
Check out this vintage photo postcard of the Essex motor boat station and automobile garage, Essex, NY.
The large sign on the building reads:
Murphy Garage
Parts-Motors
Sales-Service
You can see the large garage door open under this sign, and nearby is an early gas pump. Notice the “gas” sign near the dock, and also, a “socony” sign to the right of that near the water’s edge. Some small boats are docked. There is a large home to the right and an early automobile parked near garage.
We shared this photo on our Essex on Lake Champlain Facebook page and invited our viewers to play some Vintage Essex Trivia! See what the community had to say below and learn more:
Christine Herrmann: It’s the Essex Marine Base!
Dianne Lansing: No…Christine. Take another look. Its Steve McKenna’s house and the gas dock that was there. Was someone named Murphy involved? Before the cabins were built.
Christine Herrmann: Dianne, you’re right. I jumped in too quickly! I’m sure it’s before 1947 when I first came to Essex.
Tilly Close: This is George Murphy’s garage and dock. Charlie Porter and his horses once went thru the ice nearby.
Steve Mckenna: I know that place!
Debbie Morrell Alterie: Wow, look at the car parked in front of Steve McKenna’s house.
Related articles
- Vintage Postcard: Between Essex Inn and Post Office (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
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- Vintage Essex Photo: Marching Band (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Essex Inn Welcomes New Chef and Innkeeper (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
- Vintage Photo: Union Free School (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

Cool cool cool! That’s my Dad’s house! Wow, what a neat old photo! Thank you for sharing!
Thank YOU for that exuberant comment. How cool! Wonder if you have any interesting vintage photos lying around. If so, maybe it’s time to share. 🙂