Life on the Ohio and Erie Canal

The Library of Congress' American Memory Project has a collection of essays, letters, stories, photographs, and audio recordings of traditional canal songs in their "Captain Pearl R. Nye: Life on the Ohio and Erie Canal" collection. Nye grew up on the canal and when it closed in 1913, he dedicated his life to preserving its history. Before being replaced by railroads, America's canals revolutionized travel and the transport of goods.

Included among the numerous song recordings is "Mr. Frog," a variation of a traditional English folk song dating as far back as 16th century Scotland. Another option would be to research this folk song, recently recorded as "Froggie Went A-Courtin'" by Bruce Springsteen on the Seeger Sessions album. Search for books on traditional folk music in the library's catalog (The CAT), or in the International Index to Music Periodicals (PSU only) for articles. (Try searching "frog AND courting".)

For additional information, search America: History and Life (PSU only) with Ohio & Erie Canal in the Subject Terms line. Or, simply search for canals in general. The Dictionary of American History has a good article on the history of canals in the U.S. and their impact. (select Gale Virtual Reference Library, search for "canals"; PSU only) See the article "Canals" by Harry N. Scheiber (University of California, Berkeley).

A book, Along the Towpath: A Journalist Rediscovers the Ohio & Erie Canal by Al Simpson has been recently published on the subject. If PSU does not own, PSU students, faculty, and staff may request it through Interlibrary Loan.