Music

Stories that include the music of George Ward

Erie Canal Bankwatch – Searching For Leaks Since 1825

Erie Canal Bankwatch – Searching For Leaks Since 1825

Muskrats were notorious for digging their homes into the banks of the Original Erie Canal, but the banks of the modern Barge Canal are so large that animal activity isn’t

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Fifteen Years – The Music of George Ward

Fifteen Years – The Music of George Ward

 

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Cracking Pendleton – An Annual Spring Ritual

Cracking Pendleton – An Annual Spring Ritual

The New York State Canal Corporation crew is here to open the canal for another season.   The invention of direct current electricity made it practical with guard gates like

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Erie Canal Mules – The Perfect Animal For the Job

Erie Canal Mules – The Perfect Animal For the Job

Why were mules used on the Erie Canal? Mules were used on the Erie Canal because their small size made bedding teams onboard possible. That allowed continuous 6hr shifts.  Their

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Erie Canal Lift Bridges

Erie Canal Lift Bridges

This Swing Bridge at Albion, NY is just one of many that had to be replaced for the 1905-1918 NYS Barge Canal enlargement. The masonry buildings you see on the

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Erie Canal Lift Bridges

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erie canal lift bridge

This Swing Bridge at Albion, NY is just one of many that had to be replaced for the 1905-1918 NYS Barge Canal enlargement. The masonry buildings you see on the other side are typical of those that crowded close to the canal at villages like this. The modern canal was to be wider, with much … Read more

Erie Canal Bankwatch – Searching For Leaks Since 1825

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Muskrats were notorious for digging their homes into the banks of the Original Erie Canal, but the banks of the modern Barge Canal are so large that animal activity isn’t the threat it used to be.   Leaks were common in especially the original canal, and “hurry-up” boats like this were expected to get to … Read more