SCHS Header
Link to Homepage
Link to About Us page
Link to Staff & Board page
Link to Wallace Learning Center page
Link to Exhibits page
Link to Events Calendar page
Link to Archives page
Link to Online Store
Link to Membership page
Link to Volunteer page
Link to Contact Us page
Historical photo show 100 years ago header


100 Years Ago


Agriculture
Black History
Canal
Civil War
Downtown
Education
Entertainment
Events
Gold Rush
Immigration
Indians
Industry
Landmarks
Law and Order
Organizations
People
Pioneers
Politics
Sports
Transportation
War
Women

Passenger Traffic

Although a majority of the canal boats hauled cargo, there was a significant amount of passenger traffic as well. The so-called 'express packets,' constructed of lighter materials, could average as much as six to eight miles an hour. These boats were 78 feet long and 15 feet wide, with separate compartments for passengers, crew, and mules. Carrying up to 50 people, an express packet could complete the long journey from Cincinnati to Toledo in 5 days and 4 nights. Captains of these crafts usually demanded the right of way over other boats along the canal, and especially at the locks. This resulted in occasional fights between boat captains, which the lock tender would usually referee.

Lawn chairs would be placed on the deck in good weather. Passengers so inclined had to be alert, for a shout of "low bridge!" would send them ducking for cover. Although the fares varied by locality, a rule of thumb was that long trips cost four cents a mile. Meals and board were included, as were 30 pounds of baggage.  Passenger packets also served as excursion craft on the weekends. Loaded down with partiers and supplies, these boats would proceed at a leisurely pace, or stop, so that those on board could fish or picnic on the banks of the canal. Lockington was a favorite destination, as the men on board could visit a saloon or two while the boat waited to pass through the locks. This activity was also popular for company outings.

School children apparently enjoyed periodic excursions on the canal as well. The May 7, 1852, edition of the "Shelby County Democrat" carried the following news item: "N. R. Wyman (a teacher) is out today with his school in a Maying excursion. They took passage on the canal boat 'Clarion.' Nathan called to his aid a number of young ladies and gentlemen of the place to assist him in discharging his duties. We wish them a pleasant time."

passeng.jpg (27548 bytes)

'Canal' segment written in December, 1998 by Rich Wallace

 

[ Back to Canal Index ]

Article Footer
SCHS footer Link to Home page Link to About Us Information Link to the Ross Center Information Link to our Events Calendar Information Link to our Archives Information Link to our Online Store / Products Information Link to our Membership Information Link to our Volunteering Information Link to our Contact Information Link to Staff & Board Information Link to our Current & Upcoming Exhibits Information Link to our Donation Information