The year was 1915 and history was being made in Waterford, New York. The opening or the new Erie Canal from Waterford to Rexford began as the Tug Schenectady entered the Waterford Flight of Locks on May 15th.
Over the next three years, different sections of the Barge Canal would open as completed. Soon, backyards throughout New York State would feature long barges loaded with goods of all kinds, pushed and pulled by sleek and unassuming tugs, whose smooth lines and tranquil appearance while at rest would belie massive steam (and later diesel) engines below, giving them tremendous capacity to do their work.
Belching gigantic clouds of black smoke; these unique canal-going tugs, with their beguiling lines and sparkling brass, enchanted children of all ages from Waterford to Whitehall and Tonowanda. Gazing upon these fire breathing dragons moving effortlessly through the water, many would dream of someday taking the place of that kindly Engineer or Captain leaning up against the wheelhouse – taking a puff on his pipe, and giving a wave of his cap.
Kids of all ages were fascinated by watching tug boats and for twenty-four hours a day, communities had – permanently ingrained in the backdrop of their main streets and rolling fields alike – a constantly changing collage of these proud, magnificent vessels. Tugboats were as common a sight as a man walking a dog, or a child riding a bike. Oh, how times have changed.
Bring back the excitement in this time of history with a tug boat wood puzzle toy by ImagiPLAY.
From an article, “First Tug on the Barge Canal”, written by Capt. John C. Callaghan – see pictures of real tug boats and read his full article at: http://www.nycanal.com/history/tugsonthebargecanal.html
Are we inadvertently depriving our kids of important tools for learning and growth? Experts tell us that wooden puzzles and board games are two of the best substitutes for electronic games.
Wood puzzles provide kids many opportunities to learn and practice the important skills important for success when they enter school. Playing with puzzles may at first seem dull or a waste of time compared to the excitement of electronic games, but children still love to play with all the differently shaped pieces and are drawn to the bright primary colors just as we were as children.
Important for building eye hand coordination you will want to have many puzzles on hand in varying degrees of difficulty as children mature at different rates and could get bored with their current selections. When a toy becomes to easy you will notice your child will set it aside and stop playing with it.