Project Manager Arden Phair is interviewed by Mike Balsom on Cogeco’s The Source, December 20, 2023
Article in The St. Catharines Standard by Dave Johnson, December 19, 2023, p. A6
Article from The Port Weller Residents Association’s The Foghorn, December 2023
Readers have given Spirit of the Big Ditch 5 star reviews on Goodreads.com
From Howard Fraracci, whose poem I Think of You is featured in the book:
I am very impressed with the effort and thought put into it’s creation. The photos and artwork really add context and depth to the songs and poems.
From Carol Templeton, granddaughter of Károly Kádi, memorialized in Istvánné Dimand’s Valedictory for Károly Kádi
This book is a tribute to the workers and it is amazing to see our grandfather’s eulogy translated and included in the book. Plus I listened to the song for Karoly Kadi, and it’s terrific!
Katerina wrote:
Spirit of the Big Ditch is captivating, wonderful approach via song poem and painting. I envision a novelist putting the history of the politicos, workers, immigrants, engineers et cetera into novel form.
From Alex Sinclair, who has four of his songs published in this book:
Yes, I received the books and I think they’re lovely
(and all the people that got it for Christmas have made very positive comments).
I love the QR codes – it has been great to hear the songs and poetry.
And the whole idea of using songs, poems, and paintings to add to the history of the canal is one that speaks to what I have tried to do in my little career for years.
Your whole team is to be congratulated for an excellent job. I’m proud to have been part of it.
From Karin Brenninkmeijer (Niece of Lini Grol, who has 4 poems published in this book):
Today the postman arrived with “THE BOOK” !
I was so happy to receive it finally.
The book looks really great.
All these stories and pictures and more details.
That the canal and the whole history behind it, gave so much inspiration to so many people, is incredible.
I wish my late aunt Lini R.Grol could have enjoyed it.
And all the work for the Historical Society as well.
Thanks and praise for you and Robert Taylor!
Thank you for sending me the book,
I wish you all the best,
Kind regards,
Karin Brenninkmeijer
Nijkerk, Gelderland, NETHERLANDS
The Historical Society of St. Catharines 