Friends of the Delaware Canal

  • HOME
  • FRIENDS
    • About the Friends
    • The Friends Celebrate 40 Years
    • Board Members
    • Current Efforts + Plans
    • Friends History
    • Locktender’s House
  • NEWS
    • Breaking News
    • Coming Events
    • Towpath Talk
    • Current Newsletter
    • Newsletter Archive
  • THE CANAL
    • About the Canal
    • Maps
      • Mile Markers
      • Landmarks and Mileage
      • Historical Map
      • Political Boundaries
    • How Does a Lock Work?
    • Canal Mules
    • Historical Scenes
    • Films, Oral Histories and Additional Reading
    • Delaware Canal Jigsaw Puzzles
    • Flora and Fauna Atlas
      • Distribution Maps
      • Photo Galleries
      • Submit a Finding
      • Resources
    • Related Links
  • VISIT
    • Visit the Canal
    • The Towpath Trail
    • Sharing the Towpath Trail
    • Loop Trails
    • Recreational Options
      • Hiking + Jogging
      • Biking
      • Boating
      • Fishing
      • Nature Watching
      • Skiing + Skating
    • Nearby Points of Interest
  • HELP
    • Make a Year-End Gift
    • Please Contribute to the Friends and Help Us Do More
    • Help the Canal
    • Canal Tenders
    • Canal Action Team
  • JOIN / RENEW
    • Join the Friends
    • Renew Membership
    • Business Memberships
    • Give the Gift of Membership
    • Legacy Fund Donations
    • New Hope for Our Canal
    • FODC Merchandise Shop

Canal News – Late Winter 2024

Canal News – Late Winter 2024

Family-Friendly Towpath Adventures

Discover History on the Towpath

As temperatures rise and days get longer, it’s time to get outdoors and there is no better place than the Delaware Canal and Towpath. This 58.9-mile greenway is a great place to connect with nature and history.

There are many interesting things to see on the canal, but we are highlighting a few of our favorites to explore. We like them because they have nearby parking, some have restrooms or a portable toilet, and all provide an interactive experience where the whole family can investigate remnants of our past.

It is worth noting that before you venture out for any long-distance adventure, check the park’s closure updates (right now there are many) or our website under breaking news. Or call the Friends for advice.

Map of the village of CoffeetownA Visit to Coffeetown and Fry’s RunAqueduct: Mile Marker 52

If you live in the northern section of the canal, closer to Easton, there are many landmarks along the way. Kleinhan’s Aqueduct and Fry’s Run, the stream that travels through the aqueduct to the river, are located at mile marker 52. This area is also called Coffeetown, known for a few enterprising women who roasted a mix of grains to mimic the taste of coffee. Coffee was a rare and pricey commodity and out of reach of most farmers and villagers.

Fry’s Run once powered grist mills and lumber mills and the area called Coffeetown developed into a small village by the late 1800s which included retail establishments, a school and a post office along with thriving industries.

Today, the village is commemorated at Fry’s Run Park with an exhibit that tells the story of Coffeetown. There’s also an observation deck, and remnants of a stone arch bridge, the oldest bridge in Northampton County which still provides a nice walking path and view of the creek.

What to look for when you visit:
• Fry’s Run Park with interpretive displays
• The 198-year-old stone M. Opp Bridge
• Fry’s Run (aka Kleinhans) Aqueduct and footbridge
• Overlook deck at Fry’s Run Park (built on the remnants of an old trolley line)

Uhlerstown, “The Best Preserved Hamlet in America”: Mile Marker 40

Further south near mile markers 39 and 40, you will find the hamlet of Uhlerstown. Parking is located in the nearby Tinicum Park, a mile from the Uhlerstown Historic District.

Named for Michael Uhler, this quaint and well-preserved piece of history was once a thriving industrial village, home to a lumber mill, grist mill, lime kilns, a boat building and repair yard, a stable and a hotel with a colorful past. Michael Uhler also built the mansion which is situated close to the base of the cliff. This home was one of the show places along the canal.

On a visit to this hamlet, you will find the Uhlerstown covered bridge, the only one over the Canal. The bridge is called a “lattice type” and records show that it was in use in 1832. Windows on the sides of the bridge are another unique feature.

The Uhlerstown Hotel, built about 1840, is now a private residence as is the Uhlerstown Hall. The Locktender’s House and lock are also worth seeing as are the remnants of the lime kilns.
Uhlerstown is a historic district that includes surrounding agricultural land. If you tour the area, please keep in mind that these are private residences.

What to look for when you visit:
• Uhler’s Mansion
• Covered bridge
• Lime kilns
• Lock 16 and the Locktender’s House, which is a private residence

Washington Crossing Historic Park, A National Treasure: Mile Marker 23

This historic park encompasses approximately 500 acres with many well-preserved points of interest and significance. The park is generally divided into the north and south sections. In the northern section, you will find Bowman’s Tower, the Thompson-Neely House and Gristmill, and the graves of unknown soldiers. In the south, you will find the Visitors Center along with the historic village of Taylorsville and the Washington Crossing Lagoon, a favorite spot for herons and other waterfowl. Tours of the park are an excellent way to get a glimpse of life on a farm in the 18th century

Visiting the northern section of the park you can tour the recently restored Thompson-Neely House. Originally built in four distinct sections, the central portion dates to 1702 when it was built as a one-room dwelling by John Pidcock. During the winter campaign of 1776/1777, the house was used as a makeshift hospital to treat sick and convalescing soldiers.
Restored by the Friends with contributions from our members and supporters, the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge Is one of the six remaining authentic camelback bridges that traverse the canal.

Located close to the shore of the Delaware River, the Soldiers’ Graves honor America’s unknown soldiers and Capt. James Moore, of the New York Artillery. He died on December 25, 1776, at the Thompson-Neely house. His is the only marked grave.

What to look for when you visit:
• Thomspon-Neely House and the barn (plus the flock of sheep)
• Camelback bridge
• Soldiers’ Graves

Bristol Borough, Where the Delaware Canal & Bristol Marsh Meet: Mile Marker 1

Bristol Borough is the third oldest town in Pennsylvania and the second-chartered borough in Pennsylvania. Samuel Clift founded the town on March 4, 1681, after receiving a grant from the governor of New York. Clift was required to start a ferry to Burlington and maintain a public house to receive his grant of 252 acres. A ferry, including the Steamboat Columbia beginning in 1876, was in operation until the construction of the Burlington-Bristol bridge in 1930.

There are many historic homes and structures in Bristol. The King George II Inn was the public house built by Clift. It was known as the Ferry House in the early days. George Washington and Martha (although not at the same time) are reputed to have slept here.

As plots of land were parceled and sold, the town began to flourish. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the many historic homes on Radcliff Street enjoy the view at Waterfront Park, or retrace the original path of the canal using the blue bollards that mark the way. Other buildings and places worth a visit while in Bristol include the Grundy Museum and Library as well as the Canal Works Building which is adjacent to the Grundy Mill and Clock Tower. Lagoon Park is also a favorite spot for visitors with parking and a playground for children to enjoy.

What to look for when you visit:
• Radcliff Street
• Waterfront Park and monuments to the Hispanic, Irish and African-American communities, all of which played an important role in the history and development of the town.
• Martha Grundy Museum
• Lagoon Park
• Canal Trail

More to explore

The Delaware Canal covers a lot of territory. To help navigate the park, the Friends maintain and publish a Landmark and Mileage Chart. This traveler’s guide to the Delaware Canal State Park was the brainchild of Pete Sperry, a long-time member of the Friends and former Board member. After going on several walks, Pete was frustrated by the of lack information on the points of interest along the way. So, in 2002, he took on the task of documenting the locations of structures, landmarks, and amenities from Bristol Lagoon to Easton.

After four years of research, measurement, and compilation, the Landmarks and Mileage Chart made its debut in 2006. It is now in its sixth edition. It has become the primary reference tool used by visitors, planners, engineers, and State Park staff.
This was a labor of love involving lots of maps and software to get the coordinates and mileage points just right. Today, the information is reviewed periodically for accuracy, and updates are made as needed.

Once the mileage points along the canal were identified, the Friends installed mile marker posts. Over time, these posts became a nuisance to maintain, and a more permanent solution was developed. Granite markers were placed on the side of the towpath every mile along the full length of the canal. These mileage indicators are a great resource for any hiker, biker or someone looking for a restful picnic spot.

Where Am I?

To help you find what you are looking for, the chart is color-coded by type of amenity. This is a useful tool if you are trying to find a parking area or a location with a year-round restroom.

At the Board Table

At the January meeting, the Friends’ Board of Directors elected its officers for 2024. Serving will be Brett Webber, President; Laure Duval, Vice-President; Jack Torres, Secretary; and Matt Emanuel, Treasurer.
While we bid adieu to Larry Reinfeld our Treasurer and Board member for the past five years, we welcomed two new faces to our Board of Directors. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the organization.
Want to know more about our new board members? Read on!

MATT EMANUEL not only joined our Board this year, he also assumed the role of Treasurer. Nothing like jumping in with two feet! Matt and his wife Maria purchased a renovated Locktender’s House in 2023, and they were eager to become engaged with the community. The canal and the Friends seemed a logical place to start. So, after becoming members and attending a few events, Matt accepted the challenge of joining our Board and assuming the role of Treasurer.
Matt is a likely choice for the position. He has a strong background in finance, understands the markets, and will be able to steward our investments toward the long-term security of our organization.

Here are some comments from Matt on his recent nomination to the Board:
“I would like to introduce myself. I am Matthew Emanuel, and I have been a financial/Investment advisor for 32 years. I started my career on Wall St. in 1992. I have spent the last 28 years at Herold & Lantern Investments. I have been married for almost 25 years to my wonderful wife, Maria. We have one son, Alexander, who attends Lafayette College.

“In May of last year, we bought a Locktender’s House at Lock No. 14. It was intended to be a weekend retreat, but I fell in love with it and now call Bucks County my home. My dog Jake and I walk the towpath every day. “I would like to thank the Board for electing me Treasurer of the Friends of the Delaware Canal. I joined the Friends because I support their mission to restore, preserve, and improve the Delaware Canal. The past treasurer, Larry, was retiring, and the Friends needed a treasurer, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to volunteer. With the help of Larry over the past few months, I have been working hard to further the Friends’ mission. “My wife Maria and I look forward to meeting new friends, attending events and helping preserve and improve the beautiful Delaware Canal.”

JOHN O’KEEFE has been a member of the Friends for several years and began meeting with our executive director to look for ways to support the Friends’ mission. He brings a great deal of public and non-profit experience to the board table.

John oversees the division of Information Technology Services at Lafayette College and is responsible for the college’s technology strategy and IT operations, including learning and research technologies, user support, web development, digital infrastructure, and data integrations and reporting.

In addition to his Lafayette portfolio, John serves as chair of the board of KINBER. This Pennsylvania-based non-profit corporation provides broadband connectivity, fosters collaboration, and promotes the innovative use of digital technologies throughout the state. He has also served as chair of the board of the Consortium of Liberal Arts Colleges (CLAC), an organization that represents IT leaders from the top liberal arts colleges in the country, and the Third Street Alliance, a community-based non-profit that provides housing services for women and children as well as an early learning center, all within a historic mansion in downtown Easton.

John is an avid runner and a long-time canal enthusiast. While training at home for New Jersey’s Long Beach Island (LBI) 18-mile run, he charted a plan to run the canal in sections from Easton to New Hope using the Landmarks and Mileage Chart on the FODC website. After learning more about the Friends and their commitment to the canal, he was eager to contribute however possible, from lending support to creating virtual experiences along the canal to help drive membership and partnerships with local businesses. John holds an A.B. in American Studies and Music (double major) from Lafayette and is pursuing an EMBA at Drexel University.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Canal Clean-Up Day is Saturday, April 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All 58.9 miles of the Delaware Canal are ready for the Friends’ annual spring cleaning. Some sections of the Canal are closed for construction projects, but we know our volunteers will do their best to get the open sections clean as a whistle.

While we will encourage our volunteers and members to clean up where they can, the efforts of Clean-up Day will focus on the southern end of the Canal and towpath below Black Rock Road. We will assign volunteers to a coordinator who will help manage the logistics of the morning. We encourage both on-land and by-boat clean-ups. Much of the debris is on the berm side (the side opposite the towpath) and, in many cases, can only be reached by water.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer either as a worker or as a section coordinator, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org. If you know of a group (civic, school, scout…) that may be able to participate, let us know.

The Clean-Up Day work areas that we will focus on are listed below. We will also include the details on our Events page at www.fodc.org/event/canal-clean-up-day-2024/ on the Friends of the Delaware Canal Facebook page and in our early March email campaign.

Last year, more than 100 volunteers helped out on Clean-Up Day and throughout April. This year, let’s try for 150. Many hands make light work!

• Riverfront Park to Lagoon Park
• Lagoon Park to Green Lane
• Green Lane to Edgely
• Edgley to Levittown Shopping Center
• Levittown Shopping Center to Mill Creek Road
• Mill Creek Road to Wheatsheaf Road
• Wheatsheaf Road to Tyburn
• Tyburn Road to RR obstruction
• RR obstruction to Bridge Street
• Bridge Street to East Maple
• East Maple Avenue to Ferry Road
• Ferry Road to Black Rock
• Black Rock Road to Afton Avenue

A FOND FAREWELL TO JOSH GRADWOHL

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we agree. Josh Gradwohl has been such an active member of the Friends that he seems to show up in nearly every project picture.

Want to know who installed the camelback bridge signs? Just look for Josh.

Want to know who repaired the Ground Hog Lock Wicket Shanty? There’s Josh again.

How about bench installation and bridge work? Josh is in the picture.

For well over a decade, Josh Gradwohl has been the go-to guy for tough jobs. A master carpenter and craftsman, Josh created a replica of the dilapidated entrance archway at Buckstone Farm.

Some say his reproduction is better than the original, and it will stand as a testament to his creative talent and skill. Building this arch was no small task, requiring hours of work measuring and prepping the wood to the exact dimensions of the original.

Although the Friends would compensate Josh for materials, all the hours he spent building and repairing were donated to the Friends. He was dedicated to preserving canal structures and helped rebuild and replace beams, siding, decking, and more.

As if that were not enough, Josh was also the Canal Tender in Morrisville from the Conrail Tunnel to Bridge Street. Along with his wife, Lynne Vogel, they removed massive amounts of debris from the berm side of the canal and restored the area back to a natural state.

Josh also became an expert at removing graffiti and other unsightly stains. Before Josh left for his new home, he provided instructions on how to best clean the interpretive signs the Friends (often with Josh’s help) installed along the towpath.

Oh, and the murals, let’s not forget the murals. Both Josh and Lynne took it upon themselves to clean the murals at the Locktender’s House, allowing the true colors to shine through. In fact, they were married at the Locktender’s House in 2013. It was a day worth celebrating. We wish them both many more days of celebration, good health, and happiness in the future.

2023 ANNUAL FRIENDS MEMBERSHIP MEETING

We were back and in person! For the first time in three years, the Annual Friends Membership meeting took place face-to-face. This potluck tradition was held at the David Library building at Buckstone Farm in Washington Crossing on Tuesday, November 12.

The event was well-attended by over 65 people who came bearing all sorts of delicious fare, including salads, desserts and side dishes. Even a few vegetables were included in the feast.
Old friends and new friends enjoyed the food and the company before retiring to the auditorium, where attendees received updates from Park Management on the state of the canal and the schedule of projects to be completed. It was heartening to see so much activity is planned for 2024 and beyond.

The priority projects for the Friends’ members are the replacement of the Lumberville Aqueduct and the High Falls Culvert. Without these infrastructure improvements, water cannot flow again, and hikers and bikers can’t access the loop trails.

Other projects on this list included the 12 Bridges Project, encompassing bridge repairs in Washington Crossing, Smithtown, Kintnersville, and Upper Black Eddy. Various wall and culvert repairs are also on this schedule, along with a wastegate repair at Bowman’s Hill and towpath resurfacing in Easton. The Easton area work is underway and includes an installation of an overflow near mile marker 53. Last but certainly not least is rebuilding the last remaining camelback bridge, Spahr’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy.

Following the park updates, Brett Webber, FODC board president and Michael Ginder, our executive director, reviewed the activities and accomplishments of the Friends over the past year and our plans for the future.

Larry Reinfeld, the treasurer of the Friends for the past five years, provided an enlightening and entertaining presentation. Sadly, Larry decided to retire from his duties as secretary this year but will remain on the Finance Committee and support our newly elected treasurer, Matt Emanuel.

Jack Torres, the Friends secretary, presented the Board members up for re-election. All agreed to serve a new two-year term including, Jeff Connell, Laure Duval, Pete Rosswaag and Brett Webber.

We were delighted to welcome two new Board members, John O’Keefe from Nazareth, PA and Matthew Emanuel from Staten Island, NY and Point Pleasant, PA. These professionals join us with extensive non-profit and business experience. We are so glad they decided to come aboard.

If you could not join us for the meeting, you can view the PowerPoint presentation on our website and YouTube channel.

FODC TREASURER LARRY REINFELD RETIRES

Larry Reinfeld retired from the position of FODC treasurer but not from the Friends. In Larry’s new role, he will remain an active member of the Finance Committee. His knowledge and experience will continue to be a source of guidance for our new treasurer, Matt Emanuel.

During his tenure with the Friends, Larry was a watchful steward of our finances, managing investments and monitoring expenditures to ensure FODC stays true to the budget while focusing on our mission. And he was an active advocate for the canal, participating in clean-ups and repair projects.

We wish Larry a relaxing and fulfilling retirement.

 

|| March 5, 2024 || Tagged With: Bristol, Coffeetown, Uhlerstown, Washington Crossing ||

Family-Friendly Towpath Adventures

Family-Friendly Towpath Adventures

Discover History on the Towpath

As temperatures rise and days get longer, it’s time to get outdoors and there is no better place than the Delaware Canal and Towpath. This 58.9-mile greenway is a great place to connect with nature and history.
There are many interesting things to see on the canal, but we are highlighting a few of our favorites to explore. We like them because they have nearby parking, some have restrooms or a portable toilet, and all provide an interactive experience where the whole family can investigate remnants of our past.
It is worth noting that before you venture out for any long-distance adventure, check the park’s closure updates (right now there are many) or our website under breaking news. Or call the Friends for advice.

Map of the village of CoffeetownA Visit to Coffeetown and Fry’s Run Aqueduct: Mile Marker 52

If you live in the northern section of the canal, closer to Easton, there are many landmarks along the way. Kleinhan’s Aqueduct and Fry’s Run, the stream that travels through the aqueduct to the river, are located at mile marker 52. This area is also called Coffeetown, known for a few enterprising women who roasted a mix of grains to mimic the taste of coffee. Coffee was a rare and pricey commodity and out of reach of most farmers and villagers.

Fry’s Run once powered grist mills and lumber mills and the area called Coffeetown developed into a small village by the late 1800s which included retail establishments, a school and a post office along with thriving industries.

Today, the village is commemorated at Fry’s Run Park with an exhibit that tells the story of Coffeetown. There’s also an observation deck, and remnants of a stone arch bridge, the oldest bridge in Northampton County which still provides a nice walking path and view of the creek.
What to look for when you visit:
• Fry’s Run Park with interpretive displays
• The 198-year-old stone M. Opp Bridge
• Fry’s Run (aka Kleinhans) Aqueduct and footbridge
• Overlook deck at Fry’s Run Park (built on the remnants of an old trolley line)

Washington Crossing Park northern endUhlerstown, “The Best Preserved Hamlet in America”: Mile Marker 40

Further south near mile markers 39 and 40, you will find the hamlet of Uhlerstown. Parking is located in the nearby Tinicum Park, a mile from the Uhlerstown Historic District.

Named for Michael Uhler, this quaint and well-preserved piece of history was once a thriving industrial village, home to a lumber mill, grist mill, lime kilns, a boat building and repair yard, a stable and a hotel with a colorful past. Michael Uhler also built the mansion which is situated close to the base of the cliff. This home was one of the show places along the canal.

On a visit to this hamlet, you will find the Uhlerstown covered bridge, the only one over the Canal. The bridge is called a “lattice type” and records show that it was in use in 1832. Windows on the sides of the bridge are another unique feature.

The Uhlerstown Hotel, built about 1840, is now a private residence as is the Uhlerstown Hall. The Locktender’s House and lock are also worth seeing as are the remnants of the lime kilns.
Uhlerstown is a historic district that includes surrounding agricultural land. If you tour the area, please keep in mind that these are private residences.

What to look for when you visit:
• Uhler’s Mansion
• Covered bridge
• Lime kilns
• Lock 16 and the Locktender’s House, which is a private residence

Washington Crossing Historic Park, A National Treasure: Mile Marker 23

This historic park encompasses approximately 500 acres with many well-preserved points of interest and significance. The park is generally divided into the north and south sections. In the northern section, you will find Bowman’s Tower, the Thompson-Neely House and Gristmill, and the graves of unknown soldiers. In the south, you will find the Visitors Center along with the historic village of Taylorsville and the Washington Crossing Lagoon, a favorite spot for herons and other waterfowl. Tours of the park are an excellent way to get a glimpse of life on a farm in the 18th century

Visiting the northern section of the park you can tour the recently restored Thompson-Neely House. Originally built in four distinct sections, the central portion dates to 1702 when it was built as a one-room dwelling by John Pidcock. During the winter campaign of 1776/1777, the house was used as a makeshift hospital to treat sick and convalescing soldiers.
Restored by the Friends with contributions from our members and supporters, the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge Is one of the six remaining authentic camelback bridges that traverse the canal.

Located close to the shore of the Delaware River, the Soldiers’ Graves honor America’s unknown soldiers and Capt. James Moore, of the New York Artillery. He died on December 25, 1776, at the Thompson-Neely house. His is the only marked grave.

What to look for when you visit:
• Thompson-Neely House and the barn (plus the flock of sheep)
• Camelback bridge
• Soldiers’ Graves

Bristol Borough, Where the Delaware Canal & Bristol Marsh Meet: Mile Marker 1

Bristol Borough is the third oldest town in Pennsylvania and the second-chartered borough in Pennsylvania. Samuel Clift founded the town on March 4, 1681, after receiving a grant from the governor of New York. Clift was required to start a ferry to Burlington and maintain a public house to receive his grant of 252 acres. A ferry, including the Steamboat Columbia beginning in 1876, was in operation until the construction of the Burlington-Bristol bridge in 1930.

There are many historic homes and structures in Bristol. The King George II Inn was the public house built by Clift. It was known as the Ferry House in the early days. George Washington and Martha (although not at the same time) are reputed to have slept here.

As plots of land were parceled and sold, the town began to flourish. Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the many historic homes on Radcliff Street enjoy the view at Waterfront Park, or retrace the original path of the canal using the blue bollards that mark the way. Other buildings and places worth a visit while in Bristol include the Grundy Museum and Library as well as the Canal Works Building which is adjacent to the Grundy Mill and Clock Tower. Lagoon Park is also a favorite spot for visitors with parking and a playground for children to enjoy.

What to look for when you visit:
• Radcliff Street
• Waterfront Park and monuments to the Hispanic, Irish and African-American communities, all of which played an important role in the history and development of the town.
• Martha Grundy Museum
• Lagoon Park
• Canal Trail

More to explore

The Delaware Canal covers a lot of territory. To help navigate the park, the Friends maintain and publish a Landmark and Mileage Chart. This traveler’s guide to the Delaware Canal State Park was the brainchild of Pete Sperry, a long-time member of the Friends and former Board member. After going on several walks, Pete was frustrated by the of lack information on the points of interest along the way. So, in 2002, he took on the task of documenting the locations of structures, landmarks, and amenities from Bristol Lagoon to Easton.

After four years of research, measurement, and compilation, the Landmarks and Mileage Chart made its debut in 2006. It is now in its sixth edition. It has become the primary reference tool used by visitors, planners, engineers, and State Park staff.
This was a labor of love involving lots of maps and software to get the coordinates and mileage points just right. Today, the information is reviewed periodically for accuracy, and updates are made as needed.

Once the mileage points along the canal were identified, the Friends installed mile marker posts. Over time, these posts became a nuisance to maintain, and a more permanent solution was developed. Granite markers were placed on the side of the towpath every mile along the full length of the canal. These mileage indicators are a great resource for any hiker, biker or someone looking for a restful picnic spot.

Where Am I?

To help you find what you are looking for, the chart is color-coded by type of amenity. This is a useful tool if you are trying to find a parking area or a location with a year-round restroom.

|| February 27, 2024 || Tagged With: Bristol, bristol burough, Coffeetown, family friendly day trips, family friendly towpath adventureses, Fry's Run Aqueduct, Uhlerstown ||

The Delaware Canal – The Inn Place to Be

The Delaware Canal – The Inn Place to Be

Bucks County is rich in history, and we can trace much of that history and growth to the impact of the Delaware River and Canal. River towns became hubs of industry, and when the Canal opened for operation, it spurred additional investment. Mills, lime kilns, farms, and other businesses flourished. When the Delaware Canal opened in 1832, it changed the river valley and the towns along the way. With improved transportation, commerce grew, and many people prospered.

As business people, travelers, and canallers flocked to the area, hotels and inns began to flourish. Many of the inns along the Delaware Canal were built around the same time. Others pre-date the Canal but certainly benefited from its operation. Trains and highways eventually replaced the Canal, however, many of the historic inns have remained, most for public use, while some are private homes. The number of Inns along the Delaware Canal makes this 58.9-mile waterway unique.

Starting in the north, we will take a walk back in time to revisit some of the inns and provisioners that have been around for centuries.

Riegelsville Inn

This Inn was built in 1838 by Benjamin Riegel, a wealthy miller who owned property on either side of the Delaware River. His New Jersey operations included a grist mill and an oil mill. John Riegel, the grandson of Benjamin, continued the industrial legacy of the family by adding a paper mill which became known as the Riegel Paper Company, one of the largest employers in the area until the 1990’s.

Riegelsville Inn is situated between the river and the Canal, next to the historic Roebling Bridge. It is listed on the Bucks County Register of Historic Places.

The original building is stucco over stone with porches facing the river and patio space on the Canal. At one point, the property also boasted a large barn with enough room for 50 horses (or mules).

Over the decades, the Inn has changed hands; however, it has remained in continuous operation for most of the past 160+ years. Today, the Inn offers fine dining throughout the week, with a brunch menu also available on the weekends.

The Narrows Inn (formerly the Indian Rock Inn)

The Lenape Indian Tribe originally inhabited the site of the current Inn and restaurant. They used a deep natural pool in the rocks at the base of the Nockamixon Cliffs as a holding tank for fish they had caught in the Delaware River. When the current building was erected in 1820, owner Jacob Krouse used the rock walls of the tank as his new tavern’s foundation. The tavern license for the site dates back to 1812 when the pilots of lumber rafts were served a blicky (quart) of beer for a nickel.

In 1837, new owner John Derr enlarged the business to accommodate weary travelers, and the Rising Sun Hotel came to be. It was known by that name until 1854, except for a short period in 1851 when owner Frederick Trauger thought it might do better as the Farmers and Traveler’s Inn. Apparently it didn’t, since the name and Trauger lasted less than a year. In 1854, owner Mathias Lehman changed it to the Narrowsville Hotel.

The Inn changed hands several times and was most recently called the Indian Rock Inn. This name derives from a nearby rock formation whose profile is said to resemble the face of an
Indian. The mural of an Indian life scene, painted in 1988 by Irish artist Eric Patton, decorated the north side of the building until the most recent renovation.

To the north of the Inn were mule stables, with a barn and blacksmith shop to the south.
Today, the Narrows Inn serves great food in alovely historic setting.

The Homestead General Store

Another popular spot along the Canal is the Homestead General Store. This business has served the local community since the early 1800’s and is the oldest continuously operating general store in Bucks County providing provisions as well as a place to trade some canal gossip.

Originally built in 1831 by Hugh Major, the store arrived just in time to serve the newly opened canal and boatmen. Customers could stock up on provisions as well as local gossip. Today, the charm of the Homestead has been enhanced by the addition of a coffee roasting business. Their certified organic coffee is served and  sold throughout Bucks and Hunterdon counties.

While the Homestead has seen several owners over the decades, Rick and Iris Lewis have been the proprietors since 1980. They have witnessed floods, bridge closures, and other calamities but have endured throughout it all. The Homestead has earned a reputation for its food and family-friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to stop along your towpath stroll.

Uhlerstown Hotel and Hamlet (formerly Uhlertown)

Now a private residence, the Uhlerstown Hotel was once a favorite resting spot for weary travelers. Built around 1840, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Today, the entire hamlet is listed as a historic district.

The natural charm of the hotel is enhanced by its location in this well-preserved little hamlet. Uhlerstown is one of the true historic gems along the towpath. This village was once a prosperous
settlement, built mainly around the Canal and its operations. Michael Uhler, a man of remarkable energy and business ability, recognized the opportunity that the Canal offered and moved downriver from the Groundhog Lock area between Riegelsville and Raubsville, where he and his brother Peter had been doing business.

Uhler developed the town that would be named after him. He is best known for operating a boat building yard and running a line of wellequipped canal boats called the Michael Uhler line. He owned extensive farmland from which grain and hay were supplied to the canal trade and metropolitan markets. He built and operated a gristmill and lime kilns, a country store and post office, a saddler shop, and coal yards. The hamlet is also home to the only covered bridge that spans the Canal.

Today, the historic district encompasses 63 contributing structures located along the Delaware Canal. Buildings of note include a brick building that once housed a school. The building to the right of the bridge entrance was the residence of Jonas Sigafoos who operated a general store. To the left of the bridge entrance, the present home was originally a warehouse for the gristmill located on the opposite bank of the Canal. Other historic buildings include the Uhlerstown Hall, a community gathering place for dances and entertainment, the Locktender’s House, and the remnants of lime kilns.

Golden Pheasant Inn

Originally called the Delaware House, the Golden Pheasant Inn was built in 1857 to cater to the canal trade. The Inn offered housing for men and mules along with provisions. When the Canal closed in 1931, the Inn suffered hard times until 1967, when it was purchased by Ralph Schneider, who named it the Golden Pheasant Inn.

The Inn is situated on the eastern boundary of Tinicum township in a section of Bucks County which was called Manor of Highlands. In 1699, the 7,500 acres were purchased from William Penn
by the London Company.

In 1986, the Faure family purchased the property. Michel Faure was the chef, and his wife Barbara was the hostess and decorator. Barbara refurbished the rooms to the Inn’s original 1850s period
style. Within three months of opening, John Bull, a restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer, gave the new Inn a resounding “thumbs-up.”

The Faure’s daughters, Brittany, Blake, and Briar assumed the business and operated the Inn and restaurant for many years before selling it to the Thompson Hospitality organization.

Point Pleasant Inn (F.P. Kolbe’s)

At one time, Point Pleasant was a bustling commercial center largely catering to the canal and carriage trade and then to vacationers who discovered the charms of this river valley town.

The Point Pleasant Inn (above, right), as it was initially known, was built in 1782. This grand hotel hosted Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and other fishing enthusiasts. Prominent Astor, Whitney, and Vanderbilt family members were also guests. The elegant colonnaded façade faces out over what was once a lovely view of the Tohickon Creek.

Today, the building is home to F.P. Kolbe Gift Store & Café. It is a favorite shopping spot for seasonal decorative items, candles, garden fountains, and hand-crafted furniture.

Cuttalossa Inn (No longer in operation, but for sale)

Standing by the picturesque waterfall above the Cuttalossa Inn, it is hard to imagine that this was once the bustling center of the village of Lumberton. Approximately 200 people lived here, including Zebulon Pike (of Pike’s Peak fame) operating the quarries and several mills.

The Cuttalossa Inn was a general store and post office; the stone building across from it was “Hard Times Tavern” as the proprietor made barely enough to pay the rent.

The quarries above and below Cuttalossa Road produced stone used in mansions in Philadelphia and New York City. Canal barges transported it to Philadelphia and by railroad (Jersey side) to New York City. A cable car from the towpath across the river delivered the stone to the railroad.

A sawmill was located above the falls, powered by a 20-foot diameter water wheel; the mill race can be discerned on the left as one moves up Cuttalossa Road. Immediately below the falls, at the parking area level, was a decking from one bank to the other, called a forebay—a place to stack the milled lumber in an otherwise tight valley. This picturesque spot has been a favorite subject of painters and poets alike.

More Inns to Come

There are other notable historic inns, including the Black Bass Inn located in Lumberville. The Black Bass was built in 1740-1745, was partially destroyed by fire. There was substantial rebuilding in 1834. The original owner of the establishment was a Tory who favored the British, so George Washington did not sleep here. However, today all are welcome to eat or stay here.

The Washington Crossing Inn was built in 1817 and it features an original large kitchen hearth in one of its dining rooms. The Yardley Inn, once called the White Swan Inn was built in 1832.

And in Bristol, you will find one of George and Martha’s favorite spots, The King George II Inn (right). This Inn has a rich history, and is the oldest, if not one of the oldest, operating inns in the
country. Established in 1681, the property is lovingly maintained by the current owners who are committed to providing great food and service in a truly unique setting.

One last Inn we feel we should mention, was located in the village of Raubsville, north of Riegelsville and close to the Forks of the Delaware River. The building still stands today, but remains empty.

Take A Walk Back Inn Time

No matter where you start your hiking or biking excursion along the towpath, you are sure to pass one of these historic inns and businesses. We encourage you to take advantage of the views,
the food and the hospitality each has to offer.

|| October 16, 2023 || Tagged With: Bristol, Bucks County Inns, Delaware Canal, Lumberville, Point Pleasant, Riegelsville ||

Canal News – Spring 2017

Canal News – Spring 2017

Woody’s Camelback Bridge is Restored, Thank You!

Final inspection day at Woody’s Camelback Bridge. From left to right – Randy Myer, contractor; Gene Gelfand, DCNR engineer and guardian or camelbacks; Bilal Baqui, DCNR engineer; Josh Swartley, Delaware Canal State Park Manager.

Twas the week before Christmas when contractor Randy Myer of R-Shell Exteriors arrived at the Woody’s Camelback Bridge work site south of Easton. Almost single-handedly, Randy assembled the cribbing to support the bridge structure, dismantled the deteriorated parts, and then undertook the carpentry and metal work necessary for the restoration. He worked while frigid winds blew and the ground was snow-covered all to accomplish his goal of having the job done by mid-February.

Woody’s Camelback Bridge is now the fifth of the six authentic camelback bridges to be restored. Randy did a masterful job! The work has been inspected and approved by the State engineers, and all that remains to be done is to stain the wood when it has aged a bit and the weather is warmer.

The restoration of this historic camelback bridge would not have been possible without the financial support of those Friends who made contributions specifically for this project during the Year-end Appeal. Our organization was able to pay for the labor costs solely using new contributions designated for Woody’s. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources paid for the materials.

The Friends gratefully thank the 37 supporters of Woody’s Bridge, of whom the following made major donations:

The Goodfellow Fund

William Farkas

Robin and Jeff Connell

Judy and Joe Franlin

Carole and Fred Mebus

Barbara and Peter Sperry

Anonymous

AND thanks to the unprecedented generosity of all of our Year-End contributors, the Canal Improvement Fund now has a balance that beckons another project.

A historic, picturesque, and useful camelback bridge has been preserved and funds are available to tackle another improvement initiative. May the coming year continue on this positive track.

 __________________________________________________________________

At the Board Table

Board member Bill West left the Board in February because of his extended out-of-state time commitments.   Always enthusiastic about Friends’ fund-raising events, Bill was a key player in making them happen.  He was also tuned into what was happening along Canal because of his frequent and far-reaching walks along the towpath.   Bill, we’ll miss you!

*******

All the members of the Board of Directors welcome your assistance questions, and advice. If you are interested in learning more about becoming involved in a Friends’ committee or becoming a member of the Board, please contact President Brett Webber at bw@bwadesign.com

____________________________________________________________________________________

Park Manager’s Report

Well, I thought we were going to have an early spring this year, but Mother Nature proved me wrong. Nothing like a blizzard to test the endurance of our park maintenance crew.

The Lower Limeport Bridge replacement project in Solebury Township is progressing, but the contractor ran into a problem with the east bridge abutment. It was found that the abutment was built on top of rubble and loose soil instead of a concrete foundation.  The contractor has demolished the old abutment and will be building a new concrete abutment with a concrete foundation to remedy the issue.

Design work still continues for the Phillips’ Mill bridge project, also in Solebury Township. The design consultant is still working with PennDOT to work through some issues and obtain a Highway Occupancy Permit.

Since my last Park Manager’s Report, we have had another stone wall collapse in New Hope by the Waterworks Condominium Association property. This collapse was a little larger than some of our previous wall repairs, but the Park was able to hire a contractor and make the repairs within a few weeks.

The Woody’s Camelback Bridge restoration and repair work has been completed. Thank you to the Friends of Delaware Canal for all of your help and fundraising efforts to make this project happen.

Finally, we have several sinkholes in the northern section of the canal that need to be repaired before we can start filling the Canal from the Lehigh River. The sinkholes are located by the Easton Sewage Treatment Plant, by the Blue Moon in Raubsville, between bridges 2 & 3 in Smithtown, and one just south of the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area.   Our plan is to begin these repairs as soon as weather permits, and the towpath is in suitable condition to operate heavy equipment.  We will then start adding water from north to south as we complete repairs.

Enjoy the Canal.    Josh Swartley

 

______________________________________________________

Oh Where, Oh Where Could that Little Egg Be

On April 9th one dozen eggs will be hidden along the Canal from Easton to Bristol.   Find one and your prize will be a Friends of the Delaware Canal t-shirt.   Just follow the instructions inside the egg.  Happy Hunting!

 

 

 

 

__________________________________________________________________

Welcome, New Friends

Michele Becci

Elizabeth Bennett

Lou Bristol

Neal Carson

Barbara Dalglish

William R. Krisak

Tamara Lesh

Jean McBryar

Kent Nash

Peggy Navitski

Suzanne Stahl

Inge and Christoph Stannik

Dave Sutton


New Signs with Improved Maps

The PA/NJ Canal Loop Trail system is marked with 12 signs located near to where the towpaths and the river bridges intersect. The signs have been providing information to park visitors for more than 13 years. Age has caught up with the fiberglass imbedment panels, and most now are deteriorated to the point that they cannot be read.

A grant from the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau (Visit Bucks County) has enabled the Friends to have new panels fabricated and to purchase a sign base to replace one that was damaged by a truck. The new panels will feature a new and improved map that provides more information about distances and graphics that are easily understood.

The PA/NJ Canal Loop Trails are increasingly popular because of their convenience. We thank Visit Bucks County for helping us to keep canal visitors informed and entice them to return to discover even more intriguing places. 


Sharing the Towpath Trail

With Spring comes the return of lots of visitors to the Delaware Canal towpath. Please be mindful of your fellow Park users.

_______________________________________________________

A Revelation from the North

By Susan Taylor

Date: Saturday, March 4

Place: Rochester, NY

Event: The Canal Society of New York State Winter Symposium

Outside the temperature was 13 degrees and the wind was shipping, but inside the community college conference center sat 100+ devotees of the Erie Canal – the canal that “changed America.” – the canal that spurred Pennsylvania legislators and entrepreneurs to jump into canal building whole hog – the canal that today is a tourism and economic development powerhouse.

At 9 a.m. those 100+ people were ready to view my presentation about the Delaware Canal. I showed the Canal at its best and worst during my “Commerce, Calamities and Conservation” PowerPoint with particular emphasis on how and why the waterway was preserved, the Canal’s comeback after the four recent floods, and how the Friends of the Delaware Canal have influenced the future of the Canal.

Why was I invited to speak? I was told that there were many small organizations under the Society’s umbrella that could learn from what the Friends have accomplished and that my program might be the inspiration for a field trip in 2018.

The presentation went well. There were ahhs when particularly beautiful photos of the Canal were projected, gasps at the extent of the flood damage, and questions at the end.

But what happened after I left the podium sparked a revelation. At least six people came up to me to say how lucky we were to still have a real canal — one that has many of its historic structures, has its same dimensions, and looks to a good extent as it did in the 1800’s. To my mind, these were people who were dealing with a very superior canal, but still they envied what we have on the Delaware Canal.

The experience drove home the ever-present need to evaluate and then vigilantly guard what makes the Delaware Canal so special. Change can be stealthy and manifest itself in tiny, virtually unnoticeable increments. Each time that the silt in the bottom of the Canal is simply pulled to the bank and not removed, the capacity of the water channel decreases. The action doesn’t seem like much at the moment, but over time …..  Dramatic change can come cloaked in “necessity,” “economic feasibility,” and “redevelopment.”

Change is unremitting and often comes with excellent results, but we must be mindful not to lose the attributes of the Delaware Canal that make it special, loved, and even envied.


Sharing Expertise

History and recreation do mix. Canal Walkers visit the Thompson Neely House.

Pennsylvania is blessed with a wealth of parks, forests, and historic places. A visit to a  Commonwealth-owned property will, in nearly every case, involve both an experience with nature and a contact with a historic place. For instance, the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park has within its boundaries the Thompson-Neely House and Soldiers’ Graves as well as picnic pavilions, a Boy Scout camping ground, not to mention the Delaware Canal running through it.

Good administration of Pennsylvania’s diverse resources takes a wide range of expertise. Knowledge about recreation, sustainability, preservation and maintenance practices need to be shared in order to best protect the State’s irreplaceable treasures.

Currently the protection of these treasures is the responsibility of two different State agencies. Under the structure of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is responsible for conserving and sustaining the State’s natural resources and the Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is responsible for collecting, conserving, and interpreting the State’s historic heritage.

This March an important step was taken to ensure that expertise is shared. DCN and PHMC are in the process of developing a formal consultation agreement that facilitates working more closely together on issues of management, conservation, and preservation of the historic resources under DCNR’s ownership.

John Hallas, Director of the PA Bureau of State Parks, lauds this step forward. “DCNR, as a significant steward of the Commonwealth’s cultural resources, is looking to make major improvements in our management practices for historic assets.” He added that another positive aspect of the enhanced DCNR/PHMC relationship is that DCNR is launching a first-ever cultural resource plan for Point State Park in Pittsburgh. PHMC consulting services and mitigation funding will be used to develop the plan, which will serve as an archetype for incorporation into DCNR’s park-specific planning documents.

 


In Working Order Again

Josh Gradwohl inspects the lock model gates that he built.

The canal lock model at the Locktender’s House in New Hope provides the hands-on answer to the question “How does a lock work?” Built more than 15 years ago by a Palisades High School teacher and his students, the model features flowing water and a lock chamber in which a little boat can be raised and lowered. Best of all, it has never leaked.

Over the years the model lock gates and their wickets have been pulled and pushed tens of thousands of times by kids and adults. All that use wore out the gates, ad they were no longer able to hold water back making the demonstration of locking through impossible.

Several attempts were made to build new gates, but none worked properly. Then to the rescue came woodworker Josh Gradwohl. (You may recognize the name since Josh built the Locktender’s House garden fence, the front door, and replaced the mural plaza fascia boards.) Josh took all the old gates home, studied them, and devised a new gate design. The new gates are crafted from wood, which provides a more accurate depiction of real lock gates, and their miter joints are tight– all the better to illustrate the water levels inside and outside the lock chamber.

Josh once again shared his abilities as a fine craftsman with the Friends, and we are so grateful. This spring the lock model will be filled with water, and visitors will be able to lock a boat through all by themselves.

 

 

 

 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

|| April 12, 2017 || Tagged With: Bristol, DCNR, newsletter, park manager report, PHMC, Woody's Bridge ||

Connect & Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
friends of the delaware canal logo

Contact Us

Contact Us

Friends of the Delaware Canal
145 South Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: 215.862.2021
Michael Ginder, Executive Director

Help the Canal

Help the Canal

Helping on Canal Clean-up Day is just one way you can get involved and help to restore, preserve and improve the Delaware Canal. Big or small, the perfect job for you awaits – all you need to do is get involved! FIND OUT MORE

Get Email Updates

Menu

  • Home
  • The Friends
  • Breaking News
  • About the Canal
  • Visit the Canal
  • Help the Canal
  • Join the Friends
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 · Friends of the Delaware Canal · All Rights Reserved. · Website by Sircely Marketing and Design