This week on Tapestry, we head to Lockport, a city where the past still powers the present — thanks to its 200-year-old Erie Canal locks.
Our journey begins at the beautifully restored Palace Theatre, where executive director Christopher Parada shares how the community rallied behind this century-old landmark. He then takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour that reveals the craftsmanship and care that brought it back to life.
In our History Snapshot, we spotlight a remarkable local inventor, Birdsill Holly, whose creation revolutionized firefighting — and is still in use today.
Next, we meet retired teacher Charlie Begley, who keeps Lockport’s past alive through historical portrayals. Hear how he brings illustrator Raphael Beck to life — the artist behind the mural commemorating the opening of the Erie Canal, still on view at the Erie Canal Discovery Center.
Finally, we visit the locks themselves and sit down with Dave Chatt, who leads a group of volunteer lock tenders. He and fellow volunteer Doug Hartley share the history of this vital role and the pride they take in preserving the tradition for future generations.
