In 2014, a friend of mine wrote a wonderful blog post about the Tug DeWitt Clinton and its Captain David Starkweather.  She originally interviewed him for an Albion Alumni Foundation “Where are they Now” story.

She found the Tug and David’s job as a captain so interesting that she wrote an extended story about a day in the life of a tugboat captain.  Many photos are included of Tug DeWitt Clinton pushing a G4 (Gradall) from Hulberton to Albion.

With permission and sincere thanks, I am linking Kim’s story below.  I hope you will take the time to read it and view her outstanding photos. I think you will be amazed at what this mighty Tug is capable of and how proud this captain is of the DeWitt Clinton.

Thoughts By Kim –

Fun with a Tugboat Captain

Source: Erie Canal tugboats push on through two centuries of change – Professional Mariner – March 2018

Read this excellent article about Erie Canal tugboats.  It was written by Brian Gauvin and published February 28, 2018 on the Professional Mariner website .

Youtube.com video courtesy David Markham.

May 4, 2013 – Dignitaries arrive for the 2013 season Erie Canal opening ceremony.

 

Docked for the night in the Village of Medina, the Tug DeWitt Clinton enhances the view of the canal basin, which cuts right through the village.  The Glenwood Avenue bridge is in the distance.

Tug DeWitt is closed up for the weekend.  Its hawser lines, which are used for towing barges and scows, are carefully coiled and ready for a full day of work on Monday.

 

We’ve hauled some barges in our day…

“We’ve hauled some barges in our day, filled with lumber, coal and hay, and we know every inch of the way from Albany to Buffalo.” These lyrics are from the beloved song “The Erie Canal” by William S. Allen.  Many of us sang this song when we were growing up and still know it by heart.

Living along a small canal town, I often see the Tug DeWitt Clinton hard at work and can’t help but think of these lyrics when I see it pushing and hauling barges along the Erie Canal.

Built in 1926 by Frank, William and Henry Rice of East Boothbay Maine,  Tug Dewitt Clinton is one of the oldest working tugs on the Erie Canal.  It is 42′ in length and 14′ wide.

This blog will highlight some of the Tug’s adventures as it moves along the western end of the Erie Canal.  It never stays in one place for too long so there should be plenty to report!