Grubbing: Can ya dig it?
Grubbing: Can ya dig it? A recent conversation at the Visitor Center led to the question of the origin for the term ‘grubbing.” A quick answer is found in the online Meriam Webster dictionary, but to add context we’re looking at the contract signed by Otis Eddy to construct the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct. In 1838, Eddy would be awarded the contract which specifies “...the work necessary to complete the grubbing, clearing, excavation, embankment, lining, puddling, slope wall and docking that may be required on five chains of the line…” for the canal enlargement and aqueduct. A “chain” being sixty-six feet. The work was begun in 1839 and the aqueduct completed in 1841. But, long before that, people understood the term “grub” in reference to clearing of the land. According to Meriam Webster, the etymology or origin of the term is from the Middle English word, grubben which is similar to a term from th...
