American Canals Bulletin of the American Canal Society

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American Canals Bulletin of the American Canal Society www.AmericanCanals.org

Vol. XLI, No. 2 Dedicated to Historic Canal Research, Preservation, and Parks Spring 2012 From the President

by David G. Barber

In the past issue of American Canals, we announced a joint field trip/conference with the Canal Society of New York State and the Canadian Canal Society in Hamilton, Ontario for June 22-24. Recently, it has become apparent that the costs for the planned event have risen so high that few would attend. So all involved have reluc- information on the internet. I Image of a Middlesex Canal boat tantly decided to cancel further by Allan Evans Herrick, as envisioned planning. I want to thank Bob Sears continue to solicit any other for an article written for the early Lowell for all the hard work he has done in ideas you may have. Historical Society. The boat is being trying to put this together. poled upstream, as most were when ### they traveled on the Merrimack or any of the other rivers. Drawing courtesy We had planned to hold the of Bill Gerber. See story, p. 13. annual ACS Directors’ meeting as part of this weekend. Instead, it will th be held after dinner on April 14 at INSIDE the Canal Society of Indiana spring tour. Canal Boat Rides in North America, p. 3-6

Dragonfly’s Adventures concluded, p. 7-9 This is the second time in the last few years that we have tried to put Pennsylvania Main Line models, p. 10 together an event on the ACS level that would bring together canal NY State Canal Conference, p. 11

enthusiasts from an area larger than Canal Boat Annie, p. 12 one state to network and discuss canals. Many have felt the need to Chicago Ship Canal, p. 12-13 have something smaller, more local, In the Beginning, p. 13-15 and more affordable than the World Canals Conference. But, we have 2011 World Canals Conference, p. 15-19 not come up with a workable for- Book Reviews, p. 19-20 mat. Canalender, p. 21, 22, 23 In light of this, I urge you to attend the events of your state canal Windsor Locks Canal, 20-21 society, those of a neighboring state Miami & Erie Canal map, p. 22-23 society, and those more local. ACS will continue to publish items and New Hope for New Hope; Eureka lock update, p. 24 ideas on a larger geographic range and our web site will continue to work to be the best source of canal

Officers Committee American Canals President: David G. Barber, 16 Dan McCain, 3198 North, 700 West, Delphi, IN 46923; 765-564-6297; BULLETIN OF THE Ballou Road, Hopedale, MA 01747; AMERICAN CANAL SOCIETY 508-478-4918; Director, Chair, [email protected] American Canal Survey Lance Metz, 37 West Street, Allentown, Managing Editor: Linda J. Barth Committee, [email protected] PA 18102; 610 - 434 - 8875 Contributing Editors: David G. Barber, Vice President: William Gerber, 16 Robert Schmidt, 5908 Chase Creek Cynthia Berger, David Johnson, Princess Ave., N. Chelmsford, MA Court, Fort Wayne, IN 46804; 260-432- Stephen Skye, Glenn Wenrich, 0279; Chairman Nominating Terry Woods 01863; 978-251-4971; Director; [email protected] Committee, Member Canal Engineering, www.americancanals.org Vice President: Michael E. Maintenance & Operations Committee; Morthorst, 6914 Ohio Ave., [email protected] For memberships, subscriptions, change Cincinnati, OH, 45236; 513-791- Robert Sears, 248 Tower Drive, Toronto, of address, and other business matters: 6481; Director; [email protected] ON M1R 3R1, Canada; Canada; 416 - c/o Charles W. Derr, 117 Main Street, Secretary: David M. Johnson, 9211 285-7254; [email protected] Freemansburg, Pennsylvania 18017; Wadsworth Drive, Bethesda, MD Roger Squires, 46 Elephant Lane, Roth- [email protected]; 610-691-0956. 20817; 301-530-7473; Director; erhithe, London SE16 4JD England; 020 Member Canal Liaison Committee 7232 0987; [email protected] For CANAL CALENDAR items Membership Secretary/Treasurer: Roberta Styran, #509 - 35 Towering and for news of local, state, and regional Charles Derr, 117 Main Street, Heights Boulevard, St Catharines, canal societies: c/o Linda J. Barth, 214 Freemansburg, PA 18017; Director; Ontario L2T 3G8 Canada; 905-684- North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 4882; [email protected] 08876; 908-722-7428; [email protected] Member Canal Egr, Operations & Maintenance Comm, 610-691-0956; William Trout III, 417 Phillips Street, The objectives of the American Canal [email protected] Edenton NC 27932; 252 - 482 -5946; Society are to encourage the preserva- [email protected] tion, restoration, interpretation, and use Directors: Larry Turner, 15091 Portage Street, Lot of the historical navigational canals of Paul Bartczak, 9954 New Oregon Rd, # 34, Doylestown, Oh 44230; 330-658- the Americas; to save threatened canals; Eden, NY 14057; 716-992-9069; 8344; [email protected]; and to provide an exchange of canal [email protected] Terry K. Woods, 6939 Eastham Circle, information. Manuscripts and other Linda J. Barth, 214 N. Bridge St., correspondence consistent with these Canton OH 44708; 330-832-4621; Chair, Somerville, NJ 08876; 908-722- Publications, Publicity Committee, Parks objectives are welcome. 7428; Editor, American Canals; Committee, Member Canal Archaeology An annual subscription to American [email protected] Committee, Canal Boat Committee, Canals is automatic with ACS member- Robert H. Barth, 214 N. Bridge St., Canal Engineering, Maintenance & ship. Annual dues: $20. Single copies, Somerville, NJ 08876; 908-722- Operations Committee; $3. Four issues per year. Copyright 7428; Chairman ACS Sales [email protected] ©2012 by the American Canal Society. Committee; [email protected] All rights reserved. Printed in the United Carroll Gantz, 817 Treeloft Trace, Directors Emeriti States of America. ISSN 0740-588X. Seabrook Island, SC 29455-6116; William J. McKelvey, 103 Dogwood Other Publications: The Best from 843-768-3780; Chairman, Canal Boat Drive, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922; American Canals; American Canal Committee; [email protected] [email protected]; 908-464- Guides, William E. Trout III, editor and George Hume, #513 – 39 Parliament 9335 publisher Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Arthur W. Sweeton III, P.O. Box 158, 6 Humphrey Road, Canton Center, CT M5A 4R2; 416-214-9331; DEADLINE: Material for our next issue [email protected] 06020-0158; 860-693-4027 must be on the editor’s desk no later than Keith W. Kroon, 2240 Ridgeway Denver Walton, 968 Chapel Road, June 15, 2012. Send to Linda Barth, 214 Monaca, PA 15061; 724-774-8129 Ave., Rochester, NY 14626; 585-225 N. Bridge St., Somerville, NJ 08876; -0688; [email protected] Committees: [email protected]. ACS Sales, Robert Barth, chair John M. Lamb, 1109 Garfield Street, Material submitted to AMERICAN Lockport, IL 60441; 815-838-7316; Canal Archaeology, Mark Newell, CANALS for publication should Chair, Canal Engineering, Mainte- chair, Georgia Archaeological Insti- be typed and double-spaced or nance & Operations Committee. tute, PO Box 984, Augusta, GA 30901 Canal Boat, Carroll Gantz, chair, sent by email in Abba G. Lichtenstein, P.E., Dr. Eng., WORD format. You may send actual Canal Boat Committee 4201 Cathedral Ave NW, Apt 615 W, Canal Engineering, Maintenance, & photographs (which will be scanned Washington, DC 20016; 202-244- and returned), or digital versions may Operations, Terry Woods, chair be emailed or sent on a CD. 5355; [email protected]; Member Canal Canal Parks, Terry K. Woods, chair Engineering, Design, & Maintenance Historic American Canals Survey, David G. Barber, chair 2

CANAL BOAT RIDES IN THE U.S.

If you will be traveling around the eastern half of North America, you might want to visit one of the many canal boat concessions. Here is a partial list: INDIANA AND ILLINOIS OHIO Ride the General Harrison of Piqua at the Piqua Historical Area, 9845 Hardin Rd, Piqua, Ohio 45356. April through October, Thurs-Sun. rides with crew in period clothing; 12:30, 2:30 & 4. $8, adults, $4, students, 5 and under free. 800-752-2619. www.ohiohistory.org/places/piqua ▼ ▲ Step aboard the Delphi for a trip down the Wabash & Erie Canal in The Canal Fulton Heritage ▲ Delphi, Indiana. Sat, 11 and 2; Sun, Society operates the St. Helena III 2, mid-May-mid-Oct; charter on all canal boat rides May, weekends; weekdays, $100 per hour and $50 for June -Aug, Tue–Sun; late Aug-mid- an additional hour. Adults, $7; sen- Oct., weekends. 1 & 2:30 pm, iors and school-aged kids, $4; pre- weather permitting. School & group school kids, free. Buy tickets at the charters also available. Adults, teens interpretive center. Boat and onboard $7; seniors, $6, children 5-12, $5; 4 restroom are wheel-chair accessible. & under, free w/ paid adult. Heritage All aboard the Volunteer at 1030 West Washington St., Delphi, House & Old Canal Days Museum, Ohio’s Providence Metropark in IN; 765-564-2870. Sat, Sun, 12-4 during boating season. Grand Rapids, near Toledo. During www.wabashanderiecanal.org For more information: 330-854-6835; the 45-minute trip, with passage [email protected]. through an original lock, living his- 125 Tuscarawas St, Canal Fulton, tory characters tell educational and Ohio 44614. entertaining stories about life in the late 1800s. Call for detailed schedule. Canal boat tickets: $6 adults, $5 seniors (60 and over), $4 children (3 to 12), ages two and under free. Tours of the Isaac Ludwig ▲ The Volunteer at LaSalle, Illi- Mill, free. 13827 US 24 West (at nois, takes you on a one-hour journey SR 578), opposite Grand Rapids on on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, the Maumee River. 419-832-6004. the same hand-dug waterway that Check the website for times. 19th century pioneers traveled. Your www.metroparkstoledo.com/metro/ guides, dressed as canal-era crew A relaxing cruise on the canal ▲ and passengers, will take you back in boat Monticello III makes a visit to parksandplaces/index.asp? page_id=527 ▼ time to life on the American frontier Roscoe Village complete. This 1½- and the Illinois prairie. May-Oct. mile, 45-minute, horse-drawn ride Tues-Sat (occasional Sun) 10:30, allows passengers to experience this 1:00, 2:30. Buy your tickets at 754 early mode of transportation. The 1st St.; 815-223-1851. Adults: $14; captain provides insight into life on Seniors (65+): $12; Youth 16 and the canal during its 1800s heyday. under: $8; Children under 3: Free; Group rates and charters available. Pick up tickets at Lock 16 visitor 23253 State Route 83, Coshocton, center.; arrive 20 min. before depar- OH 43812-9601; 740-622-7528; 740- ture. Accessible for non-motorized 622-3415 or 800- 877-1830. wheelchairs. 815-220-1848. www.coshoctonlakepark.com www.lasallecanalboat.org

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INDIANA AND ILLINOIS Caldwell Belle. Day trips and 4318; Come to Metamora, Indiana and overnight excursions. See rivers, [email protected] take a half-hour excursion on the canals, and waterfalls on the Hud- www.midlakesnav.com Ben Franklin III. The boat is 75' son River and Champlain Canal. long, 12' wide, holds 80 passengers; Canal House, PO Box 9, Schuyler- design based on a typical line boat of ville, NY 12871; 518-695-5609; the canal era. May 1-Oct 31, Wed- 518-695-5496, office (in season). Sun, noon to 4, on the hour. Closed [email protected]; Monday except holidays. One-mile www.champlaincanaltours.com/ ride with lecture on canal history. index.php. ▼ Adults, $4; seniors, $3.50; children 3- 12, $2; under 3 or over 90, free; School groups $1.00 per activity. 765 -647-6512. www.metamoraindiana. The Emita II, our double-decked tour com/Attractions.htm. ▲ boat, offers cruises from June-early Oct. With departures only minutes from downtown Syracuse at Dutch- man's Landing, you can discover the legendary Erie Canal. ▼ Erie-Champlain Canal Boat Co. offers lock tours of the Champlain or Erie canals, family-oriented, departing from the Waterford Har- bor Visitor Center at Waterford, NY. 1½-2-hour lock tours. Self- captained boats also available for NEW YORK STATE hire by the day or week (May-Oct). For more information, please call 518-432-6094 or visit our website at www.eccboating.com. ▼ Mid-Lakes offers cruises each day from mid-May-through Sept on beautiful Skaneateles Lake, about 40 minutes from downtown Syracuse. From a one-hour sightseeing cruise in July and August to our US Mail- boat to our Champagne Dinner cruise, there's something for everyone! 1½-hour Erie Canal Cruises on Lil’ Diamond II, Herkimer, NY. Mid-Lakes Navigation offers one- Below, Judge Ben Wiles ▼ Fully-narrated historical cruise week or half-week charters on its through a lock. A must for the history Lockmaster. You pilot your narrow- buff. Discounted rates for private boat along the Erie Canal. Or take groups. Public cruises mid-May the Emita II and let someone else through mid-October. Twice daily, do the driving. Contact: 11 Jordan 1 and 3 p.m. Adults, $18; children 3- St., PO Box 61, Skaneateles, NY 10, $12. www.eriecanalcruises.com; 13152; 315-685-8500; 800-545- 315-717-0350.

Champlain Canal Tours is open May through October, 30-minute  Mid-Lakes Navigation’s mailboat waterfall tour or 30-minute Cham- on Skaneateles Lake plain Canal tour with locking at Lock 5. M/V Sadie and M/V CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

NEW YORK STATE The Colonial Belle has been pro- Corn Hill Navigation operates the Experience Lockport’s unique 2- viding Erie Canal boat cruises from historic Erie Canal packet boat the hour cruise which includes "locking mid-May through October for 20+ Sam Patch on the Erie Canal, and the through" and being raised the 49 ft. years. Come aboard in Fairport, historic wooden vessel the Mary elevation of the Niagara Escarpment NY, just 20 minutes from Roches- Jemison on the Erie Canal arm of the in the only double set of locks on the ter. Erie Canal Boat Tour, 400 Genesee River in Rochester. Both Erie Canal. Pass under bridges that Packett's Landing, Fairport, NY operate May-Oct, with daily public raise straight up, see water cascade 14450. For more information, call cruises and private charters. Daily over Lockport's famous "Flight of 585-223-9470. 3 tours daily, Tues- cruises offered at noon, 2, and 4; Five" 1840s locks, and travel through Sat.; 2 tours on Sun. weekend dinner cruises at 6:30. All the solid walls of the "rock cut." You www.colonialbelle.com. ▼ noon cruises offer a luncheon option can cruise one of the regularly sched- at additional cost. $13, adults; $10, uled cruise times available daily from students and seniors (65+), $6, chil- May 5 to October 14, or arrange dren ages 3-12. 585-262-5661 for special private charter times for your information and reservations. groups of 25 or more. Charter cruises www.samandmary.org. ▼ can travel east for a relaxing canal cruise or choose our regular cruise route which includes locking through. Call us to schedule a cruise! $16 adult; $8.50 ages 4-10. 1-800- 378-0352; 716-433-6155. At Camillus Erie Canal Park, www.lockportlocks.com. ▼ from May to October, board our turn-of-the-century excursion boat, Ontario, or the pontoon boat Camillus Erie, for a 2-mile, 45-minute trip across the newly- restored Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct. Dinner cruises leave from Devoe Road aboard the spacious Otisco. 5750 Devoe Road, Camillus, NY 13031; 315-488- 3409; www.eriecanalcamillus.com; [email protected]. ▼

At Rome Erie Canal Village, board the Chief Engineer of Rome for 40- The Rose Lummis dinner and tour minute cruise on the Enlarged Erie boat will cruise daily from the Canal. Late May through Labor Day. Wooden Duck by the Gazebo at the 5789 Rome-New London Road Port of Spencerport. See the beauty (Routes 46 & 49), Rome, NY 13440; of the Erie Canal from the dinner www.eriecanalvillage.net; 315-337- boat as you hear the amazing history 3999; [email protected]. of this waterway. Bon Voyage Ad- ventures, 558 Gillette Road, Spencer- ◄ port, NY 14559; 716-830-7555; ▼ www.roselummis.com. ▼

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PENNSYLVANIA Street between 14th and Dock streets. April, October, November, Friday- Sunday. May and September, Thurs- day-Sunday. June-August, Wednes- day-Sunday. For details, call 800-649 -2800 or 804-788-6466. Visit www.venturerichmond.com and click on Authentic Richmond Experiences.

▲ Ride the National Park Ser- GEORGIA vice’s mule-drawn excursion boat Charles F. Mercer, Chesapeake Enjoy a guided tour on a Petersburg and Ohio Canal NHP, 11710 Mac- replica canal cargo boat along the Arthur Blvd, Potomac MD 20854, ▲ Josiah White II operates on the Augusta Canal. One-hour tours near Great Falls. Apr: Thu-Sat and Lehigh Canal in Hugh Moore Park, several times daily ($12); three-hour May-Oct: Wed-Sun. Ranger-led, 1- Easton, PA. Memorial Day-Labor sunset cruises ($20). Daily, April- hour rides @ 11, 1:30 & 3. $5 for Day; weekends in May and Sept. Nov; Tues-Sat, Dec-March. Contact everyone aged 4 and over. To re- Closed Mondays, except holidays. Augusta Canal Boat Tours, 1450 serve space for 10 or more, call 301 40-minute rides begin at 11:30. Last Greene Street, Augusta, Georgia -767-3714. www.nps.gov/choh ride at 4. Sunday rides start at 1 pm. 30901; 706-823-0440; Admission includes the Emrick www.augustacanal.com. ▼ Technology Center. www.canals.org

▲ Ride the NPS’s mule-drawn freighter Georgetown on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP, 1057 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Boat rides on the Union Canal ▲ Washington, DC 20007. Apr: and through the tunnel are available Wed & Sun; May-Oct: Wed-Sun. ONTARIO, CANADA the 2nd and 4th Sundays, June- Ranger-led, 1-hour rides @ 11, October, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm at Cruise the Trent-Severn Water- 1:30 & 3. $5 for everyone aged 4 Lebanon, PA. On full moon nights, way and and over. Reserve space for 10 or rides are offered from 8 to 10 pm. $6, experience more @ 301-767-3714 or (after adults, $3, students 6-14; under 6, the Peter- April 1) 202-653-5190. free. For reservations: 717-272-6949 borough www.nps.gov/choh or 717-273-4115. Union Canal Days, Lift Lock a two-day celebration on May 19- 20, on Lift 2012, features music, food, crafts, Lock performers, and boat rides. The tun- Cruises. ► nel, a National Historic Landmark, Mid-May was completed in 1827. Walk on the to mid- towpath, picnic at the mouth of the October. tunnel, or climb the marked trails Please check the website for times. through the wooded hill adjacent to Adult, $19.50 +HST; Seniors/Youth, the canal. The park is open from ▲ Join Richmond Canal Cruises $17.50 + HST; Children (4-13), dawn to dusk. for an informative, 40-minute, his- $10.00 + HST; 3 and under, free. torically-narrated tour of the James 2-hour narrated sightseeing cruise. Dinner and cocktail cruises available. WASHINGTON, D.C., River and Kanawha Canal along Richmond’s historic Canal Walk. 1-888-535-4670; MARYLAND, VIRGINIA [email protected]; (next column) Covered boats depart on the hour from the Turning Basin on Virginia www.liftlockcruises.com

DRAGONFLY COMPLETES this past week, for the same prob- protected waters of the Intracoastal ITS 2011 TOUR OF THE lem: bits of plant matter, floating in and out into the open ocean. There's the Delaware River, clogged the no other way to get to New York and GREAT LOOP cooling water intakes. (Officials the Hudson River. As we were leav-

call the problem "grassing.") ing Manasquan inlet, four guys on a April 27—One of the challenges of April 30—First, our whereabouts: sportfishing boat passed us, close and this trip is taking our boat where We're headed north to Manasquan. fast. "I admire your green-ness!" one canal boats were never supposed to If all goes well, we'll go guy yelled. "Hey, at least YOU qual- go. Like 50 miles down Delaware "outside" (into the open Atlantic!) ify for the carpool lane!" Cap replied. Bay. We had a grueling day yester- on Sunday and cross to New York Feeling queasy at the thought of our day: left early, spent long hours in the Harbor. Then Monday, we'll cruise passage? Experts recommend you fog; arrived in Cape May late, after up the Hudson to dock at the 79th take Dramamine at least half an hour long hours bouncing over the big St. Boat Basin. But weather can before embarking on an ocean rollers coming in from the Atlantic. change--and so can this plan! voyage. Woke up bone tired, as if we'd run a Earlier this week we spent two days Today is May 1st. May Day. May- marathon. windbound in Atlantic City. Stuck day. That's a phrase we hope to avoid April 28—We're anchored in Ocean our nose out Friday and bounced saying! We're humming "Born to City, New Jersey today, after a wild north up Barnegat Bay to dock in Run" as our canal boat cruises past and windy ride north up the New Jer- Forked River, NJ (say "FORK-ed," Asbury Park, headed for Sandy sey Intracoastal Waterway from Cape two syllables, or they'll know you're Hook, NJ, and then . . . New York May. Early Monday we were coast- from away). One aid to navigation: Harbor. Sportfishing boats are zip- ing down Delaware Bay with blue The more-than-300-foot-tall vent- ping past us. Offshore we can see skies overhead but deep fog all ing stack of the Oyster Creek nu- tankers and cargo barges on a parallel around. And our tour of eastern clear plant. course. Jumbo jets lumber overhead. nuclear plants continued! The cloud May 1—Yesterday, SlowBoat A helicopter hovers near the Atlantic of steam from the Salem Nuclear made it safely through what our Highlands. And the radio is crack- Plant bulged above the rim of fog. guidebooks call (I am quoting ex- ling, as the Coast Guard announces, The Salem complex includes two actly) THE MOST DANGEROUS "All stations, all stations, motor ves- nuclear reactors. Another reactor is SPOT ON THE INTRACOASTAL sel Blackberry Blackout has deployed being considered. About 5.5 million WATERWAY!!!! The precise spot: an EPIRB (emergency transponder), people live within 50 miles of this A blind right-angle turn--in strong be on the lookout, and be prepared to facility. (Did you notice that some currents and high boat traffic-- offer assistance.” experts are recommending evacua- under a low railroad bridge in tion within a 50-mile radius of the But Dragonfly is taking the swells Manasqan, NJ. Piece o' proverbial Japanese plants?) These reactors like a champ. It's like bouncing on a cake. Today: The biggest challenge were shut down for a while in the trampoline in super slo-mo till you yet for a canal boat like ours. We're 1990s because of maintenance prob- can see distant fishing boats, from "goin' outside." Away from the lems. And they were shut down twice their waterlines all the way up to the tips of their radio antennas. Then, Doowwwwwwn . . and the curve of the earth hides the boat hulls, and all you can see are the spiky conning towers and bristly racks of fishing rods. May 2—If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that each day, reaching safe harbor, Cap and crew exchange high fives and say, with gusto, "We didn't sink the boat today!" And we didn't sink the boat today (though it WAS startling, at one point on our open ocean cross- ing, to climb the stairs from the boat's interior up to the stern deck. From this vantage you usually see blue skies, but the swells were so large, that view was blocked by a wall of

green water.) Now SlowBoat is safely anchored near the New Jersey shore with a stellar view of Lady Liberty's backside. Can you believe it? Me neither. Tomorrow we'll let the rising tide waft us up to the 79th Street Boat Basin, where we look forward to greeting some college classmates and a representative of the American Canal Society. We're approaching the Statue of Liberty. If you've been following along on our trip this afternoon, please join us in celebrating! May 2—Last night we dined in style. Not at an elegant New York City restaurant. Nope, we dropped anchor right by the Statue of Liberty. Our windows framed an elegant view Seen in NY: SlowBoat's dinghy is a high-performance rowboat. So we thought this boat was cool. of Lady Liberty's backside. Turns out, he's a Looper! That’s the main building at Ellis Island in the background. (Yes, you are allowed to anchor a boat near The Statue, and no, it's not wam," encouraging residents AND in America. Here's evidence of pro- because they finally got Bin Laden . . town government to adopt energy gress: A whole series of romance it's because we're a free society and conservation strategies. The novels that use the Lehigh Canal as that's how we roll.) goal was to reduce energy use by a the setting. (Paris? Forget Paris. So figure this! New York is a city full 20 percent. In Massachusetts, Nothing says romance like a couple of 8 million people, yet we were the towns that have an effective plan to o f m u l e s a n d a b a r g e . ) ONLY boat at the anchorage. meet this goal can receive "Green" May 18—We've spent a year giving May 9—SlowBoat is creeping slowly designation from the state, our canal boat an adventure, taking north up the Hudson River. There's becoming eligible for grants to her places canal boats never go. Out no rush because, once we pass move their plans forward. of sight of land in the Gulf of Mex- Albany, we leave the river to head Agawam later created an Energy ico. Racing down the fast currents of west on the Erie Canal . . . and the Commission to keep the ball rolling the Mississippi. Bucking the waves in Erie Canal is still closed due to flood- --and Dad was appointed a commis- Albemarle Sound. Through all that, ing. We stayed Thursday in New- sioner. We call him "The Com- she's enjoyed celebrity status. In burgh, NY. We're in Catskill, NY, mish." This kind of small-town ini- every port, she's the cutest boat on today and figuring out our next tiative is more common than you the dock--or at least, the most un- move. Check back later for details might think. Here in the Hudson usual. But the party's over. Today, about "Penguins in Bondage." Valley, a group called "Sustainable after touching in Albany, NY (to put May 11—Sunday, waiting for flood- Hudson Valley" has put forward the our guest boater Ally Berger, who's ing on the Erie Canal to subside be- "10 Percent Challenge," inviting been cruising with us from Catskill, fore moving farther north. communities and individuals to cut on a train home), we locked through We celebrated Mother's Day with a energy consumption 10 percent. in Troy, NY . . . and Dragonfly re- visit from the crew's parents, Jay and May 16—Cap and crew were in entered her home waters, the Erie Kitty Berger. It was a fitting bookend State College this weekend to Canal. Where canal boats are, um, to this trip. Exactly one year ago on attend Penn State graduation. practically common. There's one Mother's Day weekend, Jay and Kitty (We're now back on the boat, in sharing our dock here in Waterford. climbed aboard the Dragonfly for her Catskill, NY) As you know, we May 20—SlowBoat climbed the shake-down cruise on the Erie Canal. never miss a canal! So on our way flight of five locks at Waterford This past year, while we've been to Central PA we visited the old yesterday, gaining 170 feet in eleva- touring under solar power, Dad has Lehigh Canal in Easton, PA. tion and entering the Mohawk River. been working on energy conserva- (We also visited the National In mid-lockage, we picked up a tion, too. In the small Massachusetts Canal Museum! Did you know guest: local public radio reporter town where they live, he's a politi- that America has one?) Marie Cusick, who covers the inno- cally active guy, and a couple years By the way, you know we are eager vation-and-technology beat for ago he launched "Go Green Aga- to see canal boating go mainstream WMHT in Troy, New York.

It took a bit of strategizing to get water is high, if we're running short slim. Boating magazines are full of Marie on board, because (in the inter- of daylight, well, we don't take articles about "green" boats, sporting ests of safety) the canal system rule chances. So even though we began rooftop solar panels, auxiliary elec- is: Once your boat enters the flight of this adventure with just one week's tric propulsion motors, etc., but they locks, it must keep on going. But worth of boating experience, we've appear to be mostly: 1) as-yet unbuilt everything worked out. Marie was made it through a year on the water concept vessels, 2) small boats with mainly interested in our cool technol- without major mishaps. (Don't let limited ranges, or 3) fantastically ogy. But she also asked this question: me jinx it!) Yesterday, as the expensive "green" yachts with "Looking back on your trip, were you crew teetered on the boat's narrow gimmicks that don't begin to compen- ever scared?" It really made us think. side walkway, Cap reflected, sate for the enormous fuel-burning About that lock on the Trent-Severn "Hey, a whole year, and neither engines that drive the vessels most of where we exited into a fast current one of us has fallen in." the time. (Note: We have encoun- that pushed our boat toward a hydro But if we HAD fallen in, we tered a few noteworthy exceptions.) dam. "I honestly don't think a boat would have been good. Because we Commercially viable hybrid electric that slow can make it," said the lock- wear our life jackets consistently. boats are on their way, but in the tender. (Obviously, we did.) We may be crazy, but we're not meantime, let's compare Dragonfly Then there was the sudden lightning stupid. Tomorrow, May 21, marks with a popular hybrid road vehicle, storm on Lake Huron. (Thinking the start of National Safe Boating the Toyota Prius. Check out the table quickly, Cap lashed the boathook to Week. And if the National Safe below. the tiller to make it longer, so he Boating Council could give you just July 3—SlowBoat fans want to could step down inside the boat and one message, it would be this: Wear know, "What's the end of the story?" steer under cover.) How about the your life jacket. 80 percent of fatal In my last post, back in early June, time in South Carolina when we boating accidents are drownings. In the intrepid Dragonfly was holed up wrapped the anchor line around the 90 percent of those cases, the victim in Brewerton, NY. The Erie Canal prop shaft? (Cap stripped to his skiv- was jacketless. OK, end of lecture. was flooded by spring rains, and the vies and went over the side with a But seriously, wear the darn thing. locks were closed. Who knew when knife in his teeth. The crew did some And if you wrap a line around your the canal authority would reopen really expert worrying.) Thrilling prop, please, call a tow service! them? On June 1 the crew went home stories all. But bottom line, this trip June 1—SlowBoat is tied to the to State College, PA, to reenter the has been exceptionally placid. Scary lock wall in Baldwinsville, NY, "real world" and go back to work. moments were few and far between. waiting for the lock to open so she But Cap stayed with his ship. (That's We think a big reason is our extreme can complete her trip. Here's a word what captains do!) And when the caution. We don't take chances. We from the Captain: How does Drag- canal finally opened, intrepid nephew talk about how to handle problems onfly, a homebrew hybrid electric John Thomas came aboard as deck- before we encounter them. And we vehicle, stack up against the compe- hand, to help move the boat the final adhere to the boater's motto: "We tition? We've been eagerly watch- 80 miles to her home port at the Mid- have a plan, and we're NOT sticking ing for hybrid electric boats on this Lakes marina in Macedon, So now to it." If the forecast looks bad, if the trip, and the pickings have been we have come full circle: A 6,000- mile circumnavigation around eastern Factor Dragonfly Prius North America. We did it! It feels good! Model year 1990 2010 So what happens next? Well, yup, we Weight (lbs) 28,000 3,000 are keeping the boat. An adventure- Seats (driver and passengers) 8-10 5 travel book is in the works. We're Sleeps 7 0 thinking about downsizing to a home Engine (hp) 63 98 that runs on sustainable technologies. Motor (hp) 12 36 I don't want to miss the chance to Fuel consumption, engine only (mpg) 5-6 mpg N.A. thank you for riding along with us! It Fuel, consumption, engine only (gph) 1 gph N.A. can be lonely out there on the big Fuel consumption, engine-motor actual use (mpg) 10 mpg 50 mpg water. It was good to know you were Fuel consumption, engine-motor actual use (gph) 0.5 gph 1.0 gph there! If you're ever in upstate, let us know, and if we're up at the boat, Fuel storage 100 gal 12 gal we'll take you for a SlowBoat cruise. Range, engine-motor actual use 1000 miles 600 miles www.slowboatcruise.com Bathrooms 2 0

MAIN LINE MODELS The Main Line models are the the Hiester Canal Center (owned MOVED FROM largest items owned by PCS, and operated by Berks County) covering twenty-one feet in the models will be displayed in DOWNTOWN EASTON By Glenn Wenrich length when displayed as the the tandem format originally used “double header” combination on the Main Line Canal east of the Thanks to the efforts of Pennsyl- utilized in the real application. Allegheny Portage Railroad and vania Canal Society directors Bill Probably because of space limi- also on the Schuylkill Navigation Lampert and Bob Barth and the tations, these models have not System. The models, pictured at cooperation of the National Canal been shown as a tandem pair for their new location, were made in Museum, the two large Main Line many years. One section had 1889 by John Sheets. They were boat models have been moved been displayed in a side room at frequently used by the Boatmans from their previous location at the gift shop at Two Rivers, but Association, of which Howard Two Rivers Landing to a safe the other section was stored in Hiester was a member for many harbor in the Howard Hiester the basement for at least fifteen years. It seems appropriate that Canal Center in Reading. This years. The smaller items at Two the models have come back to join move was deemed the best Rivers have been moved to the hundreds of other 19th-century solution to the problem arising Emrick Center by the canal, canal artifacts on public display. from the loss of leased premises in which is now the new The Hiester Canal Center is lo- downtown Easton. address for PCS (mailing ad- cated just north of Reading on PCS owns approximately 70 dress: 2nd Floor, Emrick Tech- Route 183. The museum is open artifacts that were on display or in nology Center, 2750 Hugh from May 1st through October, 10 storage at the Center Square build- Moore Park Rd, Easton, PA am to 4 pm every day except ing, now totally leased by 18042). There was really no Mondays. For further information, Crayola. On short notice, PCS had room at the Emrick Center for call 610-374-8839 or email Glenn to find a home for those artifacts these large models. at [email protected]. and arrange for the move. Under a loan agreement with

New York State Canal Corridor. Mary-Ellen Barbeau, Oswego Conference— Save the Date The Governor's Luncheon and County Tourism; George Broad- Sunday September 30-Tuesday, most meetings will be held at the well, Broadwell Companies; Beth October 2, 2012, Oswego, NY new Conference Center due to Hilton, Greater Oswego Chamber open this spring. of Commerce; Mercedes Niess; H. The Canal Society of New York The afternoon features Mobile Lee White, Marine Museum; State looks forward to seeing you Workshops throughout the Dave Turner, Oswego County in Oswego this fall for the New Oswego area. Community Development, Tour- York State Canal Conference. Participants will join together ism & Planning. Here are some updates from the again at Bayshore's for a sunset Conference Committee - Planning Committee. Reception and Dinner on the Organizers/Sponsors: Kal Wy- Theme: "Where the Water Never lake shore. sokowski; Conference Chair, NYS Ends." The Canal Society of New Canal Society, Western Erie Canal Keynote Speaker: James M. York State will present its Spirit Alliance; John Callaghan, NY Clifton, Enterprise Manager, of the Canal Award this evening. State Canal Corporation; Tom British Waterways. Mr. Clifton Tuesday includes more break- Grasso, President, Canal Society will discuss the economic impact out sessions at the Conference of New York State; Sharon of canalside development and Center and a luncheon at the Leighton, NY State Canal Corpo- historic canal restoration. newly-restored Fort Ontario, ration; Bill Miles, Bergmann Breakout Session Topics: (within easy cannon fire of the Associates; Dave Kinyon, Canal TOURISM: Heritage Tourism, hotels) just up the hill from the Society, Spirit of the Canal Social Media, This Place Matters! harbor. Award, Rick Rivers, The Rivers HISTORY and EDUCATION: The Canal Corporation O r g a n i z a t i o n ; Connecting the New York State will present its Trail Tender Lori Solomon-Duell, Erie Canal- Canalway System to the World Award at this luncheon. way National Heritage Corridor; WHAT'S NEW ALONG THE Headquarters hotels are the Monika Salvage, Fairport Office CANAL?: Commercial Shipping, Econo Lodge Inn & Suites of Community + Economic Redevelopment Projects, "Good Riverfront (315-343-1600), Development. Night Irene" - a look at the New which is constructing its con- York State Canal System after nected Conference Center, and We gratefully acknowledge the Hurricane Irene. t h e B e s t W e s t e r n consultation and support of Dun- General Program Schedule: Hotel (800-780-7234). All facili- can Hay, National Park Service. Sunday afternoon and evening ties are on the Oswego River Plan to arrive in the early after- adjacent to Port of Oswego. Dear Readers, noon to join in the "Oktoberfest- This is a most accessible, If you know of any canal boat theme" community event along accommodating and attractive rides that we have omitted (p.3-6), the shores of the beautiful and location for our conference. please contact me with the infor- bustling Oswego Harbor. Enjoy Confirmed conference sponsors mation: 214 North Bridge Street, the band, the beer, and the boats! and exhibitors include: Somerville, NJ 08876; Participate in, or watch from New York State Canal Corpora- [email protected]; 908-722-7428. shore, the flotilla of public and tion; Port of Oswego; Brookfield Thanks so much. private vessels and, of course, the Power; Erie Canalway National On another topic, we are look- New York State Navy. Heritage Corridor; Greater ing for verification as to the first Also taking place in Oswego Oswego-Fulton Chamber of canal lock. Many sources say that this same weekend is the Pumpkin Commerce; Barton & Logudice; it was built in China, but what do Fest and 150-year Civil War Bergman Associates; Canal New our members say? commemoration at Fort Ontario. York; Mid-Lakes Navigation If you have news of any canal Monday's Opening Session will Co., Ltd. anywhere for publication in include presentations from the 2012 Local Host Planning American Canals, please send it Port of Oswego, New York State Committee: Host Committee: to me. Thanks so much. Canal Corporation, and the Erie Jonathan Daniels. Chair, Host Sincerely, Canalway National Heritage Committee, Port of Oswego; Linda J. Barth 11

CANAL BOAT ANNIE how she earned her living. Consid- CHICAGO SANITARY by Terry K. Woods ering her age and dimensions, it is AND SHIP CANAL not surprising to learn that she Reprinted from The Hoosier Packet, made what little money she needed NAMED TO NATIONAL July 2008; originally printed in the by selling fishnets and flowers. REGISTER OF The Canal Fulton Signal in 1972. Every nice day found Annie in HISTORIC PLACES Ohio’s canal era was dominated her rocker on the canal bank, weav- by hardworking, hard living men and ing nets or out in back of the boat, In January, the Chicago Sanitary women. One of the most colorful of tending her tiny garden of really and Ship Canal, which connects the the female canal characters has to be magnificent petunias, pansies, and Great Lakes to the Mississippi River Canal Boat Annie. marigolds. People were continually and made it possible to reverse the She was the daughter of a wealthy amazed at the beauty and size of her flow of the Chicago River, was Massillon, Ohio grain merchant and flowers. Her garden was right in the named to the National Register of quite a hellion in her youth — good- double gloom cast by the great Historic Places. looking and with an eye for the men. willow tree and an iron bridge The newly defined historic She was always hanging around the carrying the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne, district wends through portions of canal, flirting with the boatmen; she and Chicago Railroad across the Cook, DuPage, and Will counties and finally ran off with one. After that the canal and river. Still, the flowers includes dams, locks, control sta- folks in Massillon only saw her now flourished. tions, and spillways, according to and then as she passed through town Accounts of Annie’s disposition David Blanchette, spokesman for the on first one, then another canal boat. vary. There are some who say that Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Not much is known about her life on she was so badly teased and "It was a trend-setting construction the canal, but it must have been tormented by the local children that project," Blanchette said. "But it was fascinating. she took to hurling rocks and also a very forward-thinking project Time passed. Neither Annie nor obscenities at all who came unin- that combined ship access and the canal were young anymore, so vited to her property. Others insist sanitation." she decided to retire and come back that she was a kindly woman, loved On January 20 the National Park home to Massillon to live out her life. and adored by all the children in the Service approved the state's recom- There wasn’t much traffic on the neighborhood, and a “must” stop mendation to place the canal in the canal by that time, so it wasn’t too for a cookie and a cup of cider on register. The measure buttresses pro- difficult for her to acquire an old that long walk home from school. tections in place from the Illinois three-cabin freighter and fix it up into Whatever the true case, all Historic Preservation Agency, which a houseboat. accounts agree that when riled, her already had deemed the canal a A giant willow tree stood on the vocabulary could “tear the hide off historic resource. Significant changes bank of Wetmoore Creek above a mule.” to the system have to be reviewed by where it emptied into the Ohio & Annie is gone now, of course. that agency under state law. Erie Canal south of Massillon. Annie Passed away quietly we imagine Completed in the first decade of the anchored the boat under this tree and just before the 1913 flood. Her 1900s, the canal was the largest there she spent the rest of her days. houseboat survived but a short public works project ever undertaken Most eyewitness accounts of while longer. The flood saw to that. at the time and various equipment Canal Boat Annie come from the There wasn’t much left in the and techniques used in its construc- 1907-13 period. She was in her late Tuscarawas River. One boat that tion were later used in other large 60s by then, a big woman whose had been tied north of Cherry Street projects, such as the Panama Canal. figure was once described: “like a was swept away by the rising But it was not without controversy. balloon with a string tied around the waters and caught and crushed by Waste that had previously gone into middle.” With this physique, it’s not the Main Street bridge. Annie’s Lake Michigan instead flowed down too hard to understand why Annie’s boat was never seen and may be the Des Plaines, Illinois and Missis- habit of running around her house- free yet, somewhere. sippi rivers past other towns and boat in the nude made a lasting Annie would have liked that. cities. By digging a 28-mile canal impression on a young newsboy who, You couldn’t catch or crush her, between the Chicago and Des Plaines for the rest of his life, delighted in either. A woman who wouldn’t fit rivers, engineers also breached the telling of his one meeting with Canal into the accepted mold, she chose natural barrier between the Atlantic Boat Annie. her life. And when that didn’t turn Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, creat- Of course, Annie wasn’t too out to be all she might have hoped ing an avenue for invasive species to highly thought of by a particular class for, she accepted it without blaming move between different water- of people in town, and local gossips others, a true “character” of the sheds. were always starting rumors about Ohio & Erie Canal. 12

In recent years, a group of Great Modern reenactment of poling a boat Lakes states has been trying to on the Santee Canal. Photo courtesy of have Chicago-area shipping locks the Old Santee Canal Park closed to stop Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan. A report more simply, the Santee Canal) last month by a coalition of Great was a privately built work con- Lakes states and cities also structed between 1793 and 1800. explored strategies for installing It has been called “the grandest permanent barriers in the Chicago work of internal improvement waterway system that would that had been attempted in all re-reverse the flow of the Chicago America.” Hundreds of slaves River. from nearby plantations toiled at hard labor for seven years with Chicago Tribune picks, shovels and wheelbarrows February 17, 2012 to bring the waterway into being. At the end of 1793 a workforce of roughly 1,000 slaves was wages their slaves earned for them engaged in the undertaking. It from the canal company helped IN THE BEGINNING had been difficult gathering the them through hard times. After the by Stephen Skye necessary workers since the canal was completed in 1800, the The following article was authored by planters were busy shifting their canal company was authorized to Stephen Skye, president and historian of crops to cotton from indigo and have 300 slaves on hand to clean the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation. It is extracted from his were reluctant to send their out the canal every summer and forthcoming book on the D&H Canal and slaves to work on the canal. put it in good order for the next the financial and commercial world of Since the subsidy paid by the boating season which started in 19th century America. It first appeared in British government for the October. his museum’s newsletter, Towpath. growing of indigo had The canal cost just over The Erie Canal and its privately disappeared with American $650,000 to build and was capital- built brethren, the anthracite independence, the planters of the ized, it seems, somewhat higher. canals, did not simply spring fully Santee basin were forced to Much of the money to build the formed from the American switch to a more profitable crop. canal came from the sale of shares engineering mind. Rather, they Eli Whitney’s newly patented in the canal company as well as had a long pedigree in the canals cotton gin arrived on the scene repeated assessments against these of Europe. In fact, the Erie Canal just in time to save these shares. Some slave holders even brought over engineers from Great farmers’ plantations. White met their assessments by hiring Britain to help design and build laborers avoided the work since their slaves out to the canal the great New York canal. Two they did not want to work in the company. The state legislature significant canals, the Santee- hot, disease ridden swamps in also authorized a canal company Cooper Canal in South Carolina the summer. By 1796 the lottery in 1796 to help raise funds and the Middlesex Canal in Mas- number of workers had declined for the work. The finished sachusetts, completed early in the to 700. In 1793 two-thirds of the waterway was 22 miles long, had 19th century before the great canal laborers were women. Later, in 10 locks and is reputed to be the boom swept America, were also 1800 the “hirers” were insisting country’s first summit canal. In predecessors to the Erie and the that half the laborers be women. this regard the Santee Canal (as anthracite canals. At the time Many of these people were a well as the Middlesex) helped these two were the largest canal type of corvée worker, laborers blaze a trail that the anthracite projects undertaken in the young whose work was taken instead of canals followed. The canal linked country. We know that engineers taxes, since their labor the Cooper and Santee rivers and for the Erie Canal even visited the represented a tax on their owners shortened the time it took to carry Middlesex Canal when the New who would benefit from the produce from the Santee basin to York project got underway. canal. For other planters, the the port of Charleston. It also The Santee-Cooper Canal (or 13 helped connect the new state capital at Columbia on the Santee River system with Charleston on the Cooper. Columbia had been created by the state legislature in March, 1786, the same time that the Santee Canal Company was chartered, and was one of America’s first planned cities. The new capital along with the Santee Canal helped open up central South Carolina and stands as an early example of the American method of development. The canal also was a boon to Charleston’s commerce since it reduced the cost of shipping agricultural Its purpose was to connect the of Lowell developed into the products from the interiors of Merrimack River to Boston leading cotton-textile manufactur- North and South Carolina through harbor. The canal ran from ing center of the country. In fact, the port. The city was a major Charlestown on Boston harbor to very quickly the entire Merrimack American center of commerce and Chelmsford, bordering present Valley sprouted mill cities along the Santee Canal helped keep the day Lowell, Massachusetts, on the river’s length. The reduction cost of the goods shipped from the Merrimack River. The result in transportation costs brought on Charleston competitive. It also was to open central New Hamp- by the completion of the Middle- helped bring prosperity to the shire to trade with Boston and to sex Canal encouraged the rise in “upcountry” and became a great give the area where present day manufacturing along the Merri- unifier of the state. Lowell is situated a direct mack. At the same time that the connection to Boston harbor. Whilst the Middlesex Canal Santee Canal was being built in Since the completion saw the helped foster New England’s the South, the Middlesex Canal shipment of Merrimack Valley industrial revolution, the Santee was under construction in New products through the port of Canal supported the newly England. The Middlesex Canal Boston, the canal had a signifi- emergent cotton industry of the was built between 1793 and 1803 cant impact on the prosperity Santee basin. Two archetypical by workers drawn from many enjoyed by Boston and the sur- 19th century American industries small villages in the interior of rounding region. Of all of the were fostered by our country’s Massachusetts and New Hamp- state’s canals, it alone had the first two major canals. The story shire though some workers were singular distinction of advancing of these waterways very quickly obtained from a growing pool of Boston’s interests. became the story of early 19th Irish immigrants. The canal had a Like the city of Columbia on century America. It is interesting capitalization of $444,000 and, the Santee, Lowell was a to note that the very same cotton when fully complete in 1803, had planned city with a charter from that brought good fortune to the a cost $536,000. The difference the state. The city has been Santee planters could also be between the capital raised through called America’s “first planned found on the wharves and in the stock sales and the cost to build industrial town”. The industrial textile mills of Lowell. The same the canal was made up with such energy for this great center was bale of cotton that had passed devices as lotteries. The canal, supplied by the powerful flow of through the Santee Canal may like the Santee, was a summit the Merrimack River. With the have also been carried over the canal and has been called “at the opening of the Middlesex Canal, Middlesex. The Santee and time the most considerable canal an easy route to Boston harbor Merrimack basins, along with in the United States.” It initially was created. In the 1820’s the their signature canals, were tightly ran for 27 miles and had 20 locks. area that would become the city connected in a web of commerce

14 founded on cotton. ing the reach of their port cities WORLD CANALS Compare, for a moment, the of Charleston and Boston CONFERENCE IN Northern workforce of individual respectively. On the other hand, GRONINGEN farmers who built the Middlesex the Erie and the anthracite canals Story and photos by Dave Johnson Canal to the enslaved Southern were, in general, much longer crews who worked on the Santee. and comparatively much more The 2011 World Canals Though both canals were similar expensive. An itinerant work- Conference (WCC) was held in in size, entirely different arrange- force was employed in their September at Groningen, The ments were employed in fielding construction crews. The anthra- Netherlands. During the week, work teams. This is reflective of a cite canals were meant to trans- delegates visited canals through- very broad distinction between port one product, coal, to a out the northern provinces of Northern and Southern societies. growing market in New York Drenthe, Friesland, and Gronin- Southern agrarian society was and Philadelphia. The Erie was gen. The conference was very hierarchical, dominated by a meant to open up the vast inte- well organized, the speakers were planter class. Slaves did almost all rior of the North American con- interesting, and support—from the work on the canal, and the ca- tinent. The goals of the Erie and field trips to meals—was nal company even owned 60 anthracite canals were much smoothly and efficiently managed. slaves who possessed valuable more ambitious than the more The host, WCC2011, is a consor- skills, such as bricklaying, which modest goals of the Santee and tium created to organize the was useful for the canal locks. Middlesex canals. What we see Groningen conference and to On the other hand, workers for the here is a change from a tradi- stimulate and maintain the interest Middlesex canal were drawn from tional method of construction on in the many canals in the the class of yeomen farmers who a moderate scale to a more mod- Netherlands. The main sponsors inhabited the region. Though ern form akin to the large public included the Dutch Cultural “native laborers” preferred agri- works projects we are familiar Heritage Agency, the Agenda of cultural work, the higher wages with today. Both the Santee and the Fen Communities, provincial offered by canal work enticed the Middlesex canals were built authorities of the three provinces, many workers into seasonal canal at a time when domestic canal and regional canal projects and work. Especially when confronted building skills were almost non- water boards. by economic misfortune, canal existent. Struggling financially The extensive canal network work supplemented work on the for significant periods of time, farm and helped pay off the farm the two early canals never really and taxes. These independent enjoyed substantial profitability workers, farm owners and and both ceased operations after common laborers alike, had a about 50 years. The Erie and choice of where to work and anthracite canals were much labored for the Middlesex Canal more successful and lasted only when it suited their needs. In considerably longer. In nearly all contrast the enslaved workers of cases they lasted until the end of the Santee Canal had no choice the century and frequently and would have preferred any beyond. The era of large other work than toiling in the engineering projects started with fever ridden swamps of the Santee the Erie Canal and those canals basin in the summer. it, in effect, spawned, and The Santee and Middlesex continues to this day. Neverthe- canals were relatively short and of less, the Santee and Middlesex rather moderate cost. They were canals were great pioneers that both built by workers from the led the way for all that followed. area, and both were intended to open up commerce with the interior of their regions by extend- A boatman taking his craft through the lock on the Apeldoorn Canal. 15

quality. About fifty speakers were on the program. Because the tracks ran concurrently, delegates sometimes had to make difficult choices of which presentations to attend. The closing plenary session on Thursday morning was the occasion for the promulgation by Prof. Schouten and IWI President Ballinger of the Groningen Declaration. The document was written by the boards of WCC2011 and Inland Waterways International. The purpose is to broaden the interest in canals worldwide by establishing guide- lines of integrated care for canals Sailboat tied up at the Veen Park. and the chairman of the Dutch that have ceased to provide was the lifeline of the northern R ecr eat i onal W at erw a ys economically viable transportation Netherlands. Initially, this infra- Foundation. but still have potential value. structure was built for the The title of this year’s These may be controlled by reclamation of land from the sea conference was Waterways— custodians whose interest may be and subsequently for transporta- Ways of Value. The Tuesday, limited to a single use, e.g., water tion. It was particularly related to Wednesday, and Thursday storage, transport, quality, the large-scale peat extraction that sessions offered panel presenta- management, or recreation. The had taken place since the Middle tions on many subjects. These objective of the declaration is to Ages. As the peat bogs were were organized by tracks: stimulate those with such exhausted, the underlying land economy and tourism; ecology, fragmented interests to coordinate was converted to agriculture. With water management, and their efforts to integrated develop- the evolution of road traffic, conservation; heritage protection ment of inland waterways. bridges and the increasing bulk of and redevelopment; planning For most delegates, the high- vessels made many of those canals and revitalization; and technol- The 1952 Princess Beatrix Locks obsolete. However, beginning in ogy, infrastructure, and water on the Lek Canal. the 1970s, recreational boating became a significant economic factor in revitalizing old waterways. In addition, the canals remain essential to draining excess water from the low-lying lands known as polders. At the opening plenary session on Monday morning, Professor Frans Schouten, conference chairman, and Dave Ballinger, president of Inland Waterways International, welcomed the delegates. Additional welcoming remarks were made by the mayor of Groningen, the director of the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency,

16 lights of the annual conferences are the field trips to visit historic or working canal sites in the region. On Monday afternoon, delegates traveled by coach to the province of Drenthe, where canals originally built for peat transportation have been redeveloped for recreational use. Visits included the village of Ter Apel and the Stads Compascuum Canal. At Bargercompascuum, the delegates traveled by boat to the Veenpark (Fen Park), a 160–hectare outdoor museum featuring an historical village and peat moor. The tour continued to a new canal under construction that will connect the Canal scene in Groninen. Veenpark to the Bladderswijk, rivers.) All three groups came which is expected to be opened in together in the town of Grou the border with Germany. The 2013. The visit included construc- for dinner, which was served drainage sluice discharges excess tion sites for a double-staircase on a boat cruising the Friesian water from large parts of the lock with a five-meter lift and a lakes. provinces of Groningen and new lock with water-saving Following the closing Drenthe into the Dollard (a bay basins. plenary session on Thursday between northern Netherlands and On Wednesday the delegates morning and luncheon at the Germany). Drainage can only take were divided into three groups for conference center, the place at low tide. Approximately tours in the province of Friesland. delegates were again divided nine million cubic meters of One group visited the Polder- for visits to sites in the water can be discharged daily. hoofdcanal; the second went to the province of Groningen. Operation of the process is new Galamadammen aqueduct Among the sites visited by one completely automated; the and Stavoren locks; and the third of the groups was the Nieuwe computer calculates how much to see the aqueducts in Sneek. Statenzijl sluices, built in water is to be discharged and (Dutch aqueducts usually carry 1991, located at the northeast- regulates the opening and closure the waterway over highways, not ern tip of the Netherlands, on of four sluice boxes. The complex also includes a lock to pass ships up to 8.5 meters wide by 70 meters long. A two-day post-conference tour was held on Friday and Saturday. About fifty delegates traveled by coach along the Drentseoofdvaart and Apeldoorn canals. After luncheon hosted by the Apeldoorn Canal Foundation and city council, the tour continued to the province of Utrecht. The afternoon highlight was the visit to the Princess Beatrixsluizen

Winch for operating lock gates Photo by Dave Johnson 17

network with their counterparts in similar organizations and with professional park and waterway managers. It has grown from a small symposium for U. S. and Canadian historic canal park managers into a forum for advocates, historians, and managers of canals and waterways worldwide, dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of these resources through the exchange of information, education, and increased public awareness of their value. This was the twenty-fourth annual event in the series, which began in 1988. Windmill at Zaanse Schans Museum. Over 160 people attended the This September, the World Canals conference. While approxi- Conference will be in Asia for the locks at Vreeswijk, on the mately half of them were Dutch, first time, when it will be held in Lekkanaal, the shipping route there were delegates from six- Yangzhou, China. The 2013 between the Amsterdam - teen other countries including conference is scheduled for Rijnkanaal and the River Lek. Belgium, Canada, China, Croa- Toulouse, France. These locks, with vertical lift tia, France, Germany, Ireland, The WCC Steering Committee, gates, were built in 1952. The Italy, New Zealand, Norway, composed of chairmen of past day’s tour ended with a visit to the Russia, Serbia & Montenegro, conferences, was formally office of Rijkswaterstaat for a talk South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the organized in 1997 to select hosts on management of the main United Kingdom. About twenty- and sites for future WCCs. In waterways network for commer- six delegates represented the 2008, oversight of the conference cial navigation and a reception United States. was assumed b y Inl and beside the canal. The World Canals Conference Waterways International. IWI was On Saturday, the tour visited the provides an opportunity for founded in 1996 and has grown to historic steam-driven De Cruquius volunteers and members of Boatman taking his vessel (see p. 15) pumping engine, built in 1849 to historical societies to meet and through the lock on the Apeldoorn Canal. drain the Haarlemmermeer. It remained in operation until 1932, when the boilers were removed. The building was preserved as a museum. The pumps were reacti- vated this year, but, alas, are now electrically powered. At Zaandam, the group boarded a waterbus to enjoy lunch while cruising along the Zaan River, past historic windmills and industrial sites to the Zaanse Schans Museum (see photo above). The tour ended at Schiphol Airport, where some of the tourists took flights for home, and others the train to Amsterdam, where further adventures awaited.

BOOK SHELF TREMBLING IN THE BALANCE The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal During the Civil War By Timothy R. Snyder Reviewed by David G. Barber

A quick look at a map shows that the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was right in the middle of the Civil War and was the most impacted of any canal. But, very little has been written about this piece of canal history. Not only did the canal company have to absorb and recover from the attentions of both armies, including the destruction and confiscation of its assets, but it had to endure the floods of the Potomac Valley and the politics of Maryland and the federal government. Despite these, the canal served to carry union military supplies to and from the front and grain and coal from Cumberland and southern Maryland to Washington to supply the capital and the navy. The author presents a through discussion of the war years and events. He begins with a short history of the canal to set the scene and then follows with a much more detailed discussion of the events during the war years. He also points out that the canal company was never paid for the use of the canal or damages caused by union and southern forces despite the fact that the competing and parallel Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was. At the conclusion is a brief summary of the canal’s history since the war. I found it a very interesting read of how the company and the boatmen carried on in very dangerous times. The book is available through Amazon.

GRONINGEN (concluded) THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL

include waterway authorities, Take a tour of this historic canal through the words and camera of societies, museums, and individu- photographer Joseph P. Balynas. In The Illinois and Michigan Canal: als in seventeen countries. Its A Photographic Journey each color photograph is accompanied by a aims include encouraging the short but informative caption, detailing interesting facts about the canal proper management, protection, and the areas through which it passes. improvement, and creation of wa- The I&M Canal was completed in 1848 and was partly responsible terways; cooperation between for the growth of Chicago, Illinois. Closed and abandoned in 1933, it’s nations and organizations; and locks (with the exception of Lock 5) are still visible today. education on their economic, Joseph P. Balynas has been a photo enthusiast for over thirty years. recreational, and environmental His work ranges from importance. nature to city photogra- The current president of IWI phy. An avid cyclist, is Dave Ballinger, retired director Joe has raced for five of operations of the Rideau Canal years. He is married and and active in the WCC since has one son. 1990. The immediate past presi- The book may be dent is Tom Grasso, president of purchased from the Canal Society of New York www.blurb.com/ State and chair of the 2000 and bookstore/ 2010 WCCs held in Rochester. detail/2984749

We will print the Groningen Declaration in the summer issue.

History Buff Unearths its construction, and built it. roughly the same period as the Documents About Windsor So Christopher Kervick, a Windsor Locks Canal. Locks Canal local attorney and history buff, Although many of the papers was delighted when he stumbled related to White's other projects, a by KIM VELSEY across a large cache of the sizable stack documented details [email protected] papers of chief engineer Canvass about the Windsor Locks canal, The Hartford Courant White during a trip to the one of the famed engineer's March 2, 2012 Cornell University library. smaller projects. (White also “Every document I turned created a specialized hydraulic Over the years, many details over was a ‘holy cow!’ moment cement that was adopted by many about the construction of the for me,” said Kervick, who gave engineers and contractors, Windsor Locks Canal have been a presentation on his discoveries although few paid for the pleasure lost, forgotten, or misplaced. at the Windsor Locks library on and the patent went largely Besides the local lore and stories February 29. unenforced). passed down from one generation White was a well-known Although White's name has long to the next, there are surprisingly engineer who learned his trade been attached to the Windsor few facts about the canal's con- on the Erie Canal and would Locks Canal, it was unknown struction and some sizable gaps, later go on to be chief engineer whether the design came from among them who reall y of the Delaware Canal and the White or an underling. His papers engineered the canal, supervised Lehigh Canal and one of the leave no doubt — the canal was engineers of the Union Canal — White's doing. Among the Photo courtesy of Elias Friedman the latter two finished during documents Kervick unearthed was

a Connecticut River Co. contract work of contractors, including Thanks to ACS Director Bob awarding White $2,000 for his many locals, who provided the Sears for sending this article. services, followed by subsequent labor. As in modern times, not correspondence outlining possible all were reliable—the documents Ed. note: Canvass White was plans for the canal and their costs. include letters about a string of the chief engineer for the Built between 1827 and 1829 as Suffield contractors who were Delaware and Raritan Canal a private business venture, the fired for failing to complete their in New Jersey. He passed away canal allowed boats to bypass the work. Enfield rapids, a tricky section (on There was even a love story. in 1834, just as the canal opened the Connecticut River) that before Edwin Douglass, the canal's and was succeeded by Ashbel its construction had been avoided onsite engineer and White's Welch of Lambertville, New by way of an overland route or by protégée, met and married local Jersey. pushing flatboats up the rapids. woman Harriet Clark Dexter Cargo was unloaded at Warehouse during construction. Douglass CANALENDER

Point in East Windsor, a spot that later founded, with his brother- April 13-May 24—LaSalle, Illinois- took its name from its role in the in-law, a local paper mill that The Way We Worked, a Smithsonian early trade route. would go on to become exhibition and 4 local exhibits open The canal was one of a handful Ahlstrom before returning to in April throughout LaSalle County. in the state and extended freight engineering and designing the Exhibit explores how work became routes for farmers. It found new famous switchback gravity rail- such a central element in American life after the railroad made it road in Pennsylvania. culture and traces the many changes obsolete for transport, providing Kervick, who is working on a that affected the workforce and work hydropower for factories and mills book about the canal, said that environments. The exhibition draws that sprang up alongside it. his real love is researching the from the National Archives’ rich Kervick found that engineers Irish laborers who worked on the photographic collections to illustrate how work has shaped our modern including White drew up five canal. But while information on society and built communities. Ot- different plans—involving the men can be scarce, White's tawa Historical and Scouting Heri- proposals for both the east and historical stature meant there tage Museum. Admission: $3 for west sides of the river—before the was quite a bit of material. adults and $2 for youth. The four company adopted White's final Kervick stumbled on informa- concurrent additional exhibits in plan. A key aspect of the final tion about the Cornell archive LaSalle County include: design and one reason for the while doing online research and “Waterways that Work,” at Lock 16 canal's longevity was White's took some time off to visit the Center, 754 First Street, LaSalle, IL decision to use stone locks rather library. He said the documents explores the coming of the I&M than wood and to line the sides of gave him “hundreds of more Canal, the Cal-Sag Channel, the Chi- the canal in stone. leads to follow,” so he doesn't cago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and how the Illinois Waterway helped The decision to use stone was expect to finish his research define work in LaSalle County. likely spurred by the fact that anytime soon. Not that he minds. “The Way LaSalle County Worked” steamboats would traverse the “It was a treasure trove of exhibit at the LaSalle County Histori- canal, rather than boats pulled by information,” said Kervick. cal Society, 202 E. Canal Street, more gentle mules, Kervick said. “I can't say it was never known, Utica, IL. Take a self-guided tour of But the result was a long-lasting but it hasn't been known for work in LaSalle County at the remnant of the town's industrial many years, so it was pretty cool LaSalle County Historical Society. past, whereas many other mud- to find.” Featuring 10 exhibits about LaSalle walled canals have since County industries. collapsed. http://www.courant.com/ “The Way Peru Worked” exhibit at Also included in the papers community/windsor-locks/hc- the Peru Pubic Library, 1409 11th Street, Peru, IL. Take advantage of were sketches, measurements, windsor-locks-canal-discoveries- this opportunity to explore a portion lists, and letters that show the 0... 04-Mar-12 of the Peru Library’s local history progression of work, counts of collection. laborers, and names of the patch- “The Way We Worked Locally” at the Ottawa Historical and Scouting 21

VINGAGE MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL PROFILE MAP ON SALE

The Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association (MECCA) has restored and reproduced a Profile and Map of the Miami and Erie Canal (above and on next page) and the publication is available for sale. The 9” x 38” map on white stock paper indicates lock number elevations, lakes, and the water supply system and distances on the canal. The map is available for $10 at the MECCA office and the Lockkeeper’s House in New Bremen, Ohio. The map can be mailed to you for an additional $3. Just send a check to MECCA, P.O. Box 246, New Bremen, Ohio 45869. For additional information, contact [email protected].

Heritage Museum, 1100 Canal Street, the parking lot to Winn Street and April 20-22—The Pennsylvania Ottawa explores the way Ottawa return. The second will proceed Canal Society’s spring field trip worked. north from the parking lot behind will explore the Delaware and the Baldwin Mansion, now a Chi- Hudson Canal. Contact: Bill April 13-15—Canal Society of nese restaurant. (For more informa- Lampert, [email protected]. Indiana 30th Anniversary Tour, tion please contact Roger Hagopian April 21—C&O Canal’s Annual Batesville, IN. Bus & Whitewater (781-861-7868) or Robert Winters Douglas Memorial Hike, featuring Valley RR tour of Whitewater Canal (robert@middlesexcanal. org). locks and dam (Connersville to the Seneca to White’s Ferry area. Brookville). Visit Whitewater Canal April 19 - The National Canal Contact Dorothea Malsbary at headquarters, Gateway Park, Yellow- Museum Spring Lecture Series in [email protected]. cooperation with the Pennsylvania bank Lock 21, railroad shops, and April 28—Schuylkill Canal Asso- Canal Society. Prof. Henry Schmidt yard. Meals at historic Laurel Hotel ciation and its partners, the Phoe- will show railroads and the Bethle- and Sherman House. Teddy Roose- nixville Green Team, the Phoenix hem Plant of the Bethlehem Steel velt reenactor on NY and Panama Iron Canal & Trail Association and Corporation. He was part of a team canals. Bob & Carolyn Schmidt, ind- the Chester County Parks Depart- that worked for the Canal Museum [email protected]. ment presents the Schuylkill River to record the Bethlehem Plant. His Shad Festival 2012, 11 to 5 at Lock April 15—The Old Middlesex show represents the best of almost a 60 on the Schuylkill Canal, Mont Canal Walk: see two watered sec- decade of efforts. Emrick Technol- Clare, PA. SCA will present a pro- tions of the canal in Woburn ogy Center, 2750 Hugh Moore Park . Meet gram related to the history & heri- Road, Easton, Pa. Admission, $5, at 1:30 pm at the parking lot behind tage of the Schuylkill Navigation. members; $7, non-members. 7:30 the Woburn Cinemas, off Route 38, www.schuylkillcanal.com just south of Route 128 (I-95) at Exit PM. For more information, call the 35. The first segment will proceed museum at 610-991-0503. May 4-6—Virginia Canals & south along the watered canal from Navigations Society Annual Canal 22

Conference, Covington, VA. Come more details. celebrate the bicentennial of Chief Justice John Marshall’s 1812 survey June 30—Canal Society of New over the Alleghany (sic) Mountains Jersey, Waterloo Canal Day at to connect navigation on the James Waterloo Village. Music, boat River with the Ohio River via the rides, games, displays, tours. 10- Kanawha Canal. This route would 5. Free; donations welcome. ultimately become the C&O Railway. Also Canal Heritage Days The Virginia Canal & Navigation will be held at Waterloo on the Society (VC&NS) and the C&O 2nd and 4th Saturdays in July, (Railway) Historical Society & Ar- August, September, and Octo- chives are partners for this grand b e r . B r i a n M o r r e l l , event. Phil de Vos, [email protected] or [email protected]. www.canalsocietynj.org.

May 5—Bus tour along the D&R September 14-16—Tour of the Canal in Somerset County, NJ, run Hennepin, America’s first by the Heritage Trail Association. concrete canal; headquartered in $10 per person. Register at the Heri- Moline, Illinois; dinner cruise tage Trail, 732-356-8856 or visit aboard the Celebration Belle on the Mississippi River; locks and www.heritagetrail.org.Canal lift bridges. Bob & Carolyn enthusiasts Bob and Linda Barth will Schmidt, [email protected]. lead the tour, with stops at Griggstown and Kingston. September 25-27—World Canals Conference, Yangzhou, June 24—6th Annual Hennepin China. www.worldcanals Hustle 5K Run/Fun Walk along the conference.org; http:// Hennepin Canal Parkway in Colona, yangzhou.jiangsu.net. IL, 8 am. To register online, visit www.friends-hennepin-canal.org and September 30-Oct 2— New click on Events. $22 until June 18th York State Canal Conference, After June 18th and race day, $25. Oswego, New York. For updates, check www.new yorkca- June 24—Schuylkill Canal Asso- nals.org and see the article on th ciation’s 30 Canal Day celebration. page 11. Visit www.schuylkillcanal.com for

NEW HOPE FOR electricity needed to run the wa- area's history and to take in the RESTORING WATER TO ter pump in the spring, Delaware Canal's scenery. HISTORIC CANAL summer, and fall to keep the wa- The attraction harkened back to ter flowing through the the 19th century when mule- phillyBurbs.com. by Amanda Cregan borough's section of the canal. pulled barges* were used to shut- Staff Writer. March 8, 2012 The electricity would cost t l e goods f rom upri ver approximately $1,200 to $1,500 communities into Philadelphia. A group of New Hope residents monthly. Extra funds are also In 2006, the tourist operation is hoping that water will again needed for contractors to clear closed. flow in the Delaware Canal. out overgrown vegetation in the In recent years, floods have rav- Spurred by the recent purchase canal. aged the 60-mile canal, which of the Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope for Our Canal is stretches from Bristol to Easton, the New Hope for Our Canal hoping donors will step forward and millions have been spent to group formed in January with the to raise the funds needed to get restore the historic, inland aim of aiding the borough's the project started and maintain waterway. revitalization by returning water it for a few years until more If funds are raised, the pump to the historic canal. established resources are in could be installed and water could “Whether you're a merchant, a place. b e f l o w i n g a g a i n b y resident or a tourist — whatever The water would be pumped August at the earliest, said Dalton, reason brings you to New Hope from the Center Bridge section noting that it must wait until the — we can all get behind bringing of Solebury through Lock 10 in Ferry Street bridge project is com- water back (to the canal),” said New Hope. Except for rainwater, pleted in late July. Kim Espat, co-chairwoman of the canal has sat dry for six New Hope for Our Canal has New Hope for Our Canal. years, said Delaware Canal State partnered with The Friends of the “The last few years, economi- Park manager Rick Dalton. The Delaware Canal. The nonprofit cally, have been rough on parts of park owns the canal and the organization is accepting dona- this country, and New Hope has pump that would again be tions on behalf of the newly not been spared,” said Espat. The installed at Center Bridge. A formed group so donors' financial project “just seems like it's meant concessionaire once led mules gifts will be tax deductible. Any- to be. We just all feel like it's along the New Hope towpath, one interested in donating can call time.” pulling boats filled with curious 215- 821- 6850or visit The group is working to raise tourists, eager to hear about the www.newhopeforourcanal. $50,000. The funds would pay for

C.R Meyer started work at the Eureka lock on Tuesday November 1, 2011. Photo: Dave Peck

Eureka Lock is the first lock on the Upper Fox River in Wisconsin above Lake Winnebago. Dave Barber wrote about this lock in the spring 2011 and in the winter 2012 issues. Thanks to Dave for securing this follow-up photograph.