Sample Activities / Learning Standards

Downloadable Production Guide & Activity Sheet (.pdf)

In Brief

It is October 12th 1942 and while World War II marches on, Americans back home turn to their radios for entertainment and to take their minds off trouble overseas. Veteran radio personalities Joe, Kate and Vi, with the help of announcer and sound technician Milton, take on different roles to bring to life Erie Canal Tales, a weekly radio drama about the adventures of traveling the Erie Canal. Today’s episode is about a British family, William and Christine Roberts and their daughter Elizabeth. The Roberts family is traveling to
Niagara Falls during the early days of the Erie Canal.

Today’s episode is about a British family, William and Christine Roberts and their daughter Elizabeth. The Roberts family is traveling to Niagara Falls during the early days of the Erie Canal. The family boards the Buffalo Barge, owned and operated by a friendly Irish family, George and Mary O’Malley and their daughter Georgeanne. Georgeanne is eager to tell Elizabeth about life on a mule drawn ‘packet’ including what they eat, where they sleep and all of the wonderful places they visit. But when Georgeanne overhears the first mate Smyth say “Clinton’s Ditch is swallowing up all the money in New York” the girls set out to find what they believe is buried treasure. In their mischief the pair ends up locked in the cargo room during a violent thunderstorm. As the storm settles both families notice that the girls are missing. Mary fears the girls may have sneaked off the boat when last docked. Unable to turn the barge around, the families agree to scour the boat before going back to search for them on foot. When Georgeanne and Elizabeth are found below decks both families are relieved. William explains to the children that the gold in “Clinton’s Ditch” jokingly refers to money spent by supporters like Governor DeWitt Clinton in building the Erie Canal. The girls apologize for their misbehavior, before quickly setting off for another to be continued Erie Canal adventure!

"The production was top-notch, very educational and entertaining. Thanks for bringing great theatre to our school!"
G. Renninger-Smith, F.E. Smith Elementary, Cortland CSD

" Wonderful Experience for my students. They really enjoyed it. It definitely reinforces NYS history too."
L. Dudzinski, Roxboro Road Middle School, North Syracuse CSD

" Nicely Done! Your leadership skills and attentiveness to the children's behavior was greatly appreciated. They need role models like you."
H. LaBenne, Wellsville Elementary, Wellsville CSD