It is Wednesday September 14 and this is the fourth and final (for now) episode in the James River Series. This is the James Exchange and I am your host, Nancy Gill.
At last year’s Batteau Festival in Scottsville, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. William “Bill” Trout. Bill is an expert on the canals and rivers in Virginia and beyond, and he heads up the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society (VCNS). Our conversation was short, and doesn’t even begin to demonstrate the depth of knowledge and work, Bill has accomplished throughout his professional career.
If you visit Scottsville during the festival, you have seen Bill. He sits at the very first table as you enter Reeling and Rafting’s campground. Someone is always in conversation with him on a variety of subjects. The five minute conversation I had with him has morphed into a four-hour +/- series of rabbit holes I delved into on things he mentioned.
I was able to find some of the information he spoke to, but I came up short with the Library of Congress. I did locate an image from Harper’s Magazine of a batteau.
I urge everyone who is interested in our “Our Founding River—the James” to visit the various links in this podcast, especially the VCNS.
Bill talks about the enslaved Frank Padget who saved people from drowning only to lose his life during the rescue mission.
An historic marker in Amherst County recognizes Mr. Padget’s bravery with these words:
“Heavy rains early in 1854 left the James River and the treacherous Balcony Falls in full flood. On 21 January the towrope of the canal boat, Clinton, snapped. Washed over the Mountain Dam and through successive falls, its passengers became stranded in the raging waters. Braving the dangerous river, Frank Padget, an enslaved boatman, skillfully led a crew of five rescuers who successfully saved dozens of the stranded passengers. While he was attempting to rescue the last passenger, Padget's craft was broken on the rocks. Unable to fight the rushing current, Padget drowned.”
(Conversation with Bill Trout audio portion only).
A few years ago we experienced the bravery of three young men who saved the life of Dan. They were by the river in Buckingham County when one of them heard someone calling for help from the river. Without thinking, LJ, Steven, and Joey jumped into action and were able to rescue Dan who had been collecting trash from the river when his kayak capsized. I was Mayor at the time and signed an executive order establishing “Scottsville Heroes Day.”
The James has given much to our communities, and it has taken away. This meandering river can bring peace and destruction during flooding events. There will be more on this later. Even though this is the fourth and final episode in this series on the James River, I will continue researching and recording conversations.
A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with Garret Nolt. I am happy to report, barring supply issues, the packet boat at Canal Basin Square will be repaired. His presentation to the Scottsville Town Council caused forward movement on this issue. It doesn’t matter how old or experienced you are, if you have passion speak out! Thank you Garrett for bringing the state of the boat to light.
This has been a special episode from The James Exchange. I will be back on Friday with a report on the many things Scottsville Town Council discussed Monday, September 12 at their monthly work session.
As always, if you have a story, a song, an issue, or just want to have a conversation, contact me. Again, a special thank you to Will Smith of the James River Tour Company for the music used in this podcast.
Virginia Canals and Navigation Society and Bill Trout Links:
Virginia Canals and Navigation Society
American Canal Society: Bill Trout
Richmond Magazine Article on Bill Trout
Blue Ridge Country Magazine Article on Bill Trout
Roanoke Times Article on Bill Trout and the Cadets
More on Frank Padget:
Bill Trout, the Ultimate River Man