| Doenges recalled the many arguments that took
place when captains of the boats disagreed over who had the right of way. Ladies on board
carried a heavy shawl that they would put over their ears when the swearing commenced.
Each boat carried a muscular fighter to represent the captain in settling the matter if
the dispute resulted in a fight. Drinking and violence were common on the canal. When the boat carried a cargo of rum, one barrel was always opened for the crew. Drinking sometimes led to fights. Doenges remembered his captain being stabbed to death during one altercation on the boat. The 16 year old must have grown up in a hurry. Louis Doenges' great-grandson, also named Louis, recalled his namesake in the 1990 interview: "He was a tough old buzzard. He didn't say much, but we learned to keep an eye on that cane. When he rattled it against the chair, we knew it was time to settle down and mind our elders." Living alongside the canal also proved to be an interesting experience for some. In an interview given in 1991, Mrs. Joseph Avy of Lockington recalled that nearby gardens were raided by those walking with the canal boats. "Many of the crews would ravish nearby hen roosts and gardens, and 'mosey along." [Back] [Next] [Up] [New Search] 'Canal' segment written in December, 1998 by Rich Wallace |