Welland Canal Scrapbook
This scrapbook was assembled by Alexander J. Grant (1863-1955), the Chief Engineer of the fourth Welland Canal. The scrapbook includes photographs, maps, invitations, dinner menus, cartoons, engineer plans, and several other items. The entire contents of the scrapbook are devoted to the Welland Canal, both before Grant's involvement and during.
Grant was born in Banffshire, Scotland in 1863 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1872. After completing his education at St. Mary's College and then the University of Ottawa, he joined the Federal Department of Railways and Canals in 1886. It was 1919 when Grant began his role of Chief Engineer of the Welland Canal. It is apparent from the time and detail spent on his scrapbooking that the Welland Canal was a significant part of his career. There are forty nine black and white photographs, five black and white maps, one black and white post card, a booklet, programs, invitations and a typewritten history of the Welland Canal.
Grant's scrapbook captures the images of the canal during several stages of construction, but also the planning process. The engineering focus of the scrapbook is evident with the inclusion of several planning drawings that were approved by Grant and later implemented.
There are very few newspaper clippings or celebratory memories included in the documents. The intentional selections include a clipping that notes the largest cargo freighters to pass through the canal, an exceptional engineering accomplishment. The last few pages are the only ones to include invitations, programs and photographs of events.
View the entire Welland Canal Scrapbook