
In October of 1998, the Swyer produced collection was given to Marist College to
serve as an educational tool not only for the students, but also for the people in
the Hudson Valley who want to learn more about the River. The hope of this
collection was that future generations would commit themselves to the preservation
of this historic and beautiful waterway.
At the time Swyer donated the collection, the Marist College Library Archives and
Special Collections received a grant from Swyer to preserve and support the
collection. The funds were used to process the “On the River” Collection as well as
publicize the collection to students, faculty, and the public.
In 2004, the twenty additional episodes produced by Ernest A. Arico were donated to
Marist College. These episodes were well received and won various awards including
two New York State Emmys for his work on the History of Blacks in the Hudson Valley
and the his two part series on the life of John Burroughs. Arico also was awarded
with two New York State Broadcasters Awards during his time as producer.
Restrictions to Access
There are no restrictions on this collection
Notice of Copyright
Individuals requesting reproductions expressly assume the responsibility for compliance
with all pertinent provisions of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. ss101 et seq. Patrons further
agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Marist College Archives and Special Collections and
its staff in connection with any disputes arising from the Copyright Act, over the
reproduction of material at the request of patrons. For more information please visit the
following website: http://www.loc.gov/copyright/title17/.
Preferred Citation
[Description of item, date, location of item in order of series, box number, folder number
], in the On The River Collection, Archives and Special Collections, James A. Cannavino Library,
Marist College.
Physical Access Restriction
Access to materials in the collection require use of a videotape player or a DVD player.
Collection is arranged intoseven series: 1. Episodes airing in 1986, 2. Episodes airing in 1987, 3. Episodes airing in 1988, 4. Episodes airing in 1989, 5. Episodes airing in 1990, 6. Episodes airing in 1991 - 1993, and 7. Extra clip videos, archives, and work tapes.
Materials in series are arranged chronologically.
1
1. Episodes airing in 1986
Box: 1
Videorecordings of episodes airing in 1986.
Chronological
1.1
Voyage on the Clearwater: Riverkeeper Concept(First Copy)
1
1.2
Voyage on the Clearwater: Riverkeeper Concept (second copy, no
DVD)
1
2
Fishermen, barge repairs, tourism, lighthouses(Hudson River Task
Force)
1
3
Dutchess County tourism, Maritime Center, and Scenic Hudson
1
4
Artist Elizabeth Mowry, Sailing
1
5
Warren McKeon, Rondout Bell, Pirate Canoe Club
1
6
A River Spirit
1
7
William O'Benson yacht, Open Space Institute, Artist Don Nice,
M.V. Commander
1
8.1
Part I: Port of Albany - Ralph Manna
1
8.2
Part III: Port of Albany - Ralph Manna
1
9.1
(Segment from show) The Navigator
1
9.2
(Full Episode) The Navigator, Esopus Beach
1
10
Hudson River Museum, Hudson Valley Winery, and the Hudson River
Environmental Society
1
11
The DEC, Photographer Laura Feldman
1
12
HincheyIngalsbe Debate
1
13.1
(segment, no DVD) Steamship Society - Roger Mabie
1
13.2
(Full Episode) Steamship Society, Grumman Goose
1
14
Duck Hunters, Museum of the Hudson Hughlands
1
15
Wilderstein Mansion
1
16
Peter Dwyer, Certified Marine Services
1
17
Black Bear Trading Post, Clean Water Act
1
18
Photography by Ted Spiegel, the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge
1
19
David Crawford Mansion
1
2
2. Episodes airing in 1987
Boxes: 1 - 3
Videorecordings of episodes airing in 1987.
Chronological
21
Ice Buoys
1
22
"How to Build a Boat"
1
23
The Eleanor Tug Boat, Bait Shop
1
24
Clearwater Winter Maintenance, IBM Photo Display
1
25.1
(original airing) Trailside Museum
1
25.2
(second copy) Trailside Museum
1
26.1
(original airing) Sewage Treatment, Photographer Ernest Warnacke
2
26.2
(second copy 3/4 in. tape only) Sewage Treatment, Photographer
Ernest Warnacke
2
27
Ice Fishing, Old Photos, Mansions
2
28
Hudson Valley Boat Show
2
29
World Fishing and Outdoor Expo, Ice Yachting
2
30.1
(original airing 3/4 in. tape only) Fly Fishing (jumpy tape,
second copy better to see)
2
30.2
(second copy) Fly Fishing
2
31
Bald Eagles, The "Innocent Eye" Exhibit
2
32
John Sanders and the PCB's in the River
2
33
Cleaning PCB's off Fish
2
34
John Cronin (Representative) Hudson River Fishermen's Association
Lawsuit
2
35
Stanley Graham - Hudson River Valley Video
2
36
Shad Fishing
2
37
Boat Safety and Regulations - U.S. Power Squadron Ralph Smith Jr.
2
38
Clearwater-Educational Sail
2
39
Woody Guthrie with Pete Seger
2
40
Dr. John Johnsen - Geologist
2
41
Andy Kahnle - DEC, Laura Keyes
2
42
Patrol Boats of Dutchess and Ulster County
2
43
Troy
2
44
Dr. Andrew Hendricks and the Dutch Influence and the Replica of
the Half Moon
2
45
Steve Nack and Bass Spawning, NYC Environmental Conference
2
46
Regatta, Skigakker, Revival of the Waterfront
2
47
Troy Lock and Dam
2
48
Water Chestnuts
2
49
Antique Boat Society, the Driftwood Showboat
2
50
Coxsackie
2
51
Hudson River Cruising Guide, Hudson River Symposium
2
52
Rip Van Winkle Boat - Sightseeing
2
53
Iona Land Marsh
3
54
Verplank Fish Hatchery
3
55
Hudson River Dayliner
3
56.1
(original airing) Little Red Lighthouse
3
56.2
(second copy) Little Red Lighthouse
3
56.3
(third copy 3/4 in. tape only) Little Red Lighthouse
3
57
Clermont State Historical Site
3
58
Photo Exhibit - Robert Ketchum, Do It Yourself Boat Building
3
60
Hudson River Sailboat Race
3
61
Driftwood, J.P. Cruise Lines
3
62
Historic Hudson Valley Diner Gala Event in NYC
3
63
Hudson River Lighthouse
3
64
Lil' Rip Tugboat
3
65
Wave Hill
3
66
Norrie Point Aquarium
3
67
A Rondout Christmas
3
68
Railroads
3
3
3. Episodes airing in 1988
Boxes: 3 - 4
Videorecordings of episodes airing in 1988.
Chronological
69
Chelsea Proposed Developments
3
70
Hudson River Greenway Proposition
3
71
Bowdoin Park
3
72
Ned Leadbetter's Photo Exhibit
3
73
Hunting and Fishing Expo in Kingston Armory
3
74
Beach Combing
3
75
Water Testing - Sawmill River
3
76
Lenoir Preserve
3
77
Ice Breaker - Coast Guard Cutter Raritan
3
78
Boat Show and Outdoor World Expo
3
79
Washington Headquarters - State Historic Site
3
80
Brick Industry
3
81
Albany Steamboat Festival
3
82
Preparing for Spring - the Clearwater, Frank Parslow, the
Saugerties Coast Guard, and the Ulster Marine
4
83
The Electic Launch Company
4
84
Bass Fishing
4
85
Shad Fishing
4
86
Bannerman's Island
4
87
Waterfront Planning
4
88
Poughkeepsie Regatta, Kingston Shad Festival
4
89.1
(original airing) "Funny Fish"
4
89.2
(second copy 3/4 in. tape only) "Funny Fish"
4
90
79th Street Boat Basin
4
91.1
(original airing) Constitution Island Marsh Canoe Trip
4
91.2
(second copy 3/4 in. tape only) Constitution Island Marsh Canoe
Trip
4
92
Trolley Museum, Steam Voices
4
93
Sea Planes, Gondolas
4
94
The Red Hot Mamas
4
95
Painter John Gould, Pilot's Club Dinner
4
96
Peregrine Falcon
4
97
On the River's Second Anniversary
4
98
Highland Falls Marina, My Derse House
4
99
the Sequoia
4
100
Exhibit - Hudson River Ship Models
4
101
The Nature Conservancy and Marshes
4
102
Marlborough's Bicentennial
4
103
"The Rattlesnake," Caviar
4
104
Scenic Hudson's 25th Anniversary
4
105
Bass Tournament
4
4
4. Episodes airing in 1989
Boxes: 4 - 5
Videorecordings of episodes airing in 1989.
Chronological
106
River Estates - Mills Mansion, Vanderbilt Mansion, and the Morse
Home
4
107.1
(original airing) Religious Estates - Marist Brothers Monastery,
The Cabrine Center, and Mt. Saint Alphonsus
4
107.2
(second copy) Religious Estates - Marist Brothers Monastery, The
Cabrine Center, and Mt. Saint Alphonsus
4
108
Indian Point 2 Nuclear Power Plant
5
109
Mid-Hudson Boat Show
5
110
Ice-Breaker - Sturgeon Bay
5
112
Animal Tracking - Norrie State Park
5
113
Maple Syruping
5
114
Spring Rush, Hudson River Environmental Society Symposium
5
115
White Water Rafting
5
116
The Intrepid
5
117
Stockport Flats, Hudson River Club, Half Moon Replica
5
118
West Point Band - 1812 Overture
5
120
Bass River Project
5
121.1
(original airing) Ferry Captain, Venezuelan Explorer
5
121.2
(second copy 3/4 in. tape only) Ferry Captin, Venezuelan Explorer
5
123
Peregrine Falcon
5
124
Ellis Island, Sea History
5
125
Ashokan Reservoir
5
126.1
(segment) Christmas Eve at Olana
5
126.2
(full episode) Christmas Special at Olana, Handbell Ringers
5
5
5. Episodes airing in 1990
Box: 5
Videorecordings of episodes airing in 1990.
Chronological
127
West Point Museum
5
128
D H Canal Museum
5
129
Wappinger Creek Bridge Controversy
5
130
Anton Otto Fischer - Marine Artist
5
132
Earth Day Special
5
133.1
(original airing) Model Boat Builder, Saugerties Lighthouse
Restoration
5
133.2
(second copy 3/4 in. tape only) Model Boat Builder, Saugerties
Lighthouse Restoration
5
134
Albany Crew, Harverstarw Marina
5
6
6. Episodes airing in 1991 - 1993
Boxes: 5 - 6
Videorecordings of episodes airing in 1991 - 1993
Chronological
135
History of Blacks in the Hudson Valley
5
136
History of Whaling in the Hudson River
5
137
Montgomery Place
5
138
Benson Lossing
6
139
John Burroughs Part I
6
140
John Burroughs Part II
6
141
Olana Mansion
6
142
Desmond Estate
6
143
John Jay Homestead
6
144
Beekman Arms
6
145
Samuel F.B. Morse and Locust Grove
6
146
Roland Van Zandt
6
147
The Life and Times of Mathew Vassar
6
148
Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge
6
149
New York State Military Academy
6
150
Conversation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
6
151
Lowell Thomas Parts III
6
152
Early History of Central Hudson
6
153
Zebra Mussels in the Hudson River
6
7
7. Extra clip videos, archives, and work tapes
Box: 6
Videorecordings of other recordsings
Subject
Extras 1
Freedom Row '89
6
Extras 2
West Point, Bear Mountain, River Scenes, Birds
6
Extras 3
Various Hudson River Scenes
6
Extras 4
Woodstock '94 Special
6
Archive 24
Extra Clips - Bannerman's Island, the Clearwater, the Commander
(no sound)
6
Archive 27
Washington's Headquarters
6
Archive 38
Shots aboard the Clearwater
6
Archive 60
West Point Concert, Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery
6
Archive 65
Extra Clips
6
Worktape 87
Waterfront planning (3/4 inch tape only)
6