Preparing to Start the Dig on 8/29/09

We were off to a late start on Saturday, August 29th. Threatening skies and weather forecasts for thunder showers couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of those who showed up for the dig.  The site had been prepared prior to the dig by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Inmate Work program  with the supervision of my husband, Stan Longyear and Deputies Bruce Watkins, Todd Fisher, and Larry Westover.  

Tools for the project had to be transported by lawn tractor and then carried across the Clinton's Ditch via a bridge that Stan and Bob Melvin built with pallets and lumber donated from Secor Lumber Company, Savannah.  Bob Alnutt lent his newly painted golf cart (Case Orange, of course) for transportation to and from the site.

Mike Riley, Canal Historian came with maps and photos that showed how the site would have looked when the first Erie Canal opened in 1820. Bill Breen, our own resident amateur archaeologist gave us a hand to help transport the tools to the site. Bill has unearthed Indian artifacts and has an extensive collection of arrow heads from the Montezuma area.

Joni Lincoln and Mike Riley

Terry Warner ascends the site crossing the bridge over 

Clinton's Ditch near Lock 62

Early Map of the Four Canals Site

L to R: Seated: Sharon Alnutt; Mike Riley, Stan Longyear, Bob Alnutt

 Left to Right: Ken Vanwie, Stan Longyear, Bill Breen, Mike Riley

Left to Right: Dan Randolph, David Babson, Stan Longyear