As Thomas X. Grasso made its way west, correspondents caught it in various locations. First, Bob Stopper sent this report from Lyons: “Lyons on the Erie Canal- another history making event: hot off the skids and first time on the Erie Canal- the historic and brand new NYS Canal tugboat docked this weekend (9.14.2025) at the Lyons Drydock wall adjacent Lock 28A. Destination is the forthcoming World Canal Conference in Buffalo.

The tug measures 65 feet in length and 22 feet in width. The vessel to be used as an ice breaker when needed, is powered by 2 caterpillar diesel engines developing 750 horsepower. Fuel capacity is a mind-boggling 4, 140 gallons. Water storage is 350 gallons.

The vessel has been named in honor of the legendary teacher, speaker, historian, Erie Canal Advocate, and NYS Canal Society President for over 40 years. Thank you Tom for being a lifelong advocate and ambassador for the NYS Erie Canal! (Thomas X. Grasso 2.9.1940 – 6.6.2022).”

Later, from Fairport, Tammee Poinan Grimes sent this report: “Today, I had the privilege of seeing the arrival of the NYS Canal Corporation’s newest tug, the Thomas X. Grasso, in The Village of Fairport, NY, as the tug made a stop while en route to Buffalo for the upcoming World Canals Conference.

This beautiful tugboat was crafted by Blount Boats, Inc., the same company that built our beloved Colonial Belle in 1961.

The tug is named in honor of my friend, Tom Grasso, who served as President of The Canal Society of New York State from 1975-2016 and made remarkable contributions to the NYS Canals and beyond. I was elected as President of the Canal Society of NYS last March, and I’m doing my best to attempt to fill some of Tom’s and other previous CS President’s “shoes.”

I arrived at Colonial Belle early to attend a virtual meeting, anticipating the tug’s arrival. Thanks to Troy in Lyons and John Kucko Digital for keeping me informed. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Erie Canal Adventures rental packet boat Canadice, docked in front of Colonial Belle. Canadice is the boat that Dan Wiles and Lisa Best Wiles were aboard for their 1st date!

I had the pleasure of meeting the Grasso tug’s Captain and Crew, talking with them and taking photos. Then, Tom Grasso’s wife, Carola Smigras, arrived, and I was glad to be by her side as she saw the tug, named after her late husband, for the first time.

Just before I was about to leave for dinner, Harriet Wiles rental packet boat passed through. That vessel was named after the mother of my friends Dan Wiles, Peter Wiles Jr., Sarah Wiles, Hattie & Libby. Harriet’s husband was Captain Skipper Wiles who took me on my 1st boat ride ever on the Erie Canal when I was 10yrs old.

Having Colonial Belle, Canadice, Harriet Wiles and tug Thomas X. Grasso all together and taking photos was an amazing coincidence. I absolutely loved it!”

Many thanks to Bob and Tammee for sending along these excellent reports and photos. Don’t forget: in less than a month many correspondents’ opportunities will be offerred as Seneca Chief travels the length of the Canal. Start to scout out your best locations.