Comments on: The Erie Canal Village, Rome, NY, Part 1

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 01:19:47 +0000

Wow, this brings back great memories. My 5th grade class from Westmoreland Central had a field trip here way back in 1974/75. I still have the pictures of the trip and love to remember the great time I head.

By: Dianne O'Hern

Dianne O'Hern — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:13:20 +0000

Hi! Boy did this bring back many memories for me! I was a costumed interpreter for two years in the late 80′s at the Erie Canal Village. I used to just love when we hosted local elementary schools! I carded and spun wool and explained about the dying process and drying herbs in the Settler’s house, as well as tending to the sheep next door in the barn. I gave cooking demonstrations in the Crosby house using real lard and locally available spices, while making sure that oven maintained an even temperature…no easy task since it was fueled by wood fire in the side! I played “School Mistress” in the old school, sold wagon ride tickets in the train station, carried water jugs around when it was scorching hot in the summer, gave tours in both the Victorian House, (where I also demonstrated how to make rugs on that old loom!) and the Cheese Museum, where I explained the cheese making process. I also gave tours of the Harden Museum…(could you believe that old hearse???) and assisted the black smith and stable hands whenever I could. And for that…I actually got written up for “mis-use of a costume”, because I wouldn’t stay away from those areas! I was a teenager back then, and working at “The Village” was a great summer job! We really were transported back in history, but I’ll tell you, wearing full length petticoats and long skirts, and sometimes “pinnies…the aprons” was very hot in the summer, and a lot of the “work” was really WORK! Thank you for all your photos and descriptions!

By: Leigh Bennett

Leigh Bennett — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:43:36 +0000

Thank you so much for the virtual visit upstate. Will have to take my body there now. Lovely photos. You were blessed with great weather! I am very sympathetic with your remark, “I like my computer and my minivan like any lady, but I long for the slower pace and sweet communion of country-living sometimes.” Exactly why I’m preparing to move out of Manhattan after many years to a tiny dot on the map in Sullivan County. Just found out today that I can transfer my high speed internet service there, a new development. But I wonder if I wouldn’t be better off ripping out the phone altogether and reverting to smoke signals?!!! Best wishes for continued happy trails!

By: Mrs. Mecomber

Mrs. Mecomber — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:28:43 +0000

Whoops! Thanks for the correction on the date. I don’t know why, but I ALWAYS get them mixed up! Maybe because New York State abolished slavery in 1827…

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:32:36 +0000

Very Nice write up on your visit to The Erie Canal Village!
I have been meaning to take the kids there for some time now. I drove past a couple of times when I was in school in Utica, but somehow never stopped in. Thanks for all the great photos too. ONE Thing though, the canal opened in 1825, not 1827.
Cheers,
Howard