Submitted article
Students in fourth grade at Michael A. Maroun Elementary school took a step back in time when they arrived at Canal Day along the river in Phoenix on June 6th.
Canal Day provided the students with a glimpse into the past and the history of Phoenix with many hands-on activities and a real sense of what the founding fathers faced during the early days of the town.
Throughout the day students took turns carving marble, churning ice cream, quilting, weaving, making bread and much more.
The volunteers and craftspeople allowed students to experience for themselves a little piece of history.
The students toured a canal boat, The Syracuse. The tug was built in 1933 and crew members were on board to answer questions about the boat and other aspects of the canal. The New York State Canal System also had a display on hand where students could examine the workings of the lock system.
Fourth-grader Ashly Jewell wrote a letter inviting NY State Senator Darrel Aubertine to Canal Day. Senator Aubertine sought Ashly out to thank her for the invitation and posed for a photo with her after his arrival.
Click any thumbnail, below, to see the full-sized picture.
New York State Senator Darrel Aubertine posed with Ashly Jewell following his arrival at Canal Day in Phoenix. Jewell sent a letter inviting the Senator to visit Phoenix and the Canal Day festivities.
Students enjoyed hand-cranked ice cream on the over 90 degree day.
Craftspeople were on hand to answer questions and allow hands-on experience with a variety of displays including this one featuring antique tools.
A canal boat, The Syracuse was docked in the canal for students to board and explore.
