Let me second both of these nominations. Bill's field of effort goes well
beyond that of canals to include the general field of river travel and
riverine activity.  Tom's work represents a productive source for future
exploration that has been too long neglected.


Tom Kastner

"Lyle E. Browning" wrote:

> I'd have to nominate two outstanding folks who have with single minded
> devotion done a lifetime of study on their subjects.
>
> Bill Trout. No other person has made such an amazing contribution to
> such a major topic as has Bill with his study of the canal system in
> the state. It was virtually forgotten and Bill has managed to survey
> nearly all the rivers in the state, has constantly pushed for
> recognition and has published his findings in an enjoyable and useful
> format. Canals were the great transportation idea of the 18th and 19th
> century, designed to open up the West which at that time was over the
> Appalachians.
>
> Tom Brady. Another Virginia industry was charcoal iron making. Tom was
> from an iron family (Buffalo Forge) and spent a lifetime finding and
> recording all the furnaces in the state, and I do mean all. That's a
> feat in itself. He also looked for forges, foundries and anything else
> related to iron. He surveyed each of these facilities and his work will
> be the basis for a good number of higher academic degrees.
>
> Lyle Browning
>
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