vintage and contemporary postcards and stamps from around the world


28 July 2017

international bridge

 Canada 1950 above, 1910 below
The World's Smallest International Bridge
Zavikon Island, 1000 Islands Canada

The 1000 Islands are an archipelago of some 1800 islands that straddle the border between Ontario and New York in the St lawrence River. It has been an enduring myth that this 32' bridge between the main Zavikon island and the one used as a backyard by the owner of the two has the bigger one in Canada and the smaller one in the U.S. It has been a great tourist ploy since around 1880 and is still touted as the shortest international  bridge on boat tours. Apparently, the official border is a couple hundred feet south of the smaller island making both of them in Canada.

for Sepia Saturday

14 comments:

Wendy said...

Many years ago I did a boat tour of the 1000 Islands but I do not remember the bridge. Maybe we didn't go near there or maybe I didn't pay attention.

VioletSky said...

I think it might depend on which tour you took. Which is something I am still wanting to do!

Jofeath said...

Nice postcards even if it's not really an international bridge. The first one looks quite modern. Does the bridge still exist?

violet s said...

yes it does

Alan Burnett said...

If the facts point to a couple of hundred feet south, I don't care. It still makes a great story. I have a mind to use it as a quiz question at the Pub Quiz next week!

Barbara Rogers said...

Wonderful story. I once camped on an island in the St. Lawrence,in the Montreal area because we were there for the Expo, in the mid '60s. The ships were noisy, I remember. Our little tents were so small in comparison to them.

Kristin said...

Luckily that smaller island is also in Canada or the house occupant would now need a passport to go into his backyard.

tony said...

Blimey! The Flags are bigger than the bridge!

ScotSue said...

I had never heard before of the world's smallest international bridge and your first photograph is so beautiful.

Mike Brubaker said...

It's a very beautiful region that I've only visited in the summer. I imagine that winter's ice and snow makes island living a challenge.

John's Island said...

Hi Violet! Like my mom told me, you can learn something new every day. Today, it is discovering Zavikon Island International Bridge, Connecting United States and Canada … What a neat card! And I had never heard of that island or bridge before! Thanks for the info on the 1000 islands (yes, I knew a little bit about them) and for sharing these interesting cards! Also, thank you for your comment on my blog! Wishing you a fine week ahead!

Tattered and Lost said...

I want to live there...except in the winter...during a storm. Such a lovely place and your own private bridge!

Little Nell said...

Great postcards and of course, those myths are what keep the tourists coming!

Anonymous said...

I think it might depend on which tour you took


ทางบ้าน