Research

Scope and Content Note

The records in this series document the daily operation of Champlain Barge Canal Lock No. 2 (Mechanicville). The bulk of the series consists of daily lockage reports (1927-1993) and weekly chief operator's reports (1942-1981). Daily lockage reports contain detailed information concerning traffic passing through the lock. An entry is recorded each time the lock is operated and includes time of day, type of boat, name of boat, direction of lockage, tug name and number, and boat registration number. Daily lockage reports also include general remarks concerning the weather and water elevation measurements taken at the upper and lower ends of the lock chamber. Logs for some years contain lists of clearances issued during that season. Logs for other years contain lock personnel time and attendance records at the back.

Chief operator's reports contain daily and weekly totals of lockages and boats passed, subdivided by type of boat and direction of lockage. These reports also include observations of weather, temperature readings, above and below lock water elevation readings, and names of shift operating personnel. In many cases, daily maintenance reports, memoranda listing long distance telephone calls placed from the lock, and Department of Public Works storehouse receipts for supplies used at the lock are filed with the chief operator's reports.

This series also contains miscellaneous administrative records including: circulars listing vessels registered for canal service; barge canal lock inspection reports; service record ratings of employees; apparatus reports; supply logs; station logs; attendance and labor distribution reports; navigators' reports of obstruction, collision, or hazardous physical condition on barge canal; reports of violations of canal rules and regulations by floats; weekly reports of detentions; temporary clearances; equipment inventories; and memoranda.