Crime, Chaos, Craziness on the Chemung Canal: Historian to share 'darker side' of canal
From murders, strikes, thievery, fighting and other bizarre incidents, local experts will explore the impact the Erie Canal and its feeder canals, like the Chemung Canal, had on the region over the past 200 years.
Schuyler County Historian Gary Emerson will host the Schuyler County Historical Society's Talkin' History program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Silver Spoon Cafe, inside the Schuyler County Human Services Complex at 323 Owego St. in Montour Falls.
Emerson, who grew up in Elmira and graduated from St. Bonaventure with a BA in history, will present 'Crime, Chaos, and Craziness on the Chemung Canal' covering the dark side of the Chemung Canal's history hidden in the archives.
'This talk will reveal the violent and strange events that were once part of the canal culture in our communities,' Emerson said. 'The Erie Canal and its feeder canals brought so much economic opportunity and wealth. We tend to forget that there is often darker side to these grand enterprises.'
Emerson taught American history for 36 years, mostly at Newfield Central School, and he and his wife have resided in Schuyler County for the past 46 years.
The following program will also look at the canal's impact. At 2 p.m. March 2, the next Talkin' History will be about 'Immigration and the Erie Canal,' examining the ethnic populations who provided the massive amount of manual labor needed to make the Erie Canal a reality at the Montour Falls Fire Department.
Darrick Pratt, of the Erie Canal Museum, said for many, this was where the pursuit of their American dream began.
More: How The Rockwell Museum's new executive director is making her mark. Meet Erin Coe.
Immediately following the Talkin' History program on March 2, there will be an opening reception for 200 Years, 'Seneca Lake & the Erie Canal Waterways' at the Brick Tavern Museum, 108 N. Catharine St./Route 14, Montour Falls.
These free Talkin' History events are presented in partnership with the Dutton S. Peterson Memorial Library, the Montour Falls Library, the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association, and the Watkins Glen Public Library.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: 'Dark side' of Chemung Canal is topic of Feb. 23 history program
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