I learned the song between 1972 and 1977 at St. Mary's in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Our music teacher was Mr. Grunwald (sp?-- he told us in 1st grade his name was German, and that it meant "Green Forest"-- still can't forget that) and he taught us all those old classics: Camptown Races, Shortenin' Bread, Grandfather's Clock, Atcheson/Topeka/Santa Fe, Give My Regards to Broadway, etc.

I especially liked the real oldies. I am thankful that our generation was brought up on rock n' roll, and so we have ties all the way back to the 50s music. But I'm bothered that we really have no ties before the 50s. Where's the 40s/30s/20s songs? Satellite radio is our best bet, but I'm guessing our generation is 99% unfamiliar with these songs. (I will give a shout out to Springsteen, who did the era homage by putting "Erie Canal" and others on his 2006 album "We Shall Overcome.")   We need good music teachers like Mr. Grunwald to keep this stuff alive.

He passed on his own way sometime in the late 80s/early 90s. I wasn't real close to him, but man, these songs sometimes pop into my head, and I will of course never forget him. Rest in peace, Mr. Grunwald.