Submitted by Michael J. Patane
(Town of Lenox, NY – Aug. 2015) An Erie Canal boat, which traveled on Oneida, Onondaga, and Ontario lakes as well, because it was a “Laker,” is parked on the side yard of the Great Swamp Conservancy. It is on the Pine Ridge Road side of the Conservancy next to the building. One can’t miss it. The boat is 30 feet long and 12 feet high.
Built in 1911 in Liverpool, NY this was a touring boat. The GSC will have a more permanent display out back between the Messengers Bay, Oneida Lake one room schoolhouse that is slowly being restored and the new observation ramp that the town of Lenox Highway Department helped build.
The town of Lenox Board has leased this boat to the GSC. The highway department will help build a base and shelter as the organization can provide materials and when the department has the time.
Oh, by the way, the boat has a name; it is the “Arcadian.” The “Arcadian” will entice many again as it has done in the past. It may not float, however it will educate many young and old as to a life gone by and the glory days of the Erie Canal.
Canastota is home of two boat crafters: Tuttle and Lindley. They built boats of similar style and construction as the “Arcadian.”
The GSC invites the public to come and drive by and look or stop to take a closer look, however the public cannot climb aboard at this point for safety sake.
At some point in the near future when the boat is in its permanent home, the GSC will erect stairs on the outside to access the boat.
The GSC is proud to have this wonderful piece of history that the town workers spent many hours and incredible talent to restore. The GSC is in the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor and can now make the most of it for tourism.
A GSC representative attends the Old Erie Canal Community Working Group once a month.