Central New York Southern Railroad Corporation - 1918 dated New York Railway Stock Certificate

Stock printed by Goes. Rare!

The Central New York Southern Railroad Corporation (CNY Southern) was a short-line railroad operator in the early 20th century, primarily active in the Central New York region from around 1914 to 1919. As an electrical rail line that catered to both freight and passenger traffic, it served as a crucial connecting link between towns in the Finger Lakes region, particularly between Auburn and Ithaca, as part of the broader “Ithaca-Auburn Short Line.” During a time of significant transformation in transportation, the company played a vital role in transporting goods and passengers through this corridor, providing essential services and connections.

Documented in the Commercial and Financial Chronicle of 1914 as having issued common stock, the CNY Southern was a smaller, localized operation. Its significance extended beyond its operations, as it was often associated with the local history of towns like Genoa. The company’s schedules were prominently featured in local newspapers, highlighting its importance to the regional economy. However, by the late 1910s, the CNY Southern had become part of a larger network of connecting local carriers. Despite its efforts, the company faced competition from emerging road transportation before its operations were eventually discontinued in the years following World War I.