Lewis University Canal and Regional History Collection |
" Packet boats hauled hundreds of passengers on the canal, but the passenger service was not considered a successful venture since living facilities aboard some early boats were not conducive to comfort. During the summer the cabins were crowed and poorly ventilated. Heating the cabins in the cool late fall left a lot to be desired by passengers. Early stage lines used the canal for shuttle service out of Chicago for those travelling to St. Louis and other southern areas of the country." (Illinois-Michigan Canal Story, p.4) Updated March 1, 2000