The study of canals is an Ohio social studies curriculum requirement, and after I wrote my first novel, A Heritage of the Heart, schools began inviting me to talk with students about writing and canal history. In response to this need I wrote a new book, Secret of the Lockkeeper’s House, to be an entertaining cross-curriculum partner for use in Ohio upper elementary and middle schools. The plot and characters present a lively and in-depth look at canal days, encouraging young minds to imagine life during that important era. The additional teaching companion also enhances and supports social studies curriculum requirements for Ohio canal studies. 

When the Iron Horse stampeded across the untamed reaches of a brash young America, another era faded away as quickly as it had bloomed. It was the age of canals, when workers migrated to the Great Black Swamp to toil for 30 cents a day to dig the “Big Ditch.” Young adult readers will keep the pages turning as they join cousins Tessa, Will and Patrick and venture back to the rollicking days of the Ohio canals through the historical mystery: Secret of the Lockkeeper's House!

Excerpt from Secret of the Lockkeeper’s House  

     The water level in the lock was rising. Rising rapidly. Caught in a small whirlpool, the Mist began turning in what, at first, was an easy circle. The children froze to their seats as the boat began to spin faster and faster. The only sound was rushing water as it lifted the Marvelous Miami Mist higher and higher and whirled the boat around and around, faster and faster.

     The water rose higher and higher, climbing steadily up the walls of the lock. As is from a very long distance, they heard a faint, sad sound, like the moan of a horn.  Hooo-ooot . . .

     And another sound — a man’s voice, singing musically up and down, chimed in with the horn.

     “Hey . . . Loc-ock . . .”

                                                             A Heritage of the Heart, for the older and adult reader, is a heartwarming novel about nurse Elizabeth Hudson’s discovery of life on the Miami and Erie Canal.

Excerpt from A Heritage of the Heart

     A horn blared and fine tenor voice sang out, “Hey-ey-ey! Lo-o-ock!”

     Staggering at the impact, Elizabeth stared as the long rope attached to the mules that had just passed by dipped into the canal briefly, then rose again. Her eyes followed the rope to the amazing sight of a boat, a canal boat!

     She stared as it drew even and glided slowly by. The long, low-riding vessel was constructed of wood and painted white with red trim. Curtains fluttered from windows replete with green shutters. A man in soiled, old-fashioned clothing, stood atop the little house at the rear. He leaned slightly on a large pole that was  the water line. The steersman politely touched his hat to Elizabeth as the craft passed so closely she could have touched it with an outstretched hand.

Comments and Recommendations:

Suddenly the lazy summer is transformed for Tessa and her cousin Will as they are transported back to 1850 during the time of the Ohio canals. Kohart has an excellent ear for adolescent conversation and also an excellent command of the history of the Miami and Erie Canal, which she interweaves into a compelling story for young readers.

Kate Templeton Fox, Ohioana Review

      So rich in historical facts, it’s eloquently designed, intertwining historical data with a rich vocabulary. Kohart’s book also draws attention to how people used verbs and adjectives differently in their speech.

Jill Hatcher, Middle School Accelerated Reading Program, Curriculum Committee, Paulding Exempted Schools

     “Mrs. Kohart captures her audience and keeps them rapt with interesting anecdotes and the sometimes harsh realities of life along the canal.

Susan Hill, MSL, Director, Paulding County Carnegie Library, & Editor, Rural Libraries Newsletter

 

Thank you for coming to our school. I enjoyed hearing your stories. I loved your presentation. Thank you!

                    A Fulton County (Ohio) Fourth Grade Student

Please contact Georgia for more information about the complete Canal Days School Package and school and group discounts. Email: heritageheartfarm@tds.net or call 419-594-2258.