21 November 1932
Performed by Irene Romangnoli
GOING “WEST” – with apologies to Mr. C. W. West, the new Superintendent, Operation, Welland Ship Canal.
This good old ship “Construction” sailed the sea for twenty years,
Her crew was mixed―from water boys to first-class engineers.
They built this ship “Construction” from her handrail to her keel,
Her hull was built of concrete, reinforced with stone and steel.
And as this ship “Construction” lay settling in the sea,
All hands on deck a-wondering just when the end will be,
Her twin ship, “Operation,” a spic and span twin screw,
Hoves to―right on her starboard―to take on her unknown crew.
Published in Spirit of the Big Ditch: The Story of the Welland Canals in Pictures, Poems and Songs. Compiled, edited and annotated by Robert Ratcliffe Taylor. St. Catharines: The Historical Society of St. Catharines, 2024
The Historical Society of St. Catharines 