LIFE AND TIMES IN GASPORT, NEW YORK: Canal to open

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Canal to open

The New York State Canal Corporation announced today that portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 7:00 a.m. for the 2020 navigation season.

The hours for the Gasport lift bridge are 7:00 AM until 10:00 PM beginning June 26th. The hours change to 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting September 17th.

The Canal system is scheduled to close to navigation on October 14, 2020.

About Gasport, New York

Gasport is a rural community located on the Erie Canal in Upstate New York, approximately 20 miles east of Niagara Falls. Formerly called "Jamesport", its name was changed in 1826 when canal engineers noted natural gas rising from a spring.

Here's a nature column looking at Gasport's gas:

http://bobconfer.blogspot.com/2014/08/exploring-niagara-frontier-why-its.html

The expansive area known as Gasport consists of portions of the town of Royalton and Hartland and its centerpoint is a small hamlet of 1,200 people. It is served by the Royalton-Hartland School District.

Natives of fame include Belva Lockwood (the first woman to appear on Presidential ballots), Charles G. Williams (US Congressman who served Wisconsin), Benjamin Vandervoort (the decorated WWII vet portrayed by John Wayne in the Longest Day), Warren Hull (serial star and host of Strike It Rich) and Abdullah (the medal-winning Olympic horse).

Its rural way of life and great people make Gasport a perfect slice of old-fashioned Americana.

This blog covers the hamlet proper as well as Hartland Corners, Terrys Corners, Royalton Center, Reynales Basin, Johnson Creek and the Royalton-Hartland School District.

It is maintained by Gasport resident Bob Confer. If at anytime you'd like to contribute stories to or mention your Gasport events on the blog, send an email to Bob at bobconfer@juno.com