Many of you have seen these photos on Facebook, but I can name a few Dispatches readers who don’t use Facebook, and for you, I post these, all taken by Bob Stopper. The photo below shows the sheer amount of traffic affected by Lois McClure‘s short experience on the Thruway. I imagine that if I were among them and knew nothing about the actual cause, I would have experienced the following emotions in this order: annoyance by the slowdown, concern after seeing all the emergency lights, and then intrigue at seeing the antique hull. Bob’s photo catches the temporary congestion. As I’ve said before, I hope caught in this slowdown took some photos and passes them along.
Canalboats were towed through this lock by draft animals, two or three working at a time. Picture the number of animals represented by this truck, its engine generating between 400 and 500 horsepower. It would make an interesting image. Any artists look for a challenge?
Finally, from inside the 1894 Erie House, Bob manages to capture a number of key folks who played a huge role, thousands and thousands of hours’ worth, in getting this replica canal boat into this location. You know who you are.
If you’ve never visited Erie House or even Heritage Park, watch this space for announcement of an open house in the spring. If you wish to learn how to donate to the cause, click here.
Dispatches from the Samuel Center 
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