Research

Canvasses of proposals for enlargement of Erie Canal and completion of Genesee Valley Canal


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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
These canvasses, arranged numerically by canal section number, are for proposals for the enlargement of the Erie Canal and completion of the Genesee Valley Canal. Each sheet contains section number, proposition number, name of bidder, amount of work to be done (grubbing, cleaning, bailing, draining, excavation, masonry, etc., in cubic yards), and quantity of materials needed, and dollar amounts proposed by each bidder.
Creator:
Title:
Canvasses of proposals for enlargement of Erie Canal and completion of Genesee Valley Canal
Quantity:

2 cubic feet

7 volumes

Inclusive Dates:
1854-1857
Series Number:
A1399

Arrangement

Numerical.

Scope and Content Note

This series consists of folio volumes of canvass sheets for enlargement of the Erie Canal and completion of the Genesee Valley Canal, compiled by the resident engineers and their assistants. Each sheet contains section number, proposition number, name of bidder, amount of work to be done (grubbing, cleaning, bailing, draining, excavation, masonry, etc., in cubic yards) and quantity of materials needed (timber and iron), with dollar amounts proposed by each bidder. Sections are arranged in numerical order in each volume, with culverts, aqueducts, feeder, etc. at the end.

There are no tables of contents. Each volume (except unit 488) contains at the front a certificate of the engineers in charge of the division of the canal, stating that they had canvassed the propositions received by the Canal Contracting Board, with place and date of letting. Each volume also includes a note by the Acting Auditor of the Canal Department acknowledging receipt of the canvass sheets, with dates.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.

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