Our Old Bookcase
The 1907 photo of the construction of the Panama Canal illustrates the technical challenges facing the early engineers at that time
It was not until 1914 that the canal was open from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans. On Jan. 7, 1914, the floating crane “Alexander La Valley” made the first complete transit of the canal. The official inauguration of the Canal took place on Aug. 15, 1914 when the “S.S. Ancon” traveled the canal.
The canal began round-the-clock operations on May of 1963, after the installation of new fluorescent lighting in the Galliard Cut and the three sets of locks. The Republic of Panama assumed full responsibility of the administration, operation, and maintenance of the Panama Canal at noon on Dec. 31, 1999.
In the autumn of 2001, my brother’s wife, Karen Brumm, and I joined a cruise through the Panama Canal. The 9-112001 attack of the World Trade Center frightened U.S. Citizens. Several guests had reservations for that cruise through the canal. They cancelled their reservations for fear of another attack. The cruise through the canal took an entire day. As Karen and I walked the deck of the cruise ship, we saw armed guards walking on the land along the canal, due to that fear.
Therefore, any reference to the Panama Canal made in my presence brings back those memories of the 9-11 attack on the United States of America.
Each one of us has memories of events in our lives, which made such a strong impression on us, that we will never forget those events.
Such major events in our lives are a part of our history. Some people like to say that History is not important. Yes, history is important.
I always appreciate the people who take the time to thank me for writing this local history column, “Our Old Bookcase.” Mercer County’s history is important.