Nearly two centuries ago, a visionary no less than Thomas Jefferson rejected as
“madness” the proposal for a canal that would link New York City and
the Great Lakes.
But
New York State forged ahead in a massive undertaking that critics labeled
“Clinton's Ditch” after the state's governor, DeWitt Clinton. Within
years, the project had not only paid for itself, but had become one of the most
successful transportation projects in history, transforming the state and nation
economically.
The
project was the Erie Canal. Through Oct. 29, Union College will celebrate the
Erie Canal's 175th birthday with the Nott Memorial exhibit titled “A
Monument of Progress: The 175th Anniversary of the Erie Canal.” A
concurrent exhibit takes place at the Schenectady Museum.
The
exhibit opened Thursday with an evening of canal songs and interpretations by
singer George Ward '60.
The
next event is Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7:30 p.m.: “Designing a Masterpiece:
Symposium on the Engineering and Construction of the Erie Canal” with F.
Daniel Larkin, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, SUNY
Oneonta; Frank Griggs, Director of Historic Bridge Programs at Clough Harbour
& Associates LLP; Andrew Wolfe, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering,
Union College and participating students from Union College and Schenectady High
School (co-sponsored by the Division of Engineering).
The
exhibit features among its 122 items 30 original drawings never before shown.
Produced by draftsmen and engineers who worked on the original canal or its 1835
and 1862 enlargements, the drawings from the New York State Archives consist of
panoramic color survey maps embellished with perspective drawings as well as
mechanical renderings of the engineering marvels that made the canal possible.
Also in the exhibit are oil paintings, watercolors, engravings, etchings,
stoneware, artifacts, models of locks and other canal features, even a
tombstone.
Making
it Work in the first-floor Dyson Hall features four models built by Union
faculty and students as well as Schenectady High School students. Models are of
a lock, aqueduct, and two bridges. Corresponding original structural drawings
from the New York State Archives accompany the models.
Recollections
and Reflections in the Nott's second-floor Mandeville Gallery features 19th
century paintings, prints, drawings, and artifacts re-creating the entire trip
along the canal. The state Archives' original maps of the canal route will be on
display. Exhibit visitors will be able to walk the length of the canal within
the exhibit itself.
Bankwatch
– Views of the Erie Canal (through Oct. 29) will appear in the Schenectady
Museum, showcasing selections from the acclaimed collection of the Canal Society
of New York.
“The Erie Canal was not only a triumph of engineering over
geography, but a triumph of vision and courage over narrowness and doubt,”
said Clifford Brown, political science professor and chair of the Mandeville
Gallery Committee. “It is fitting that the oldest college in the region,
which has many connections to the canal and its history, celebrate this
important anniversary.”