CANALS

The Erie Canal officially opened for the season yesterday, and this event is welcomed not only by boaters but also by those of us who hike and bike the towpath. (Why? Because watching the different types of watercraft gliding by on the water and waving to the occupants adds to the fun on the path.)

There have been articles in the media recently about the engineering accomplishment this canal system represents  as well as its commercial and recreational value to our state and country.  For those of you who want to know more about this subject, there are several books in this collection about the Erie Canal as well as canals in general.  We are highlighting two of them in this post.

History of the Canal System of the State of New York,

together with brief histories of the canals of the United Sates and Canada,

by Noble E.  Whitford

published in Albany, Brandow Printing Company, 1906

(This book is a supplement to the Annual Report of the State Engineer

and Surveyor of the State of New York for the

fiscal year ending September 30, 1905)

And

Report of the Committee on Canals of New York State,

published in New York, 1900.

You are invited to stop by the Bullis Room and look at all the books on canals. We're always glad to assist you.