Lock in Heritage

Lock in Heritage

Rumor has it, written by D. Brooks

Usually in this section  blog* we offer an article about some various canal or Mohawk Valley related history. Not to editorialize, but in reviewing this article from the Port Jervis Daily Union news-paper, dated January 25th, 1922, it is striking that one hundred years ago there was a need to  defend the operation of the much newer Barge Canal system within the state. We can see that now to some extent, as the increasing expense of an operational canal system brings up many hard  questions.

   From a standpoint on the banks of the historic canal, it is often something that needs to be witnessed.  This article points out the “healthy increase of business during the season…” in 1922. Much like today’s canal system, one hundred years ago they were calling to question the expense verses the economic value, but only thinking in terms of cargo freight.  Today at least, in canal circles, we can see that the value is greater than the sum of its operational parts. That the communities along the waterway, small businesses, and the people can all benefit from continued seasonal operation. 

   One hundred years ago, advocates to close the canal had voice in newspapers, today it is social media.  And while there may not be 1200 freight vessels operating on the system in 2022, rest assured that there are far more day use boaters, “loopers” making the trek, kayakers, fisherman, and pleasure craft on the system than many people expect.

   There’s also value in its preservation, as what can be thought of essentially as an operating museum.  One that the citizens of New York State have continually paid for in taxes or tolls for nearly 200 years. Today’s canal is the evolution of progress, and therefore now a piece of NY Cultural identity.  One that has had a resounding impact on this nation—even if the ripples of time make that harder to see.

   During 1922, amid calls that the Barge Canal was not worth the expense nor was sufficient enough, a large push from outside forces was generating to create  the waterway we know today as the St. Lawrence Seaway. Nearly 20 mid-western and western states, who had for decades been shipping their produce across NY, wanted a deeper more “convenient” shipping channel. Some legislators from the Empire State attempted to block the push for a “lakes-to-the-ocean” project, however the proponents stated, “Opponents of the concern say we are attacking New York, when we are really fighting against economic waste. We believe that it won’t hurt New York to have the country grow, that it will injure New York if the west is not allowed to grow” (AP-Plattsburgh Daily Press. Jan. 30, 1922).

   The Seaway was opened in 1959, and President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in 1956. NY’s Canal System had worked itself out of its primary job, by allowing the west to grow and prosper, it swung the door closed on itself.

 *This article originally appeared in the Winter 2022 Newsletter

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