It's a Novel Idea: The Raging Erie

The Raging Erie - Mark S. Ferrara
Columbia University Press
272 Pages

Whenever there is a new book about the Erie Canal out on the shelves, I always grab it. I grew up in Erie Canal Country. The famous Flight of Five locks at Lockport are less than a mile from my house. When I was a youngster, it was a treat to have to wait for the bridge (despite my dad’s grumbling), and it was a bigger treat to get to drive over the “high bridge” in Medina rather than waiting for the lift bridge. It was my interest in the waterway that defines my hometown that deepened my interest in local history, especially that of the Erie Canal. So, when I saw The Raging Erie on the shelf at the Lockport Public Library, I had to adopt it for three weeks and bring it home.

An Open Letter to Governor Cuomo: Canal Boats

I try not to get political on this blog. I generally leave all that messy stuff to George. He’s good at it. I really couldn’t care less about it sometimes, although Election Day is one of my favorite days of the year. However, this time I decided I needed to make a statement. For the purpose of this writing, you could consider it an open letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Craig Bacon to Speak at Genealogical Society October 25th

Niagara County Genealogical Society is hosting a free talk on Wednesday, October 25^th at 7pm at 215 Niagara St., Lockport NY 14094. Join us as Craig Bacon, Deputy Niagara County Historian, speaks about the 'Traces of the Old Erie Canal thru Niagara County' and the families immortalized in the naming of bridges and other structures associated with the canal. Did you know that the Wruck Road bridge was known as Hurd’s Bridge? Or Peet Street bridge was known as Watson’s bridge? Who were these families the bridges were named after?

Erie Canal Discovery Center to Host Dr. Kathleen L. Riley October 18th

Professor and author Kathleen L. Riley, Ph.D., will explore “Lockport’s Religious Foundations” as she speaks at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, 24 Church St. in Lockport, on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m.

Literally the Best Reviews: Window Across Time

Window Across Time -- Cynthia Cotten

Self-Published

120 Pages

A young adult, or middle grade, book is not normally on my reading list, although I have, on occasion, found one or two on my reading list. This week, I found myself reading one from Lockport author, Cynthia Cotten. Window Across Time is a series of vignettes that tell a story set from the same house in the same town across nearly 200 years of its history.

Fireworks Over the Canal

It was a last minute call to head downtown to the fireworks over the canal in Lockport. Well, I actually had planned to do it for awhile, but family plans went completely crazy and I wasn’t sure that we’d be able to make it. We did make it down there, and we were very impressed by the whole scene down at the locks.

On the Historical Trail: Early Views of Niagara County

What was life like in the early days of Niagara County when the tree stumps were still fresh and log cabins were the McMansions of the time? Luckily for us, people in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth century wrote diaries of their adventures. In this digital age, we seem to have gotten away from that somewhat. What follows is the 1800s equivalent to a selfie. What was the county like for them when they came? What we take for granted today was majestic and new for these people.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Middleport and Wildcat Creek

Here's a photo of part of the canal wall in Middleport where Wildcat Creek runs under the canal. It is labeled in the NYS Archives as the Middleport Waste Weir. In the 19th century, this creek provided power for 16 manufacturing businesses along its banks. When the Erie Canal was going through its enlargement 1908-1918, this fine, stone culvert was constructed to channel the flow of water to the north side of the canal.

Free Kids Fishing Derby at Wide Waters

The annual Catch & Release Kids’ Fishing Derby will return to Wide Waters Marina on Sunday, June 19^th, 2016.  Hosted by Lock-City Moose Lodge #617, this free event is open to all children 15 years old and younger.  Participants do not need to be Lockport residents to join in the fun.  Although the derby has been held for many years, this is just the second year it is being hosted by the Moose Lodge.  Event committee member Phyllis Kelkenberg states “Many area businesses and volunteers have come together to help make this a great event which we are hoping to grow for many years to come.  We want to make it a Father’s Day tradition.”

Joel Beyer Awarded 2016 Key to the Locks

Traditionally, at least at the Erie Canal Discovery Center, the kickoff to the new Erie Canal navigation season lands on the first Saturday in May. It is on that day the Key to the Locks is awarded to for the year. The Key to the Locks Award was developed in 2006 to commemorate the twinning of the cities of Lockport and Thorold, Ontario. From 2007 onwards, the award was given to recognize Niagara County residents who exemplify community spirit and promote the heritage of the Erie Canal.