Greetings Brían,

Thank you for the link to the "Canal Man". I did find that site earlier but it seems these songs are contemporary and original.

I am not sure that these songs exist either. I was at a session with Don Meade yesterday afternoon and he thought there had to be some. I am hopeful to find the creative inspiration to compose a few songs as part of this project. I know the work available was mostly unskilled and of the lowest order and I would imagine that most workers were marginally literate thereby reducing the possibilities even more.

I will look into the book you recommended. I have others that are in the reading hopper so it may be some time before I can get to that one. The National Canal Society Museum is about an hours drive from my home and they indicated they have a number of first person accounts available in their archives. I will be making that trip in a week or two.

Thank you for the list of songs. Henry K Sawyer seems to be about the railroad. The Dark Eyed Canaller I have in Bill Hullfish's song book. What a quest. Thank you for all your help and insight. I'll stay in touch.


Greetings Dave,

Thank you for the book recommendation. I think I have it somewhere. I'll look for it. If I do not have it then I will get one from you.


Peace,
Ed