Canal Fever
Akronites all know of the canal. It lines our running trails, and it adds character to our baseball stadium. But what is now just a disjointed and dilapidated shell of a canal once powered our state and changed its demographic innards.
In 1832, the Ohio & Erie Canal traversed the length of the state, allowing for quicker travel and the ability to haul cumbersome loads of goods to greater markets. Also, great numbers migrated to our through the state, making Ohio very populous (just in time for many Ohioans to die during the Civil War--but at least we got a lot of presidents out of the deal). The immense trade from the canal made Ohio an international player. And, of course, we would eventually get a hotel made of silos.
In any event, the history of Ohio and its canal is a great story that illustrates the growth of the country during the Industrial Revolution, which would eventually catapult the United States to world prowess. And it just so happens that my neighbor Peg Bobel collaborated with her friend Lynn Metzger to write and edit a new book on the Ohio & Erie Canal, Canal Fever. Included are illustrations by Chuck Ayers.
This past Sunday, Peg and the gang held a book signing at the Mustill Store. The sun peaked from the clouds every once in a while, and the coloring leaves helped decorate the canal. Some of the beauty of the Towpath can be seen beneath the picture of Peg.
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By Greg - Tuesday, October 13, 2009
1 Comments:
The people of our city are returning to the canal and it is a wonderful thing. It is just a smart strategy by the Mayor and his administration. Maybe we'll transition our brand from the Rubber City to the Canal City.
The Mustill Store is well positioned with its programming, leadership, and location to be a gateway helping remind people of the unique history of the city. It also serves as a gateway to help encourage people to venture from downtown to the Cuyahoga Valley. I went on several runs over the summer from the Mustill Store to Spaghetti Warehouse and it is a beautiful leg of the trail.
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