After eight years of detailed research and dedicated writing, the latest publication about the Welland Canal is now available for addition to bookshelves everywhere.
“Triumph & Tragedy: The Welland Ship Canal” chronicles the forgotten story of the canal’s fallen workers, as well as documenting the achievement of the canal’s construction.
“Over three dozen authors with specialized backgrounds and expertise contributed to this sizeable writing effort,” said Supervisor Historical Services Kathleen Powell. “Together, they effectively present many of the stories of the people, places and projects associated with this engineering wonder.”
“It is much more than a local story – it is a broader history of Canadian labour, immigration, transportation, economic development, and the hardships of construction,” Powell added.
“This book will illuminate the life of the men we honour on the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial, giving us a glimpse at each of their stories and providing insight into an important time of our past,” said Mayor Walter Sendzik. “In addition to the Memorial at Lock 3, it is the fulfillment of a promise made 85 years ago during the canal’s official opening in 1932 to create a lasting tribute to the men who laboured and lost their lives during the construction of this important corridor.”
“Triumph & Tragedy: The Welland Ship Canal” includes illustrated biographies of each of the 138 Fallen Workers, plus 17 other chapters that expand upon a variety of topics, the construction railway (the busiest in Canada at the time), medical service (the first pan-peninsula service), equipment used, labour, mission services, geology and communities of the Welland Ship Canal.
The 386-page book is full-colour hard cover and features a striking layout with over 440 illustrations. The Fallen Workers Memorial project team acknowledges Hilliard and Dawn Radford, the Government of Canada, and the Niagara Community Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the publication.
“Triumph & Tragedy: The Welland Ship Canal” is published by the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. This limited-edition publication is available at the museum gift shop located at 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, ON. The museum is currently open Wednesday to Sundays. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, please call ahead to book a timeslot at 905-984-8880. Residents can also order a copy via phone or by emailing museum@stcatharines.ca. It retails for $39.95 plus tax and shipping (where applicable).