Across Campus: Follow That Trolley

Folks who signed up for the Union College trolley tours of local Erie Canal sites could be in for a full day, and not just because the tour is chock full interesting stops.

The vehicle itself, said by some to be only slightly faster than a canal boat, will give ample time for tour guide Prof. Cliff Brown to give a complete history of the waterway.

The tours have been hugely popular: all 70 seats were filled almost immediately, and dozens of others have been encouraged to follow in cars. "They should have no problem with that," quips Brown. "Not only is the trolley a distinctive vehicle and hard to lose, but since it only goes 20 (actually much faster), people should have no problem keeping up. It may take us three days just to get to Schoharie Crossing."

Stops also include Lock 23 in Rotterdam, the Schenectady Museum, and Vischer Ferry. Tours start and finish at the Nott Memorial with the Erie Canal exhibit. Besides community tours on Sept. 30, Oct. 7 and Oct. 21, alumni will get a look at Lock 23 during Homecoming on Oct. 14. Prof. Andy Wolfe, director of the Lock 23 restoration, is serving as tour guide.

A bit of advice for those who missed the signups: follow that trolley ... slowly.