Sharing Stories Virtually New Hope, PA 18938

Friends of the Delaware FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL SPRING 2021 Canal

The Locktender’s House 145 South Main Street Sharing Stories Virtually New Hope, PA 18938

Phone 215-862-2021

Internet www.fodc.org

Board of Directors Brett Webber, President Laure Duval, Vice President Jack Torres, Secretary Lawrence Reinfeld, Treasurer Jeff Connell Joan Fullerton Gordon Heisler Pete Rosswaag PHOTO: Carole Mebus David Schaeffer Ken Standig

Executive Director Susan Taylor A spring sight and sound along the Canal—a Yellow Warbler.

oom meetings, webinars, a Contact. If you aren’t signed up, Our Mission YouTube channel. The Friends have just scroll down to the form on the The Friends of the Delaware Canal Z been changing their storytelling homepage of fodc.org or call is an independent, non-profit game since March 2020 when we held 215-862-2021. The information will also organization working to restore, our last in-person public program. Please be posted in the Events section on the preserve, and improve the visit the Friends of the Delaware Canal homepage of fodc.org. YouTube channel to find the Canal Times Delaware Canal and I and II programs and a video interview There are still lots of stories to share, its surroundings. with Will Rivinus, who tells about and videos will be part of the mix. Want his first venture into canal walking. to help? The Friends could really use Our primary goals are to ensure Unfortunately, our two Postcards from the someone who is relatively experienced that the Canal is fully watered Past presentations aren’t there because and enthusiastic about making from Easton to Bristol and the the Zoom recordings cut off after 30 “informal” videos. Interested? Please let towpath trail is useable over its seconds in spite of our best efforts. us know. entire length. The dates and times of the future See you one way or another! We embrace this mission in order webinars will be sent via Constant to sustain a unique link to our heritage, protect beautiful and JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING WEBINARS: diverse natural areas, provide recreational and educational • The Canal’s Spring Flowers • A program featuring the old postcards opportunities, and enable the • The Birds of Spring contributed to the Friends by long-time Canal to serve as a community • Invasives Watch members Kathleen and Bob Stalgaitis. and economic asset. • Canal Landmarks and Mileage Chart 101

SPRING 2021 Friends of the Delaware Canal 1 OUR BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION The High and Low Points MEMBERS of Last Winter Learn more about these Friends. staff, and Bi-State Construction was Click on their links at fodc.org. on site within days of December 26 FOUNDER to clear the culvert opening so that Tinicum Civic Association stream water could flow through it and to begin the repair of the culvert BENEFACTOR itself. Good progress was made, but Hunterdon Hiking Club, then the snow and ice came making

Hunterdon County, NJ PHOTO: Kent and Marion Smith it too dangerous for the equipment Newtown Bicycle Shop to maneuver at the site, which is Scannapieco Development Corporation both narrow and steep. The project Walter’s Nursery, Inc., Point Pleasant has resumed and is expected to be complete within weeks. PATRON Acadia Mortgage, LLC, Chalfont – Conditions were perfect for cross-country skiing along The flooding Delaware River rose to INCREASED Membership the Canal. levels where its water overtopped the 1740 House, Lumberville banks of the Canal in low areas. The BBB Enterprises, Inc., Yardley The snow just kept falling this past flood waters caused damage to the Brett Webber Architects, P.C., New Hope winter making the Delaware Canal towpath surface in several sections, Jack Torres, Coldwell Banker Hearthside an extraordinarily beautiful white Realtors Doylestown – INCREASED Membership particularly in the northern end of wonder. By all reports, it was the best the Canal, and, just south of Easton, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage winter for cross-country skiing on the Corridor, Easton the earth sloughed off the slope of the towpath in at least ten years. Eiseman Roofing & Exterior Construction, towpath bank. New Britain Unfortunately, the season’s weather Hollyhedge Estate, New Hope also created some serious problems George E. Michael & Co., New Hope along the Canal. Torrential rainfall at NAM Planning & Design, LLC, Lumberville Christmas caused inland streams to Penn Community Bank, Perkasie William B. Parry & Son, Ltd., Langhorne overtop their banks and the Delaware Tinsman Bros., Inc., Lumberville River to rise to Minor Flood stage. The relentless flow of stream water MEMBER into the sub-canal culvert just north Ahlum Gallery, Pipersville of Locks 22-23 in Raubsville caused Appalachian Mountain Club – Delaware Valley Chapter its stone headwall to collapse. With Borough of Morrisville the falling stone came a portion of Bristol Borough Business Association the Canal berm bank, bringing the Bucks County Cottage on the Delaware, situation perilously close to completely Yardley blowing out the bank and seriously Edgar H. Denson, Post #79 American flooding the inland residential River flooding damaged the towpath banks south of Legion, New Hope property. Thankfully, the erosion Easton. First National Bank & Trust Company of stopped short of that. The collapse was The high and rushing water in the Newtown designated as an “emergency repair” Canal itself caused problems. The T. Foster & Co., Inc., Yardley by the DCNR engineers and Park The Grundy Commons, Bristol interior decking in the new Fry’s Homestead General Store & Coffee Roasters, Run Aqueduct experienced some Upper Black Eddy displacement, which can be repaired Leisure Craft, Warrington by the Park staff. More complicated Liberty Bell Wanderers, Philadelphia will be the task of removing some McCaffrey’s Markets, Yardley rocks that lodged themselves between OMNIA Group Architects, Hatboro the layers of the synthetic liner at the Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Tinicum Aqueduct. Flemington, NJ Roll-Off Dumpster Direct, Philadelphia, PA – In the case of all these problems, as NEW Member well as projects that were underway The UPS Store, New Hope last fall, the snowy conditions Washington Crossing Insurance Group prevented work from progressing, but Yardley Borough spring is on its way, and with it will Yoga Love Studio, Yardley The culvert collapse in Raubsville. come the renewal of repair work.

2 Friends of the Delaware Canal SPRING 2021 PARK MANAGER’S REPORT

By Devin Buzard ne of my favorite Manager Bethany Hare idioms is “Make taking a promotional O hay while the sun opportunity, we are shines.” Over the past just weeks away from year, while in service to announcing the hiring the Delaware Canal, I of two new Assistant have found this expression Managers. This is all to be meaningful on good news as we are multiple levels. I would looking to the future go as far as to say that it of the Canal with a encapsulates the general dedicated administrative concept of confronting presence and offices the challenges of Canal in both the Northern maintenance and PHOTO: Carole Mebus and the Southern management. There is sections. The concept never a shortage of work is similar in nature to to be done and always an how our maintenance appropriate time to do it. responsibilities are currently established. Repair projects along the A large sycamore tree was downed at the site of the collapse north of Woody’s Bridge. Its roots were undermining the Canal’s prism. This is all taking place Canal have recommenced in conjunction with the with the melting of the snow. recent acquisition of the former David Library of the The large excavators, currently located in Raubsville, American Revolution and the Sol and Rose Preserve once again have come back to life. The removal of properties in Washington Crossing. a sycamore tree with a destructive root system kick- started our extensive efforts to reline the Canal and As you may already know or gleaned from this restore its ability to retain water. newsletter, the Canal sustained significant damage Over these past snowy months, I am happy to report during the December heavy rains and river flooding great success in filling several vacant full-time Canal event. While timelines for all of the repairs to be positions in our Southern offices. These include a Park completed are still unknown due to the severity of the Maintenance Supervisor and a Maintenance Repairman damages, I am certain that the appropriate resources are (skilled tradesman), who was recently added to our being committed, and we are pushing towards the goal staff complement. Newly hired Park Maintenance of opening the Easton feeder gate as soon as possible. Supervisor Matthew Overbeck of Pipersville replaces While on the surface it would appear that work Brad King, who retired after his 35 years of service to is weather dependent, I would argue that work is the Commonwealth. perpetually progressing forward and with your support On the heels of former Delaware Canal Assistant we will “continue to make hay”.

The Limber CAT Before winter set in, seven Canal Action Team members gave the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge over the Canal two much-needed coats of barn-red stain. The bridge, located on the line between Lower Makefield and Upper Makefield Townships, is one of, if not the only, public road bridge over the Canal owned by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Under the direction of Team leader Bob Ketler, the CAT members came laden with their most trusty painting tools and went to work—bending, stretching, leaning, and crawling to reach all the components of the two faux camelback trusses. After a full morning’s worth of work with Delaware Canal State Park Painting the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge faux camelback Rangers handling traffic control, CAT brought the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge trusses required agility on the part of CAT volunteers. back to an appearance worthy of a Canal landmark.

SPRING 2021 Friends of the Delaware Canal 3 Fingers Crossed Upcoming Events

The Friends are planning to bring back our series of “Green Phase” COVID- precautioned short walks as soon as the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) allows public programs to resume. To account for the uncertainty of conditions and time frames, these walks will again be Pop-Ups, but we are scheduling a Spring Beauties Walk on Sunday, April 18, just to try to get things back to being a little more normal.

SPRING BEAUTIES WALK SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1:30 PM Meet at the I-295 Park and Ride Lot 1140 Woodside Road, Yardley, PA 19067 Beauty comes in different forms. On this 2-mile- roundtrip walk, you can take in the Canal’s beauty at Lock 7. Daffodils dance on the towpath bank and trees will be blossoming. The Lock with its stone POP-UP SHORT WALKS walls restored by the Friends, the little board and batten shanty, and the Locktender’s House complete Locations, Dates, and Times are sent via the spring scene. Another kind of beauty shows itself Constant Contact and posted on fodc.org. at the 1799 House sitting by the Canal at Woodside Road. This historic stone house was purchased by We were able to get 11 short walks in last season the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission and have another 20 walk itineraries ready to go as as part of the Scudder Falls Bridge project. The opportunities arise. The walk lengths vary from 2 house has been sensitively rehabilitated and serves as to 6 miles roundtrip. In addition to late afternoon a restroom facility for Canal visitors. Having a new ventures, we anticipate that weekend and morning bathroom facility near the Park, in a saved historic walks can be added to the schedule. structure, no less, is a beautiful thing. To walk with the Friends, watch for our Constant The Spring Beauty Walk will be led by veteran Contact e-mails and check Events on the homepage Canal Walker Jeff Connell, who also serves on the of fodc.org. If you are not on our Constant Contact Friends’ Board of Directors. He will share the story list, please scroll down to the bottom of the of the Scudder Falls Bridge pedestrian pathway, homepage to sign up or call 215-862-2021. which will be the seventh river bridge crossing To discourage the spread of COVID, these walks connecting the Delaware Canal towpath to the will once again be limited to 10 people, masks D&R Canal towpath in Ewing, NJ. Along the way must be worn, and physical distancing encouraged. to Lock 7, he will point out the newly replaced 9-11 Reservations must be made in advance. All memorial bench and a wildlife haven. information will be included in our event notices. Applicable COVID precautions, as described in These walks fill up very quickly, so when you Pop-Ups, will be taken. Reservations are required receive the notices, don’t hesitate to make your no later than April 14. Please call 215-862-2021 or reservations. To be fair, preference will be given to e-mail [email protected]. those who have not participated in other short walks during the current season. Hope to see you on the towpath!

4 Friends of the Delaware Canal SPRING 2021 Upcoming Events

CANAL CLEAN-UP DAY The Friends have done clean-ups ever since the organization’s founding in 1982, and we intend to keep SATURDAY, APRIL 10 up that tradition because our goal is always to be of help PLUS to the Delaware Canal. Any Day, especially during the month of April If you have questions about these new circumstances, Usually, the Friends’ annual Clean-Up Day takes place please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail [email protected]. on the first Saturday in April, and hundreds of volunteers And THANK YOU for your concern and help! tackle the trash that has accumulated in and along the Canal’s 58.9-mile length. Of COVID Times necessity, this year’s clean-up will focus on individual and family group efforts—no large groups will be encouraged. The official date is also different because the first Saturday in April is the opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania and occurs during the Easter holiday weekend. To compensate for these unusual circumstances, we are extending Clean-Up Day and encouraging volunteers to give the Canal its spring cleaning anytime, particularly during the month of April. Here’s how to help this spring – On Saturday, April 10, go out to any section of the Canal and pick up trash, debris, and anything that doesn’t allow the Canal to look its best. Both on-land and by-boat clean-ups are welcome. In fact, using canoes and kayaks is sometimes the only way to get to trash on the berm side or just hiding below the water surface. If you can’t be out on the 10th, please work anytime the weather and your energy encourage you to do so. For the safety of all, volunteers must comply with federal CDC, State, and local COVID-19 precautions, including, but not limited to, wearing a face mask, Nearly all of our photos from past Canal Clean-Up Days feature groups of people working together—not the visual message that we want to communicate this year. practicing physical distancing, and following proper So, here’s a rare exception. This volunteer showed off the very large and mossy hygiene protocols. (Handwashing is and always has been sneaker that she found along the towpath in Falls Township. a good idea on Clean-Up Day.) Please wear gloves and sturdy shoes and bring along any pick-up tools that work well for you. If you need trash bags or gloves, we can supply GIVING BACK them. Contactless pick-up can be done at either the To all of you who invested in the Friends’ Locktender’s House in New Hope (call 215-862- efforts by contributing to our Year-End Appeal, 2021 or e-mail [email protected]) or at the State Park Headquarters in Upper Black Eddy (call 610-982-5560 THANK YOU! or e-mail [email protected]). After nine months when the Delaware Canal If you collect things that are too heavy or unwieldy provided much-needed refuge, serenity, and to take home for disposal, please let the Friends know recreation, it was clear that you wanted to help the location, and the Park staff will make pick-up the Friends improve and maintain the place that arrangements. had given you so much. Many people who contributed at year-end had never done so before. And don’t forget to let the Friends know that you’ve been out there working, so that we can thank you as well as count the number of volunteers who participated and Your generosity has eased the way into what determine what areas might need attention after April. we hope will be a year of significant progress. Please take pictures and share them!

SPRING 2021 Friends of the Delaware Canal 5 THE 6 TH FOR THE 40TH Can the sixth and final historic camelback bridge over the Canal be restored in time for the Friends of the Delaware Canal’s 40th anniversary in 2022? Yes, we feel confident that it can be—with your help. Out of the 100+ bridges that once crossed the Delaware Canal, Spahr’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy is one of only six that retains its authentic and iconic camelback structure. The Friends spearheaded the restoration of four of the other camelbacks, encouraged the fifth, and have had Spahr’s on our to-do list for years.

Spahr’s Bridge has been a formidable project to tackle because not only is the super- Do not cross this bridge. structure severely deteriorated, but also both stone abutments for the repair of the stone abutments. The State will fund are cracked, a condition exac- both the dismantling and the abutment projects. erbated by two earthquakes. And we come to the part of the Spahr’s Bridge project The $350,000-$400,000 cost with which you can help. Private contributions are of restoring Spahr’s Bridge being sought to fund the superstructure portion. In has been an obstacle. The Spahr’s Camelback Bridge east simpler terms, the trusses, the deck, the cross beams, and abutment is in especially bad shape. Now the stars are aligning. the hardware. Putting Spahr’s Bridge together requires The relatively new owner of the property on either expertise, skills, and passion. The Friends contribution side of the Bridge believes in historic preservation and to the project will help ensure that those requirements supports its restoration rather than modernization. The are met. We are very pleased and thankful for two very condition of Bridge is now so poor that action by the generous donations from the Goodfellow Fund and State is inevitable. The Friends have been very vocal Barbara and Peter Sperry. They have given the Spahr’s in our support of handling the project using historic Bridge restoration a great jump start. preservation best practices, and the State agrees. Plans are More information about how you can help will be now underway to hire a highly qualified contractor to coming soon. If you’re already convinced, you can dismantle the superstructure taking care to inventory and donate now by scrolling down on the www.fodc.org record the existing members and store and reuse timber homepage to the Spahr’s Bridge contribution block or, and hardware when possible. The State plans to contract even better, send your check to Friends of the Delaware with a consultant to prepare the plans and specifications Canal, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938. Get ’em Before They Hatch As we learned last year, getting rid of Spotted Lanternflies while they are alive is a challenge. They jump; they fly; they jump; they fly… There is still time to control these destructive insects before they hatch and fly off on their pretty wings. Start finding and destroying their egg masses now. Spotted Lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall, usually on flat surfaces like tree trunks, rocks, walls, wood fencing, even outdoor equipment. It may take a bit of investigating, but you will become better at tracking them down once you know what to look for. If you have an Ailanthus tree aka Tree of Heaven on your property, check there first. These trees are a Lanternfly favorite. If you noticed an infestation on your property, be sure to scan that area as well. You can remove their mud-like egg masses with a paring knife or a small plastic card, like a credit card. Using a rigid surface, you can crush the eggs or, even better, remove and destroy the entire casing by scraping it into a plastic bag containing rubbing alcohol. Once the eggs come in contact with the liquid, they A Spotted Lanternfly egg mass. Please seek will die. Killing eggs now will help curb this pest this summer. So, harness your and destroy. pent-up pandemic energy and go Lanternfly hunting.

6 Friends of the Delaware Canal SPRING 2021 Canal Tenders—More Important Than Ever The Delaware Canal State Park has experienced a Several sections in the southern end of the Canal remain historic increase in visitation since last March when without Tenders including: the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic set in. We’re pleased to say that the many people didn’t cause • Riverfront Park to Beaver Street: Bristol Borough a dramatic increase in the amount of trash left behind, • Beaver Street to the Bristol Lagoon at Jefferson Avenue: thanks to the care taken by visitors and the diligence Bristol Borough of the sixty volunteers who serve in the Friends’ Canal • The Bristol Lagoon to Green Lane: Bristol Borough Tenders program. • Green Lane to Edgely Avenue: Bristol Township

• Edgely Avenue to Levittown Shopping Center: Bristol Many, many thanks to all the Tenders, who pick up trash, Township/Tullytown Borough clear branches, and report problems throughout the year. • Wheatsheaf Road to the Conrail Tunnel: Falls Their pandemic precautioned clean-up efforts make the Township Canal a better place for both people and critters.

Please let us know if you can help with any of these We are pleased to welcome two new Canal Tenders to sections. The boundaries are not set in concrete, so feel the crew! free to propose a length other than those shown. David Weiss has volunteered to co-tend the Canal from Being a Canal Tender is a rewarding experience in so Black Rock Road to East Afton Avenue in Yardley along many ways, and you’ll be in very good company. To find with veterans Ann and Keith Webb. out more about what’s involved, visit the HELP page at A. J. Zolton has taken on the section from Lock 17 fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. And while you’re there, (Treasure Island Lock) in Tinicum Township to Lock 18 check out the Canal Action Team (CAT) page. Perhaps, in Uhlerstown. it’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you.

The membership re-elected JOAN FULLERTON, longer than that. Annual summer camping At the Board Table DAVID SCHAEFFER, and JACK TORRES to trips with the Boy Scouts at Treasure Island additional two-year terms. Elected to their Scout Reservation, canoe trips in high school Thanks to the convenience of being able first terms were Gordon Heisler and Ken and college days, and family camping in to attend from home via a Zoom webinar, Standig. Here’s a bit about them. the Delaware Water Gap were all part of participation in our 2020 Annual Meeting their lives. Now they enjoy the views along on November 10 was the highest ever. Many GORDON HEISLER the Canal towpath while biking, hiking, and were in attendance for the first time. This Living within a half-mile of the Delaware walking their dog Dizzi. was a positive consequence of the pandem- Canal for over forty years in Lower and Upper ic, even though everyone missed not being Makefield Townships and enjoying trips along Ken retired in 2018 after a 43-year career in together and sharing covered dishes. the towpath since the 1970’s, Gordon has engineering, during which he managed the a unique appreciation for the waterway and planning, design, and rehabilitation of infra- During the webinar, the activities of 2020 towpath. He has been a Canal Tender for structure projects. He found working on dams, were reviewed in a PowerPoint presenta- the Washington Crossing section for eight locks, and canals to be the most interesting tion, and a short video featuring Will Rivinus years and participated in several Canal and challenging, including more than a dozen telling about his first canal walk made its Action Team projects. Gordon realizes the projects along the New York State (Erie) Canal debut. Friends’ organization business was importance of preserving and improving this and the D & R Canal in New Jersey. He hopes conducted; and Delaware Canal State Park/ one-of-a-kind park. A member of the Friends that his experience will be put to good use PA DCNR representatives covered current for many years, Gordon joined the Board along the Delaware Canal. Ken has been a and upcoming issues. These speakers were to assist in implementing improvements member of the Friends’ Advocacy, Restoration Jason Zimmerman, Assistant Director of and spreading the word about the canal and & Maintenance Committee for the last year. the Bureau of State Parks; Devin Buzard, towpath experience. He has degrees from Rensselaer Polytech- Park Manager; and Beth Hare, Assistant nic Institute and Lehigh University and is a Manager. Beth included in her report the Professionally, after graduating from Rider licensed Professional Engineer and a Fellow of visual evidence of the success of her and her University, Gordon spent forty years in oil the American Society of Civil Engineers. four-year-old daughter’s venture into mule and chemical logistics industries with FMC, cookie making. Sunoco, and consulting. He also volunteers Welcome Gordon and Ken! at the Morrisville Food Bank. Gordon and his The departure of veteran Board member JACK Two retiring Board members were recognized wife Barbara enjoy biking and hiking on the DONOHUE at the beginning of January 2021 for their service. During her eight-year ten- Canal and traveling to visit many other trails left a void on the Board. Well known for his en- ure, JUDY FRANLIN was a dynamo serving as throughout the United States and Europe. Secretary and Treasurer at different times. thusiasm and reasonable thinking, Jack was a She will continue to be active as a member KEN STANDIG great asset to the Friends during his two terms. of the Finance and Development Commit- Ken and his wife Julie moved to Buckingham tee. NANCY SMALL, a more recent Board Township full time from New York City and As always, the Board welcomes your partici- member, shared her breadth of knowledge of Long Island in 2019, but they have enjoyed pation and input. And, if you are interested in the operations of other non-profits. life along the Delaware River for much serving, please raise your hand.

SPRING 2021 Friends of the Delaware Canal 7 Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL Doylestown, PA 145 South Main Street Permit No. 640 New Hope, PA 18938

WELCOME NEW FRIENDS

Lars Ahlman Jill Henry Eric Beckhusen Jean Hewens Chris Cascone Kim & Bob Hood Anna Christensen & Kathleen Kennerley Todd Borneman Tom Kuhn Barbara & Jeff Clarke Jill Laurinaitis Dean Dickson Cathy Ann Leonard Marc Engelsman Anthony Mannarino Terri & Jon Epstein Claire & Jerry Melican Heidi Furman Zoe Morawski Dan Frank & Family Anne & David Pearl Harry Gamble Francoise Picaronny Melanie Gray & Tara Rivas David Rubin Jill & Howard Savin Edward Green Tony Tran Nancy Hamill Kathrin Wagner Roxane & Bill Hansen Paul West Jim Heim Kari Williams Norma & Jeff Heller Alexander Witko

THE NEED ISN’T NEW Even before the Delaware Canal was fully opened in 1832, those As you have read in past issues of Canal News, the Friends, in responsible for its construction realized that the water supplied partnership with the Delaware Canal State Park, are working to by the Lehigh River in Easton was not enough to maintain a full install a centrifugal pump in the River in the northern section Canal, particularly in the southern end. To solve this problem, an of Washington Crossing Park. The pump and the electrical “ingenious device” was erected at the Union Mill (since converted installation, financed by the Friends, are ready to go. The pipe into The Waterworks, a residential condominium complex) in leading from the River to the Canal is in place. Before putting the New Hope. pump in operation, there is one approval that must be granted from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. In June of 1831, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania contracted with Lewis S. Coryell and three of his business partners to erect a The new “Bowman’s Hill” pump will augment the flow of water to wing dam at Well’s Falls in the Delaware River and water wheels. Bristol as the New Hope waterwheels once did. The purpose of the dam was to supply water to a two-wheel system. There was an undershot water wheel driven by the power of the river flow, which was coupled with another wheel with buckets that scooped river water, raised it, and then allowed it to flow through a trunk leading to the Canal. A traveler to New Hope in 1832 wrote, “This simple contrivance, without gearing or valves, or anything else liable to get out of order is more than sufficient to supply the Canal from New Hope downwards.” The waterwheels were capable of raising 3,500 cubic feet of water per minute. Although not as repair-free as the New Hope visitor envisioned, they remained in place until June of 1923 and then were carried away in a flood in 1936. After 1923, the issue of insufficient water flowing southward reemerged, particularly when the level of the Delaware River dropped below the level of the New Hope inlet. Various remedies were tried, but none worked well enough. Waterwheels once provided additional water to the southern end of the Canal.