The Erie Canal in the Finger Lakes Region

The Erie Canal in the Finger Lakes Region includes a review of proposals to build waterways during the 100 years preceding the canal's completion in 1825, a history of the building of the canal, and eight stories about life on the canal. Also provided are brief descriptions and histories of villages along the canal, biographies of seven people who were instrumental in the planning and construction of the canal, and comments on the future of the canal. In addition, information is included on places to see and things to do on a strip across northern New York State fifteen miles north of the canal and fifteen miles south of the canal.

Emerson Klees of Rochester, NY

Emerson Klees is the editor / publisher of Cameo Press. He is also the author of thirty books, half about New York State and the Finger Lakes Region and half collective biographies of role models of human values, such as perseverance, motivation, determination, resilience, and creativity.  He has a B.S. in electrical engineering, Penn State University, major: electronics, a M.B.A. from New York University, major: management, minor: statistics, and a M.A. in English literature (creative writing track) from the State University of New York at Brockport. For six years, he was an adjunct professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology College of Business teaching courses in entrepreneurship and business organization.

      He is a member of the New Society of the Genesee Historical Association, past member of the New York State Historical Society and the Rochester / Monroe County Freedom Trail Commission, as well as past member and vice president of the New York State Regional Publishers Association. His awards include two first places and two second places in the E.  H. Corron National Historical Essay Contest.