CAT – Friends of the Delaware Canal

Canal News – Spring 2021

Sharing Stories Virtually

A Yellow Warbler along the Delaware Canal — A spring sight and sound along the Canal – A Yellow Warbler. PHOTO: Carole Mebus

Zoom meetings, webinars, a YouTube channel. The Friends have been changing their storytelling game since March 2020 when we held our last in-person public program. Please
visit the Friends of the Delaware Canal YouTube channel to find the Canal Times I and II programs and a video interview with Will Rivinus, who tells about his first venture into canal walking. Unfortunately, our two Postcards from the Past presentations aren’t there because the Zoom recordings cut off after 30 seconds in spite of our best efforts.

The dates and times of the future webinars will be sent via Constant Contact. If you aren’t signed up, just scroll down to the form on the homepage of fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. The information will also be posted in the Events section on the homepage of fodc.org.

There are still lots of stories to share, and videos will be part of the mix. Want to help? The Friends could really use someone who is relatively experienced and enthusiastic about making “informal” videos. Interested? Please let us know.

See you one way or another!

JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING WEBINARS:

The Canal’s Spring Flowers
The Birds of Spring
Invasives Watch
Canal landmarks and mileage Chart 101
A program featuring the old postcards contributed to the Friends by long-time members Kathleen and Bob Stalgaitis.

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The High and Low Points of Last Winter

Snowy towpath along the Delaware Canal — Conditions were perfect for cross-country skiing along the Canal. PHOTO: Kent and Marion Smith

The snow just kept falling this past winter making the Delaware Canal an extraordinarily beautiful white wonder. By all reports, it was the best winter for cross-country skiing on the towpath in at least ten years.

Unfortunately, the season’s weather also created some serious problems along the Canal. Torrential rainfall at Christmas caused inland streams to overtop their banks and the Delaware River to rise to Minor Flood stage.

Culvert collapse in Raubsville — The culvert collapse in Raubsville.

The relentless flow of stream water into the sub-canal culvert just north of Locks 22-23 in Raubsville caused its stone headwall to collapse. With the falling stone came a portion of the Canal berm bank, bringing the situation perilously close to completely blowing out the bank and seriously flooding the inland residential property. Thankfully, the erosion stopped short of that. The collapse was designated as an “emergency repair” by the DCNR engineers and Park staff, and Bi-State Construction was on site within days of December 26 to clear the culvert opening so that stream water could flow through it and to begin the repair of the culvert itself. Good progress was made, but then the snow and ice came making it too dangerous for the equipment to maneuver at the site, which is both narrow and steep. The project has resumed and is expected to be complete within weeks.

The flooding Delaware River rose to levels where its water overtopped the banks of the Canal in low areas. The flood waters caused damage to the towpath surface in several sections, particularly in the northern end of the Canal, and, just south of Easton, the earth sloughed off the slope of the towpath bank.

River flooding damaged the towpath banks south of Easton

The high and rushing water in the Canal itself caused problems. The interior decking in the new Fry’s Run Aqueduct experienced some displacement, which can be repaired by the Park staff. More complicated will be the task of removing some rocks that lodged themselves between the layers of the synthetic liner at the Tinicum Aqueduct.

In the case of all these problems, as well as projects that were underway last fall, the snowy conditions prevented work from progressing, but spring is on its way, and with it will come the renewal of repair work.

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PARK MANAGER’S REPORT

By Devin Buzard

One of my favorite idioms is “Make hay while the sun shines.” Over the past year, while in service to the Delaware Canal, I have found this expression to be meaningful on multiple levels. I would go as far as to say that it encapsulates the general concept of confronting the challenges of Canal maintenance and management. There is never a shortage of work to be done and always an appropriate time to do it.

Repair projects along the Canal have recommenced with the melting of the snow. The large excavators, currently located in Raubsville, once again have come back to life. The removal of a sycamore tree with a destructive root system kickstarted our extensive efforts to reline the Canal and restore its ability to retain water.

sycamore tree cut down new towpath — A large sycamore tree was downed at the site of the collapse north of Woody’s Bridge. Its roots were undermining the Canal’s prism. PHOTO: Carole Mebus

Over these past snowy months, I am happy to report great success in filling several vacant full-time Canal positions in our Southern offices. These include a Park Maintenance Supervisor and a Maintenance Repairman (skilled tradesman), who was recently added to our staff complement. Newly hired Park Maintenance Supervisor Matthew Overbeck of Pipersville replaces Brad King, who retired after his 35 years of service to the Commonwealth.

On the heels of former Delaware Canal Assistant Manager Bethany Hare taking a promotional opportunity, we are just weeks away from announcing the hiring of two new Assistant Managers. This is all good news as we are looking to the future of the Canal with a dedicated administrative presence and offices in both the Northern and the Southern sections. The concept is similar in nature to how our maintenance responsibilities are currently established. This is all taking place in conjunction with the recent acquisition of the former David Library of the American Revolution and the Sol and Rose Preserve properties in Washington Crossing.

As you may already know or gleaned from this newsletter, the Canal sustained significant damage during the December heavy rains and river flooding event. While timelines for all of the repairs to be completed are still unknown due to the severity of the damages, I am certain that the appropriate resources are being committed, and we are pushing towards the goal of opening the Easton feeder gate as soon as possible.

While on the surface it would appear that work is weather dependent, I would argue that work is perpetually progressing forward and with your support we will “continue to make hay”.

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The Limber CAT

Volunteers paint a camelback bridge. bridge. — Painting the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge faux camelback trusses required agility on the part of CAT volunteers.

Before winter set in, seven Canal Action Team members gave the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge over the Canal two much-needed coats of barn-red stain. The bridge, located on the line between Lower Makefield and Upper Makefield Townships, is one of, if not the only, public road bridge over the Canal owned by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Under the direction of Team leader Bob Ketler, the CAT members came laden with their most trusty painting tools and went to work—bending, stretching, leaning, and crawling to reach all the components of the two faux camelback trusses.

After a full morning’s worth of work with Delaware Canal State Park Rangers handling traffic control, CAT brought the Mt. Eyre Road Bridge back to an appearance worthy of a Canal landmark.

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Fingers Crossed

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

Canal Walk POP-UP SHORT WALKS
Locations, Dates, and Times are sent via
Constant Contact and posted on fodc.org.

We were able to get 11 short walks in last season and have another 20 walk itineraries ready to go as opportunities arise. The walk lengths vary from 2 to 6 miles roundtrip. In addition to late afternoon ventures, we anticipate that weekend and morning walks can be added to the schedule.

To walk with the Friends, watch for our Constant Contact e-mails and check Events on the homepage of fodc.org. If you are not on our Constant Contact list, please scroll down to the bottom of the homepage to sign up or call 215-862-2021.

To discourage the spread of COVID, these walks will once again be limited to 10 people, masks must be worn, and physical distancing encouraged. Reservations must be made in advance. All information will be included in our event notices.

These walks fill up very quickly, so when you receive the notices, don’t hesitate to make your reservations. To be fair, preference will be given to those who have not participated in other short walks during the current season.

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Upcoming Events

SPRING BEAUTIES WALK
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1:30 PM
Meet at the I-295 Park and Ride Lot
1140 Woodside Road, Yardley, PA 19067

Beauty comes in different forms. On this 2-mileroundtrip walk, you can take in the Canal’s beauty at Lock 7. Daffodils dance on the towpath bank and trees will be blossoming. The Lock with its stone walls restored by the Friends, the little board and batten shanty, and the Locktender’s House complete the spring scene.

Another kind of beauty shows itself at the 1799 House sitting by the Canal at Woodside Road. This historic stone house was purchased by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission as part of the Scudder Falls Bridge project. The house has been sensitively rehabilitated and serves as a restroom facility for Canal visitors. Having a new bathroom facility near the Park, in a saved historic structure, no less, is a beautiful thing.

The Spring Beauty Walk will be led by veteran Canal Walker Jeff Connell, who also serves on the Friends’ Board of Directors. He will share the story of the Scudder Falls Bridge pedestrian pathway, which will be the seventh river bridge crossing connecting the Delaware Canal towpath to the D&R Canal towpath in Ewing, NJ. Along the way to Lock 7, he will point out the newly replaced 9-11 memorial bench and a wildlife haven.

Applicable COVID precautions, as described in Pop-Ups, will be taken. Reservations are required no later than April 14. Please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

Hope to see you on the towpath!

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CANAL CLEAN-UP DAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 10
PLUS
Any Day, especially during the month of April

Usually, the Friends’ annual Clean-Up Day takes place on the first Saturday in April, and hundreds of volunteers tackle the trash that has accumulated in and along the Canal’s 58.9-mile length. Of COVID Times necessity, this year’s clean-up will focus on individual and family group efforts—no large groups will be encouraged. The official date is also different because the first Saturday in April is the opening day of trout season in Pennsylvania and occurs during the Easter holiday weekend. To compensate for these unusual circumstances, we are extending Clean-Up Day and encouraging volunteers to give the Canal its spring cleaning anytime, particularly during the month of April.

Nearly all of our photos from past Canal Clean-Up Days feature groups of people working together—not the visual message that we want to communicate this year. So, here’s a rare exception. This volunteer showed off the very large and mossy sneaker that she found along the towpath in Falls Township.

Here’s how to help this spring –
On Saturday, April 10, go out to any section of the Canal and pick up trash, debris, and anything that doesn’t allow the Canal to look its best. Both on-land and by-boat clean-ups are welcome. In fact, using canoes and kayaks is sometimes the only way to get to trash on the berm side or just hiding below the water surface.

If you can’t be out on the 10th, please work anytime the weather and your energy encourage you to do so.

For the safety of all, volunteers must comply with federal CDC, State, and local COVID-19 precautions, including, but not limited to, wearing a face mask, practicing physical distancing, and following proper hygiene protocols. (Handwashing is and always has been a good idea on Clean-Up Day.)

Please wear gloves and sturdy shoes and bring along any pick-up tools that work well for you.

If you need trash bags or gloves, we can supply them. Contactless pick-up can be done at either the Locktender’s House in New Hope (call 215-862- 2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org) or at the State Park Headquarters in Upper Black Eddy (call 610-982-5560 or e-mail kmartens@pa.gov).

If you collect things that are too heavy or unwieldy to take home for disposal, please let the Friends know the location, and the Park staff will make pick-up arrangements.

And don’t forget to let the Friends know that you’ve been out there working, so that we can thank you as well as count the number of volunteers who participated and determine what areas might need attention after April. Please take pictures and share them!

The Friends have done clean-ups ever since the organization’s founding in 1982, and we intend to keep up that tradition because our goal is always to be of help to the Delaware Canal.

If you have questions about these new circumstances, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org. And THANK YOU for your concern and help!

GIVING BACK

To all of you who invested in the Friends’ efforts by contributing to our Year-End Appeal, THANK YOU! After nine months when the Delaware Canal provided much-needed refuge, serenity, and recreation, it was clear that you wanted to help the Friends improve and maintain the place that had given you so much. Many people who contributed at year-end had never done so before.

YOUR GENEROSITY HAS EASED THE WAY INTO WHAT WE HOPE WILL BE A YEAR OF SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS.

THE 6TH FOR THE 4OTH

Can the sixth and final historic camelback bridge over the Canal be restored in time for the Friends of the Delaware Canal’s 40th anniversary in 2022?

Yes, we feel confident that it can be—with your help. Out of the 100+ bridges that once crossed the Delaware Canal, Spahr’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy is one of only six that retains its authentic and iconic camelback structure. The Friends spearheaded the restoration of four of the other camelbacks, encouraged the fifth, and have had Spahr’s on our to-do list for years.

Deteriorating abutment on camelback bridge. — The Spahr’s Camelback Bridge east abutment is in especially bad shape.

Spahr’s Bridge has been a formidable project to tackle because not only is the superstructure severely deteriorated, but also both stone abutments are cracked, a condition exacerbated by two earthquakes. The $350,000-$400,000 cost of restoring Spahr’s Bridge has been an obstacle.

Now the stars are aligning. The relatively new owner of the property on either side of the Bridge believes in historic preservation and supports its restoration rather than modernization. The condition of Bridge is now so poor that action by the State is inevitable. The Friends have been very vocal in our support of handling the project using historic preservation best practices, and the State agrees. Plans are now underway to hire a highly qualified contractor to dismantle the superstructure taking care to inventory and record the existing members and store and reuse timber and hardware when possible. The State plans to contract with a consultant to prepare the plans and specifications for the repair of the stone abutments. The State will fund both the dismantling and the abutment projects.

And we come to the part of the Spahr’s Bridge project with which you can help. Private contributions are being sought to fund the superstructure portion. In simpler terms, the trusses, the deck, the cross beams, and the hardware. Putting Spahr’s Bridge together requires expertise, skills, and passion. The Friends contribution to the project will help ensure that those requirements are met. We are very pleased and thankful for two very generous donations from the Goodfellow Fund and Barbara and Peter Sperry. They have given the Spahr’s Bridge restoration a great jump start.

More information about how you can help will be coming soon. If you’re already convinced, you can donate now by scrolling down on the www.fodc.org homepage to the Spahr’s Bridge contribution block or, even better, send your check to Friends of the Delaware Canal, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, PA 18938.

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Get ’em Before They Hatch

A Spotted Lanternfly egg mass. Please seek and destroy.

As we learned last year, getting rid of Spotted Lanternflies while they are alive is a challenge. They jump; they fly; they jump; they fly…

There is still time to control these destructive insects before they hatch and fly off on their pretty wings. Start finding and destroying their egg masses now. Spotted Lanternflies lay their eggs in the fall, usually on flat surfaces like tree trunks, rocks, walls, wood fencing, even outdoor equipment.

It may take a bit of investigating, but you will become better at tracking them down once you know what to look for. If you have an Ailanthus tree aka Tree of Heaven on your property, check there first. These trees are a Lanternfly favorite. If you noticed an infestation on your property, be sure to scan that area as well.

You can remove their mud-like egg masses with a paring knife or a small plastic card, like a credit card. Using a rigid surface, you can crush the eggs or, even better, remove and destroy the entire casing by scraping it into a plastic bag containing rubbing alcohol. Once the eggs come in contact with the liquid, they will die. Killing eggs now will help curb this pest this summer.

So, harness your pent-up pandemic energy and go Lanternfly hunting.

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Canal Tenders—More Important Than Ever

The Delaware Canal State Park has experienced a historic increase in visitation since last March when the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic set in. We’re pleased to say that the many people didn’t cause a dramatic increase in the amount of trash left behind, thanks to the care taken by visitors and the diligence of the sixty volunteers who serve in the Friends’ Canal Tenders program.

Many, many thanks to all the Tenders, who pick up trash, clear branches, and report problems throughout the year. Their pandemic precautioned clean-up efforts make the Canal a better place for both people and critters.

We are pleased to welcome two new Canal Tenders to the crew!

David Weiss has volunteered to co-tend the Canal from Black Rock Road to East Afton Avenue in Yardley along with veterans Ann and Keith Webb.

A. J. Zolton has taken on the section from Lock 17 (Treasure Island Lock) in Tinicum Township to Lock 18 in Uhlerstown.

Several sections in the southern end of the Canal remain without Tenders including:

• Riverfront Park to Beaver Street: Bristol Borough
• Beaver Street to the Bristol Lagoon at Jefferson Avenue: Bristol Borough
• The Bristol Lagoon to Green Lane: Bristol Borough
• Green Lane to Edgely Avenue: Bristol Township
• Edgely Avenue to Levittown Shopping Center: Bristol Township/Tullytown Borough
• Wheatsheaf Road to the Conrail Tunnel: Falls Township

Please let us know if you can help with any of these sections. The boundaries are not set in concrete, so feel free to propose a length other than those shown.

Being a Canal Tender is a rewarding experience in so many ways, and you’ll be in very good company. To find out more about what’s involved, visit the HELP page at fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. And while you’re there, check out the Canal Action Team (CAT) page. Perhaps, it’s a volunteer opportunity just right for you.

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At the Board Table

Thanks to the convenience of being able to attend from home via a Zoom webinar, participation in our 2020 Annual Meeting on November 10 was the highest ever. Many were in attendance for the first time. This was a positive consequence of the pandemic, even though everyone missed not being together and sharing covered dishes.

During the webinar, the activities of 2020 were reviewed in a PowerPoint presentation, and a short video featuring Will Rivinus telling about his first canal walk made its debut. Friends’ organization business was conducted; and Delaware Canal State Park/PA DCNR representatives covered current and upcoming issues. These speakers were Jason Zimmerman, Assistant Director of the Bureau of State Parks; Devin Buzard, Park Manager; and Beth Hare, Assistant Manager. Beth included in her report the visual evidence of the success of her and her four-year-old daughter’s venture into mule cookie making.

Two retiring Board members were recognized for their service. During her eight-year tenure, JUDY FRANLIN was a dynamo serving as Secretary and Treasurer at different times. She will continue to be active as a member of the Finance and Development Committee. NANCY SMALL, a more recent Board member, shared her breadth of knowledge of the operations of other non-profits.

The membership re-elected JOAN FULLERTON, DAVID SCHAEFFER, and JACK TORRES to additional two-year terms. Elected to their first terms were Gordon Heisler and Ken Standig.

Here’s a bit about them.

GORDON HEISLER
Living within a half-mile of the Delaware Canal for over forty years in Lower and Upper Makefield Townships and enjoying trips along the towpath since the 1970’s, Gordon has a unique appreciation for the waterway and towpath. He has been a Canal Tender for the Washington Crossing section for eight years and participated in several Canal Action Team projects. Gordon realizes the importance of preserving and improving this one-of-a-kind park. A member of the Friends for many years, Gordon joined the Board to assist in implementing improvements and spreading the word about the canal and towpath experience.

Professionally, after graduating from Rider University, Gordon spent forty years in oil and chemical logistics industries with FMC, Sunoco, and consulting. He also volunteers at the Morrisville Food Bank. Gordon and his wife Barbara enjoy biking and hiking on the Canal and traveling to visit many other trails throughout the United States and Europe.

KEN STANDIG
Ken and his wife Julie moved to Buckingham Township full time from New York City and Long Island in 2019, but they have enjoyed life along the Delaware River for much longer than that. Annual summer camping trips with the Boy Scouts at Treasure Island Scout Reservation, canoe trips in high schooland college days, and family camping in the Delaware Water Gap were all part of their lives. Now they enjoy the views along the Canal towpath while biking, hiking, and walking their dog Dizzi.

Ken retired in 2018 after a 43-year career in engineering, during which he managed the planning, design, and rehabilitation of infrastructure projects. He found working on dams, locks, and canals to be the most interesting and challenging, including more than a dozen projects along the New York State (Erie) Canal and the D & R Canal in New Jersey. He hopes that his experience will be put to good use along the Delaware Canal. Ken has been a member of the Friends’ Advocacy, Restoration & Maintenance Committee for the last year. He has degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Lehigh University and is a licensed Professional Engineer and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Welcome Gordon and Ken!

The departure of veteran Board member JACK DONOHUE at the beginning of January 2021 left a void on the Board. Well known for his enthusiasm and reasonable thinking, Jack was a great asset to the Friends during his two terms.

As always, the Board welcomes your participation and input. And, if you are interested in serving, please raise your hand.

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The Need Isn’t New

Waterwheels pump water into canal — Waterwheels once provided additional water to the southern end of the Canal.

Even before the Delaware Canal was fully opened in 1832, those responsible for its construction realized that the water supplied by the Lehigh River in Easton was not enough to maintain a full Canal, particularly in the southern end. To solve this problem, an “ingenious device” was erected at the Union Mill (since converted into The Waterworks, a residential condominium complex) in New Hope.

In June of 1831, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania contracted with Lewis S. Coryell and three of his business partners to erect a wing dam at Well’s Falls in the Delaware River and water wheels. The purpose of the dam was to supply water to a two-wheel system. There was an undershot water wheel driven by the power of the river flow, which was coupled with another wheel with buckets that scooped river water, raised it, and then allowed it to flow through a trunk leading to the Canal.

A traveler to New Hope in 1832 wrote, “This simple contrivance, without gearing or valves, or anything else liable to get out of order is more than sufficient to supply the Canal from New Hope downwards.” The waterwheels were capable of raising 3,500 cubic feet of water per minute. Although not as repair-free as the New Hope visitor envisioned, they remained in place until June of 1923 and then were carried away in a flood in 1936.

After 1923, the issue of insufficient water flowing southward reemerged, particularly when the level of the Delaware River dropped below the level of the New Hope inlet. Various remedies were tried, but none worked well enough.

As you have read in past issues of Canal News, the Friends, in partnership with the Delaware Canal State Park, are working to install a centrifugal pump in the River in the northern section of Washington Crossing Park. The pump and the electrical installation, financed by the Friends, are ready to go. The pipe leading from the River to the Canal is in place. Before putting the pump in operation, there is one approval that must be granted from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The new “Bowman’s Hill” pump will augment the flow of water to Bristol as the New Hope waterwheels once did.

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Canal News – Fall 2020

Construction Countdown Done

Rewatering Underway

By the time you receive this newsletter, the repairs to the Tinicum Aqueduct, its walls and banks will be complete. The project, which was anticipated to be finished in July extended into October because of supply delays. The delivery of the pressure-treated, custom lumber for the pedestrian walkway was two months late because of a COVID shutdown at the processing plant, and the lining material for the aqueduct trough was held up at the Canadian border. And those were just the big issues.

The project, necessitated by a major berm bank blowout, evolved into a multi-faceted undertaking to address the aqueduct’s other problems.

• A new concrete wall was constructed to stabilize the berm bank and halt creek-caused erosion.
• The aqueduct pier was repaired and faced with timber to protect the pier and return it to an earlier appearance.
• The mortar joints in the stone abutments were cleaned and redone to halt the extensive leakage.
• The aqueduct, which is a steel trough constructed in the 1950’s, was repaired, repainted, and lined with a rubber epoxy coating to seal the seams between the bottom plating.
• The pedestrian walkway that crosses the aqueduct was entirely replaced.
• The last task was to restore the canal prism and line it with clay.

New walkway on the Tinicum Aqueduct — The new walkway on the Tinicum Aqueduct gets some use.

Up until the completion of the aqueduct project, the canal water supplied by the Lehigh River could only flow to the wastegate located by the Golden Pheasant Inn. Now that the construction is no longer an obstruction, the State Park will endeavor to get the water as far south as possible.

The staff and an outside contractor have been filling sinkholes with flowable fill, removing silt bars that act as partial dams, repairing walls, and removing the many fallen trees as time allows. All with the goal of allowing the Canal to retain and convey as much water as possible.

Rewatering the Canal is a complicated task requiring an understanding of past and present conditions, skill, timing, and more than a little bit of luck.

So, here’s to the water. Far may it flow!

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Always on the Look Out

Hazzard's Bridge — Pete took Josh’s photo while they were both at work on Hazzard’s Bridge

“Hmm, this board isn’t in good shape,” observed Board and Canal Action Team member, Pete Rosswaag, while he was out on one of his bicycle rides near his home in Upper Black Eddy. Right he was.

One of the cap boards on the historic Hazzard’s Camelback Bridge was in need of replacement. Pete and fellow CAT member Josh Gradwohl went into action. They measured, the Friends purchased a new cypress board, Josh picked it up and painted it, and then he and Pete put it in place.

Pete plans to return to do some touch up painting on the rest of the bridge. The Friends’ do watch over the Canal’s Camelbacks.

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Park Manager’s Report

by Devin Buzard

When examining the Delaware Canal through the lens of a National Historic Landmark and contemplating what it truly means to withstand the passage of more than 188 years, it forces time into a new perspective. While I am far from a historian, I have gleaned in the past year that perseverance along with a faith in achieving a better future have shaped the Canal and the surrounding landscape into what we see today.

Mowing the canal path as bikers pass by. — Our work along the Canal continues while many more people use the towpath
this year.

Over the years, nature has battered both the Canal and those who live alongside it, but the perseverance to rebuild and honor the past does not change. As a testament to this statement and despite a year filled with uncertainties, we have seen and will see the completion of three large-scale Canal projects and many other smaller ones that are just as significant.

Two notable projects—both located in Williams Township, Northampton County—were finished in the month of July. Their completion marked the opening of the feeder gate in Easton, and the introduction of Lehigh River water to a 22-mile section of the northern stretch of the Canal.

These two projects were the rebuilding of Fry’s Run Aqueduct and a massive drop gate replacement at Lock 22/23 aka Groundhog Lock. In undertaking these two projects, there was much to learn regarding inspecting the clues of the past construction and applying that knowledge into the new plans, while, at the same time, considering how to provide for the best longevity.

A good example of this would be the simple design of the vertical wickets located on the Lock 22/23 drop gate. Upon observing the wickets of the old gate in operation, one could notice that the water flowing through the wickets typically was directed toward the stone walls of the lock. This ultimately resulted in unwanted scouring and erosion. A new design for the wickets was developed , which retains their historic locations, style and materials, while incorporating an unseen design element that prevents the wickets from turning too far and thus safely diverts the water to the center of the Canal.

As you read this article, it is my hope that the Tinicum Aqueduct repair project will be fully complete. Early in the week of September 28, towpath users could once again cross the aqueduct’s pedestrian bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted trip upon the towpath through Tinicum Township.

As with the two projects mentioned earlier, the completion of the Tinicum Aqueduct will allow for water to once again continue south, and it is the ultimate hope that the water will flow free as far south as nature will allow.

In anticipation of this, the Delaware Canal State Park maintenance staff has been endeavoring to repair known sinkholes and remove gravel bars at the intersections of streams that enter the Canal. These efforts reduce the loss of water and ultimately allow for better control over the f low rates and levels as the water makes its long journey from the Lehigh River in Easton. This flow is meant to continue to the inlet in New Hope near Lock 8, where it is augmented with water from the Delaware River. The combined flows then head south toward Bristol.

In addition to the work being done to provide water, the seasonal mowing has been ongoing. Please continue to be patient as our mowing schedule was greatly interrupted during both the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

The mowing issues occurred because of a temporary loss of a critical piece of mowing equipment in 2019, and then once more in 2020 due to staffing restrictions at the onset of the COVID-19 mitigation efforts and equipment breakdowns. Please know that we are working hard to complete this work and return the Canal to a less wild state.

Looking into the future, I no longer see the uncertainty I felt just three short months ago. With the clarity of reviewing what we have accomplished in relation to the past, I can say with conviction that we are moving forward.
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Events that We’re Missing this October

THE 11TH ANNUAL FACES AND PLACES
A Celebration of the Arts and History along the Canal

Oh, the places that we have toured, the people we’ve met, and the celebrations we’ve had.
And will again!

Boarding a bumpy Bucks County Trolley for the first Faces and Places tour.

THE 33RD ANNUAL CANAL WALK

Hiking 58.9 miles along the Delaware Canal towpath
over the course of five successive Saturdays is a Friends’ tradition that has overcome
many obstacles—floods, construction projects, heat waves, and snow. It will return.

The 2009 Canal Walkers at Groundhog Lock.

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An Untraditional Calendar of Events

POP-UP SHORT WALKS

Locations, Dates, and Times are sent via Constant Contact and posted on fodc.org.

We began our series of “Green Phase” short walks on July 17. After doing six walks at different locations along the Canal, we have a good sense of what works in these unusual times.

To avoid crowds on the towpath and in parking areas, we’ve learned to schedule the walks on weekdays in the later hours of the afternoon. We now know how many reservations to take in advance to yield an acceptable number of participants on the day of the walk, and we know not to post the invitations too far in advance because of
constantly changing conditions. Walkers have been very cooperative about wearing masks and social distancing! Susan Taylor and her portable PA system are still working on being happy together.

Walk along towpath in Tinicum — Taking in Tinicum on September 23

We plan to continue the short walk series through autumn and as winter weather allows. In fact, we divided up the 58.9-milelong Canal into 23 different walk sections, so we have plenty of material. The walk lengths vary from 2.2 to 6.2 miles roundtrip, with most averaging 3 miles. As the seasons change, we anticipate that we can add weekend and morning walks to the schedule.

If you would like to take a walk with the Friends, watch for our Constant Contact e-mails and check out Events on the homepage of www.fodc.org. To date, we have not been posting the walks on our Facebook page because the existing demand has been higher than we can accommodate.

The walks fill very quickly, so don’t hesitate to make your reservations. If you don’t receive our Constant Contact messages, sign up please. It’s the fastest way to receive information.

Hope to walk with you soon!

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The Cares Act can help you help the Friends

We need your generosity more than ever this year. A significant part of our organization’s planned 2020 revenue has been lost because COVID restrictions and precautions have led to the cancellation of all of our fundraising events since March.

The Cares Act graphic The federal Cares Act may provide a way for you to increase your contribution to the Friends. The Act allows you to be more generous with funds that you might otherwise pay in taxes. If you use the standard deduction, as most taxpayers did in 2019, you may take a special charitable deduction of $300 per taxpayer ($600 for a married couple) on your 2020 return. If you itemize, you can give and deduct as much as your entire Adjusted Gross Income.

If you are thinking about making a major gift from your IRA someday, this might be the best year to be especially generous. Thanks to the enhanced benefit to those who itemize deductions, you can withdraw as much as you want from your IRA, donate as much as you want, and deduct the donation. Of course, you need to meet the usual rules for penalty-free IRA withdrawals.

Please do not take our word for it. Learn more by searching “2020 charitable contributions.” For large donations, we recommend consulting a tax advisor.

On November 13, 1789, Benjamin Franklin wrote: “Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

This year prove Ben wrong, just a bit, by letting your contribution to the Friends reduce your taxes.

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NICE SAVE!

On October 31, the long, narrow Delaware Canal State Park will gain some width in Washington Crossing. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will acquire all 118 acres of the David Library of the American Revolution property as well as the adjoining 25-acre Sol and Rose Woods. The spacious riverfront site, through which the Delaware
Canal runs, will remain open space with public accessibility for everyone to enjoy. John Hallas, Director of the Bureau of State Parks noted, “The site is a perfect location for a canal interpretive center as well as an administrative and maintenance center for the Delaware Canal State Park.”

There will surely be much more news about the acquisition, but, for now, here is a story from the property’s past when it was known as Buckstone Farm.

Ezra Stone in publicity photo on Buckstone Farm. The Library’s founder Sol Feinstone acquired Buckstone Farm in 1945. He and his family lived in the stone farmhouse that is the centerpiece of the property. Sol Feinstone’s son, Ezra Stone, already had become famous playing Henry Aldrich on the popular radio show, “The Aldrich Family.” In September of 1945, Stone was discharged from the Army, and he returned to the cast of the radio show. He stayed with it until the fall of 1949, when sponsors decided to make it a television show. Stone’s association with the show ended because he was almost 30 years-old—too old to be believable as the 14-year-old Henry Aldrich.

This photo was taken in the late 1940’s and was included in the archives of the David Library. Its story isn’t definitively known, but it is probable that Ezra Stone invited his cast mates to visit him at his father’s home. They turned it into a working weekend by taking publicity shots with holiday themes. In this shot, House Jameson (Mr. Aldrich), Ezra Stone (Henry Aldrich), and Jackie Kelk (Henry’s friend Homer) are out on the Buckstone Farm grounds hunting for the Thanksgiving turkey. The Canal, out of view, and the lawn leading to the Delaware River are in the background.

The Friends are thankful that the David Library property will be preserved and remain accessible to the public and so pleased to have even more stories to tell about what happened along the Delaware Canal.

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A 9-11 Bench Returns

Putting the replaced 9-11 Bench to use are Friends’ member Barbara Heisler,
representing the Martha Washington Garden Club; and Canal Action Team
members, Josh Gradwohl and Jerry Taylor, who installed the bench on a very
humid day.

One of the teak benches placed along the Delaware Canal in memory of the eighteen Bucks County residents who perished on September 11, 2001 has been replaced thanks to the care and generosity of the members of the Martha Washington Garden Club.

The bench honors William (Billy) Kelly, Jr., a Yardley Borough resident. Its placement along the towpath just north of Woodside Road is near his hometown and close to the landing for the Scudder Falls Bridge walkway, which is to open in 2021. Those who sit on the bench in the summertime can enjoy the native, bright red Cardinal Flowers blooming. This area is one of the few spots along the Canal where they grow in relative abundance.

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We’ll be Ready

“Do the PA/NJ Canal Loops” is a recreational opportunity that the Friends of the Delaware Canal introduced to the public in 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most popular features of both the Delaware Canal in Pennsylvania and the Delaware & Raritan Canal in New Jersey attracting increasing numbers of visitors each year. The five loops connected by six bridges spur more cross river usage from bicyclists and hikers, who are happy to discover new places and not backtrack.

A new Canal Loop will be available next year when the walkway attached to the I-295 Scudder Falls Bridge opens. This sixth loop will provide new, shorter looping routes in the southern end of the Canal. The routes will be:
• Leave the Delaware Canal towpath at Washington Crossing, PA > cross the river bridge at Washington Crossing > enter the D&R Canal towpath at Washington Crossing, NJ > follow the D&R south to Ewing, NJ > cross the Scudder Falls Bridge > rejoin the Delaware Canal towpath in Lower Makefield, PA > then follow the Delaware Canal back to Washington Crossing PA. A 6.7-mile loop.
• Leave the Delaware Canal towpath in Lower Makefield, PA > cross the Scudder Falls Bridge > enter the D&R Canal towpath at Ewing, NJ > follow the D&R south to Trenton, NJ > cross the Calhoun Street Bridge > rejoin the Delaware Canal towpath in Morrisville, PA > then follow the Delaware Canal back to Lower Makefield, PA. A 10.6 mile loop.

When the new Scudder Falls walkway opens, the existing loop trail map and signs will be obsolete. Anticipating that fine day, the Friends developed a plan to create a new map, incorporate that map into fourteen signs that will replace the signs that now stand by the loop crossing points in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and install two new sign bases at the landings at either end of the Scudder Falls pedestrian walkway.

The $4,500 project has been funded by a $3,000 tourism grant from the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau and $1500 contribution from Friends’ members and Washington Crossing residents, Barbara and Gordon Heisler. Our hearty thanks to both for investing in the potential benefits of the sixth loop. The redesign of the map is already underway, and the new sign panels should be fabricated by early 2021. The Friends’ Canal Action Team will be set to do the installations when the appropriate time arrives.
We’re looking forward to the day.

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NEED SOME DIVERSION?

Painted Turtle Along Towpath — The Painted Turtle is waiting for you to put together its pieces. PHOTO: Carole Mebus

Try piecing together our growing collection
of online jigsaw puzzles featuring the beauty
and wildlife of the Delaware Canal. You can
choose the number of pieces, so the extent
of the challenge is up to you. Find the Jigsaw
Puzzle Archive at fodc.org/jigsaw-puzzles.

P.S. For those of you who prefer an old fashioned
puzzle, we hope to have another
one to offer as a fundraiser next year. Would
you like an image of a bald eagle, a great blue
heron, or…?

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PUMP IN WAITING

The centrifugal pump, which will draw water from the Delaware River for the benefit of the Canal when it is water starved, is sitting at the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park ready to be dropped into the River and hooked up. The service “road” down to the River was installed this summer and has already
come to the notice of local emergency service providers f or use in river rescues.

By August during a typical year, the Delaware River level would have dropped below the New Hope inlet, and the Canal would be without a water supply. This year, the summer was unusually rainy, and the level wasn’t an issue until mid-September. Fortunately, the rain soon returned and improved water flow.

The rainy summer was advantageous in that there are still two small hurdles to jump before the pump can be put into operation. The PA Fish and Boat Commission must approve the pump intake, and the Delaware River Basin Commission must give its final approval.

At this point in the season, it seems that the best decision is to wait until next spring to drop the pump into the River saving on equipment wear and tear and electricity costs. The pump saga continues.

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SHARING THE TOWPATH TRAIL: MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

Our appreciation for all that nature has to offer has soared during these strange times. Here in our backyard, there has been a considerable increase in the number of visitors taking advantage of local, County, and State parks. At the Delaware Canal State Park, visitation has increased by 40% with peaks up to 100%.

We are happy to see so many people taking advantage of the Canal towpath; however, this surge has created some friction among visitors. Navigating the crowds on foot or on a bike
can be challenging, so here are some tips to keep in mind.

Signal your intentions
Whether you are jogging, biking, walking your dog, or riding a horse, it is important to alert others of your intentions. Let your fellow trail users know you are coming and give a clear warning signal before passing on a bike. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well. Indicate “On your left” when passing on the left.

Slow it down
When biking along the towpath, be sure to slow down when passing other trail users or going through the towns and hamlets along the way. A slower pace not only eliminates the risk of alarm or injury, but it encourages a pace ideal for taking in the scenery and wildlife.

Be aware
The towpath is only 12 or so-feetwide, so keep this in mind and avoid wandering onto private property. Be mindful of low bridge clearances and limited lines of sight, and be prepared to walk a bicycle under these structures when necessary. When in a group, use no more than half of the trail so you don’t block the flow of other users. And to help keep the towpath clean, pick-up along the way.

Horse, bikes and dog walkers on the towpath What’s wrong with this picture?
Answer: The dog walker and equestrians are yielding to the bicyclists. Trail use rules say that bicyclists should yield to all types of users. Also, the bicyclists are not wearing helmets, increasing the probability of incurring serious injury in a fall.

The Delaware Canal towpath is a very popular destination now. It has attracted the attention of travel writers and day-trippers alike.
Let’s all do what we can to ensure trail users have a naturally wonderful experience.

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Canal News – Summer 2018

Progress, Setbacks and Roadblocks

No one would dispute that the Delaware Canal can be “challenging”, and, for the most part, 2018 has been a good illustration.

The recently widened bypass trough is conveying more water south through the Tinicum Aqueduct.

Impressive headway is being made on the complicated Phillips’ Mill Bridge replacement project, and, with luck, may be finished ahead of schedule this winter.

The bypass trough that carries Lehigh River water past the bank break by the Tinicum Aqueduct was recently widened and now carries a much greater volume of water to Point Pleasant. Sinkholes near the Mountainside Inn and north of Lumberville prevent the State Park from allowing water to flow farther south. The permanent repair of the bank break is being designed by engineering consultants. DCNR has decided that the aqueduct itself will be repaired rather than replaced at this time.

The “flexible flow concrete” repair technique that the Park has been using on canal prism sinkholes is working well. Unfortunately, new sinkholes are being discovered faster than the contractor has able to take care of them.

The Kleinhans Aqueduct replacement is in the final design stage and should be put out for bids this fall with construction anticipated to begin in the winter/spring, depending upon conditions.

Two stone wall repairs have been finished – the river wall north of the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area and the towpath bank wall in Erwinna.

This season’s crazy storms did a number on the Canal. Raging inflowing streams deposited branches, logs, and debris at the mouth of Windy Bush Creek in New Hope and at the Bowman’s Hill waste gate. A stationary downpour caused the Canal to overtop its banks at one location in Yardley Borough. Localized flooding with property damage was a consequence of both. Clean-up is ongoing, engineering solutions devised, and improved response instituted.

After being repaired and restarted late this spring, the Centre Bridge pump began shutting off nearly every evening during the heat wave. Investigation as to the cause is underway with fluctuating electrical power and the limitations of the safeguard device likely culprits.

The installation of a submersible pump at Bowman’s Hill to supply water to the southern end of the Canal during summer dry spells is moving along at a snail’s pace, primarily because of State purchasing restrictions.

The grass and weeds have grown sky high along the Canal, particularly in the north sections. The primary mower has been out of commission because vandals dumped dirt into its gas tank. Expecting water to be the culprit, not dirt, the Park maintenance staff, followed by the John Deere dealer, tried to dry out the tank several time. And then the dirt was discovered. The mower was back in service only to develop two different problems related to its thermostat, but it’s back in action now working its way south.

The new Lower Limeport Bridge, completed last year, suffered significant damage when one or more large vehicle tried to cross it and hit the sides. Wood rails were ripped from their bolts, guide rails bashed, and there are scrape marks all along the length of the bridge. No one has come forward to confess to the damage.

The Conrail embankment project continues to ¼ inch along. Permitting and permissions have taken an unimaginable length of time. The access, much simpler than originally envisioned, is in and shoring of the south side of the embankment is due to start. This project will not be completed as scheduled in the fall.

The construction of a trail around the Tyburn Road encroachment, an easy project, is languishing in planning and permitting. When that is done, the Park staff will quickly construct the pathway.

Depressions have developed over the culvert that carries the Cuttalossa Creek under the Canal. Sections of the culvert pipe have shifted. Holes will be drilled from the inside and the voids will be pressure grouted.

On top of all this, the already lean Delaware Canal State Park staff complement is four full-time employees short. Missing are two Maintenance Repair persons and one Equipment Operator, which are vital to the upkeep of the Canal; and one Environmental Education Specialist. These positions have been open, for the most part, more than a year. The State’s drawn-out hiring processes ( although, improvements have been initiated), hiring freezes, and the policy of having just one statewide pay scale, in spite of the fact that the cost of living varies greatly across the Commonwealth, all work to keep the Delaware Canal State Park in a constant state of need. These are issues to work on legislatively.

So, with persistence things will improve. They have for the Canal’s 191-year existence.

Onward and upward!

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A New Face at the Locktender’s House

Come by the Locktender’s House at Lock 11 in New Hope and meet our new Locktender’s House guide. Susan Schneider answered our call for someone to staff our mini historic house museum on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. She’s been a member of the Friends for years, lives along the Canal, and knows more than a thing or two about the waterway and towpath. Best of all, she loves meeting people and she knits beautifully, a perfect pastime for sitting on the House porch. Stop by to see her. She’ll be in New Hope on weekends until the end of October. Thanks, too, to Donald Macfarlan, a retired New Hope Mule Barge Ride captain and musician, for filling in when Susan can’t be there.

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Out With The Old, In With the New

Eighteen new interpretive sign panels, which tell the Delaware Canal’s basic story, are in place along the length of the Canal. They’re more colorful, more accurate, and feature a better illustration of lock locations/elevations.

Susan and Jeff Witte wrestle with a worn-out sign.

Nine Canal Action Team (known as CAT) volunteers met in New Hope on one of the rare Saturdays in May when it wasn’t raining, reviewed the process of removing the worn-out panels and installing the new, divided into two teams, and headed north and south. As you can tell from the photograph, coaxing old panels from their bases isn’t the easiest of jobs, but CAT accomplished the mission in a full morning. Many thanks!!

The project of improving and replacing the basic wayside signs came together last October when thirteen guests at the Faces and Places fundraiser contributed the funds needed to design and fabricate the new signs. Much effort went to revising text and designing new graphics; followed by a significant period of review, revision, and approval by DCNR and partners.

Now the new signs are in place and their design sets a standard for the other interpretive sign projects that the Friends have underway – a new 3-panel kiosk at Groundhog Lock in Raubsville, nine improved replacement panels in Historic Bristol Borough, and a new wayside sign in Smithtown.

Take a look at the signs when you’re passing by on the towpath, and CAT can always use some more volunteers.

CAT volunteers trained and ready to tackle sign panel replacement.

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In the Interest of Ease and Safety

Gene Kancianic makes final adjustments to the KayaArm kayak stabilizer.

The Friends have purchased a kayak stabilizing device that has been installed on the wooden dock at Locks 22/23 aka Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area in Raubville. The KayaArm was invented and is manufactured in Canada for the purpose of making getting in and out of a kayak at a dock safe and easy. Anyone who has participated in our kayaking adventures at this location knows that a stabilizer would be a good thing.

CAT volunteers Pete Rosswaag and Gene Kancianic installed the KayaArm in July, and we’ll be trying it out during our Paddling the Canal sessions on August 18. It’s a relatively simple device with a cradle and arm that can be adjusted for varying water levels. If it works as advertised, the Friends will consider buying one or two more for other dock locations.

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To The Rescue

Five volunteers have adopted four needy sections of the Canal.

Welcome and Thank you, new Canal Tenders!

Bob Barth – Forks of the Delaware to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park

Mark Greaney – Mueller’s Store to Indian Rock Inn

Thomas Fryer – Lock 17 to Bridge 3

Alex Castner and his son Will – Conrail Embankment to Tyburn Road

In case, you’re interested in being a Canal Tender, the following sections in the southern end of the Canal still need to be adopted:

Tyburn Road to Mill Creek Road
Mill Creek Road to the Levittown Shopping Center
Levittown Shopping Center to Green Lane
Green Lane to the Bristol Borough Lagoon Park
Beaver Street to Riverfront Park

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Calendar of Events

In-Water Clean-Up Day

Sunday, August 5, 10 A.M.

Meet in the parking lot of the Bristol Amish Market, 498 Green Lane, Bristol, PA 19007

We’re coming for you, Berm Bank Trash!

We’ll be in kayaks for In-Water Clean-Up Day, unlike this photo taken in 2011 when volunteers went right into the water.

On what we hope will be a cool-ish Sunday morning, the Delaware Canal State Park educators will have their fleet of 12 kayaks at the Bristol Amish Market ready to go. Can you be one of the volunteers who will paddle south from Green Lane and extract trash from the towpath and berm banks along the way? Or be an on-land assistant who can unburden the kayak crews of their accumulations?

We’ll need about 12 hearty kayakers and 6 on-land helpers. The Park will provide paddles and PFD’s, in addition to the kayaks. The Friends will supply the trash bags and refreshments. Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and come dressed to tackle wet work.

The trash and debris that lies just out of reach along the Canal is really frustrating. This clean-up effort should be a fun and effective way to leap from being frustrated to being finished.

If you can help, please email friends@fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. It’s proven that a clean Canal stays cleaner.

If the water level is low in Bristol in early August, we’ll switch our efforts to the Forks of the Delaware in Easton. If this change is necessary, we’ll put out the word on www.fodc.org.

Paddling the Canal II

Saturday, August 18

10 A.M. – NOON or 1-3 P.M.

Meet in the upper parking area of the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area aka Locks 22/23, 198 Canal Road, Easton, PA 18042. The parking area is accessed from PA Route 611 and is located between Riegelsville and Raubsville.

This will be the second of four of our ever-popular paddling adventures. We’re pleased to be able to offer an additional date this year in cooperation with the very busy Delaware Canal State Park education staff.

Taking off from the dock at Locks 22/23.

You don’t even have to own a boat to see the Delaware Canal from the vantage of the water. State Park Educator Katie Martens has equipped kayaks ready to be loaned for these morning and afternoon sessions of paddling. They’re perfect opportunities to try out the sport of kayaking.

Our round-trip journey will begin at Locks 22/23. The two locks were combined in the 1800’s, and now the deep, stone structure is the first lock south of Easton, where the rush of Lehigh River water enters the Delaware Canal. The lively southward current requires kayakers and canoeists to put a bit more oomph into their paddling as they head north, but the trip back will be a breeze. The scenery along the way is lovely, especially at St. Paul’s Church in Raubsville; and there are great tales to tell about the lost town of Uhlersville, the remains of the hydroelectric plant that powered the Easton-to-Doylestown trolley line, and “Ripple Rock.”

You may bring your own kayak or canoe and personal flotation device or your may borrow one of the equipped kayaks that the Park staff will have on hand. For each session, there are 16 seats available in 12 single kayaks and 2 tandems.

Registration is required for this activity. Please do so early. You many sign up by contacting 215-862-2021 or friends@fodc.org. They are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are planning to use Park equipment, a $10 per person donation is requested on the day of the event.

Paddle the summer away!

A Multi-Faceted Afternoon in Historic Bristol Borough

Saturday, August 18, 3 P.M.

Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library

680 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007

Historic Bristol Borough is a diamond with many facets. Join us as we discover some of the best.

Our afternoon will begin at the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, beautifully situated along the Delaware River. Two treats are in store there. “Paradise Ditch,” a short 1950’s era film about the Delaware Cana and surrounding area, will be projected. It’s a real period piece including shots of mule-drawn boats, locktenders, and skinny dipping whippersnappers taken during the preceding 25 years.

Rich history, revitalization, community spirit and river views can all be experienced in Bristol Borough. This is a view from the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library garden to the Delaware River.

Also on view will be an exceptional special exhibit, “Made in America: The Grundy Mill and the Business of Spinning Wool. It features the iconic woolen mill owned by Bristol Borough’s foremost citizen and philanthropist Joseph R. Grundy. The daily lives of mill workers and the wool manufacturing process are featured, and the perspectives of industrialists and the political environment of the time are interwoven. It’s a fascinating story with compelling photographs and maps.

Outside, we’ll take in the Library’s lovely rooftop patio garden and walk along the Delaware River using the new Bristol History Trail. There are benches for river and boat watching and a series of interpretive signs explaining the area.

After our Library visit, you are invited to do the Bristol Stroll on your own. (Bristol Stomping is allowed, too.) The Stroll route will lead you down Radcliffe Street and into the center of town. Along the way, you will see exceptional colonial and Victorian buildings, the famous Wharf, the busy new pier and dock, and the monuments in Riverfront Park. The town’s many restaurants and shops along Radcliffe and Mill Streets await your visit.

There is always something good happening in Historic Bristol Borough.

Skirting Scudder Falls – A Late Summer Saunter

Sunday, August 26, 4 P.M.

Meet in the parking lot at the intersection of Taylorsville Road and Mt. Eyre Road, Yardley, PA 19067

A new I-95 bridge is being built across the Delaware River at Scudder Falls. The gargantuan project started a year ago and won’t be complete until 2021. The new bridge structure will span both the Delaware Canal in Pennsylvania and the Delaware and Raritan Canal in New Jersey and includes a pedestrian/bike way with connections to both canal towpaths.

On our Late Summer Saunter along the towpath we’ll get a firsthand view of the current state of the project as well as see two

An artist’s rendering of the new Scudder Falls Bridge, to be completed in 2021. Graphic courtesy of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission.

canal locks. First up on our 2.4-mile roundtrip walk will be the Dyer’s Creek waste gate and overflow south of Mt. Eyre Road. Here we’ll learn about the vital functions of these structures; then on to Lock 7 aka Borden’s Lock. The stone walls of Lock 7 were meticulously restored by the Friends more than a decade ago. The workmanship is well worth admiring as well as the spirit and conviction of the mason who re-laid each stone. Lock 7 is also home to the Delaware Canal State Park Maintenance Area, which has some interesting stories all of its own.

The existing Scudder Falls Bridge and the sprawling new bridge construction site come into view as we cross Woodside Road. Take this opportunity to see the project up close and find out what’s to come, including a new Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission headquarters, towpath trail connections, and comfort facilities in the 1799 House.

Next up is Lock 6 aka Lear’s Lock, which is our turnaround point. Hear some of the colorful tales told by Chester Lear, the son of Lock 6’s last locktender. On our way back to Mt. Eyre Road, we’ll check out the sights that we may have missed on the way south.

Take this opportunity to be in the know.

Paddling the Canal III

Sunday, September 9

10 A.M. – NOON or 1-3 P.M.

Meet at Tinicum Park, 963 River Road, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972.

When entering the Park, follow the roadway back to the parking area closest to the Canal.

Some sun, some shade. You can find what you like while paddling along the Canal.

As the fall sets in, we’ll be paddling on the Canal with the advantage of having two historic villages along the route. To the south will be Erwinna, a bustling town while the Canal was in commercial operation. It was home to the Canal Superintendent and boasted all the necessary canal-related businesses, including a boat building yard. Uhlerstown and Lock 18 will be our northern turnaround point. There we can paddle under the only public covered bridge over the Canal and view the buildings that once served the canal trade and now have been lovingly preserved and converted for residential use. Uhlerstown is reputed to be the “best preserved Canal hamlet in America.”

Delaware Canal State Park educator Katie Martens will be leading both the morning and afternoon sessions and will have fully equipped kayaks available to borrow. You may reserve a Park kayak or bring your own canoe or kayak and personal flotation device.

Registration is required. The details are provided in the Paddling the Canal II – August 18 notice. The Park kayaks are claimed quickly, so call or e-mail as soon as you can, particularly if you’re planning to paddle with family or friends.

See the Canal’s historic villages from the water.

Paddling the Canal IV

Sunday, October 21

10 A.M. – NOON or 1-3 P.M.

Meet at the Black Rock Road Picnic Area at the intersection of the Canal and Black Rock Road in Yardley.

Autumn colors will surround us as we paddle south from Black Rock Road through the widest of the Canal’s widewaters. Trees tower overhead where mule-drawn canal boats pulled over to the side to get out of the way of “traffic,“ much like trucks pull over on highway shoulders today.

The Canal widewaters have evolved into abundant habitats where turtles, great blue herons, ducks, frogs, fish and all sorts of other critters can be spotted. In this final paddling adventure before colder weather sets in, we should see an assortment of wildlife, perhaps even the beaver that we saw this spring.

After instructing everyone on kayaking safety and technique, State Park Educator Katie Martens will lead the fleet south both in the morning and afternoon. She will have fully equipped kayaks available to borrow. You may reserve a Park kayak or you’re very welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak and personal flotation device.

Registration is required. The details are provided in the Paddling the Canal II – August 18 notice. Please call or e-mail early, so that you don’t end up on the waiting list. The Park kayak are much in demand.

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Special Events

Canal Walk 2018

September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27

This hearty and still smiling group walked all 58.9 miles of the Canal last year.

Before the celebration of last year’s 30^th Anniversary, there was a thought to change our Canal Walk around a bit in 2018, perhaps dividing the 58.9 mile trek into eight shorter sections rather the five traditional 12-mile-or-so legs. In fact, we even included a question in Canal News. When only one person responded that he thought that shorter walks would be a good idea and lots of people walked the entire 30^th anniversary walk, the thought flew out the window.

So, we will be doing Canal Walk 2018 in the way it’s always been done – five walks conducted over five successive Saturdays. This year we’ll be starting in Riverfront Park in Historic Bristol Borough and heading north to Easton.

It’s time to start getting in shape and find the perfect pair of walking shoes. The full Canal Walk 2018 itinerary will appear in the Fall issue of Canal News and on-line at www.fodc.org. Will this be your year to take on the challenge and enjoy the sights and camaraderie?

Faces and Places – Save the Date…October 14

You are cordially invited to join the Friends of the Delaware Canal for our ninth annual signature event – Faces & Places – A Celebration of the Arts and History along the Delaware Canal.

The river valley and rolling hills of northern Bucks County are our destination this year as we explore Riegelsville and Durham. On our chauffeured tour will be:

The stately Robert A. Shimer House on Riegelsville’s Mansion Row. A showpiece of the town’s industrial wealth, the stone mansion was built in 1898 with great style. Today it reflects its Edwardian heritage and the many interests of it current owner, who proudly serves as the local constable.
The “Roebling Bridge,” one of the most graceful structures spanning the Delaware River. A walk from Riegelsville, PA to Riegelsville, NJ offers memorable views, refreshing breezes, and a bit of Brooklyn Bridge aura.
Durham, a now quiet village where ore in the hills led prominent colonial investors to erect a nation-building iron furnace. The boats that carried George Washington’s troops were invented here, and a replica will be on view. A walk through the town’s gristmill will reveal the secrets of its inner workings, and the nearby historic houses beg to be strolled by.
A ride through the countryside down to the river with picture-perfect farms, churches, pristine Cook’s Creek, and lovely vistas along the way.

Ending the day by the Delaware River, we’ll arrive at the historic Riegelsville Inn where drinks, hors d’oeuvres and dinner will be waiting in the dining room and out on the canalside patio.

For more information or to make reservations on-line, visit www.fodc.org and click on the Event link on the homepage or e-mail friends@fodc.org or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

Individual tickets are $150 each; patron tickets are $250. Special sponsorship opportunities are available.

Join us for Faces & Places in the north!

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A Very Ducky Season

The crowd lined the towpath waiting for the racing ducks to drop into the Canal.

Yellow rubber duckies connected the Friends to more than a thousand people this spring and summer. Smiles, creativity, and awareness blossomed. In the spirit of past Canal Festivals, the Friends sponsored “The Great Yardley Duck Race” on June 9 and had duck decorating booths at two First Fridays in Historic Bristol Borough and at the Tinicum Arts Festival. A good time was had by all in support of the Friends’ efforts to improve the Canal.

Many thanks to our volunteer “duck handlers “ – Mark Baldwin, Bob Behney, Robin Butrey, Pam Can, Bart Davidoff, Richard Emmons, Susan Firestone, Margie and Rick Mingione, Susan and Lily Schneider, Larry Reinfeld, Pete Rosswaag, and Jerry Taylor. And we very much appreciate the help of the Bristol Borough Business Association, Tinicum Civic Association, Yardley Farmers Market, Yardley General and Yardley Borough in hosting our ducky activities.

All finished at First Friday in Historic Bristol Borough.

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125 Years of Conservation

On May 30, the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives passed Resolution 901 recognizing the 125^th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s state forest and state park systems.

Did you know —-

A bill signed in 1893 formed the Pennsylvania Forestry Commission, tasked with the control of forest fires and to establish a forest reserve system. The system began with the purchase of 7,500 acres in Clinton County.

Pennsylvania’s first state park was designated in 1893 to mark a Revolutionary War site. In 1976 it became Valley Forge National Historical Park under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Gifford Pinchot State Park is named after the nation’s “First Forester.” Pinchot was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt to head the U.S. Forest Service and then served as Pennsylvania State Forestry Commissioner before becoming governor in 1923.

In 1955, Maurice K. Goddard was appointed director of the Department of Parks and Forests. At the time there were 44 Pennsylvania state parks. Dr. Goddard proposed building a state park within 25 miles of every resident of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s New State Parks: A Report to the General Assembly was released in 1957. It studied 175 potential state parks sites, which were evaluated on water, location, topography, subsurface conditions, availability, and scenic and historical significance. Acquisition of the some of the new state parks began immediately.

Pennsylvania’s state park system was recognized in 2009 as the best in the nation by the National Recreation and Park Association.

There were nearly 40 million visitors to Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests in 2017, generating approximately $4billion for the economy.

Today Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s largest state park systems with 121 state parks encompassing nearly 300,000 acres.

The newest state park in the system is the 500-acre Washington Crossing Historic Park.

To learn 116 more interesting things about Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests and to find out about 125^th anniversary events, visit https://paparksandforests.org/

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Hot Jazz / Cool Location

A Concert and Dinner at the Home of Linda Kenyon

Saturday, September 22 at 6 P.M.

3015 North Sugan Road, New Hope, PA 18938

Back by popular demand! Eric Mintel’s music and Linda Kenyon’s dinners are irresistible.

Join us for a captivating evening at a very cool location where you’ll have the chance to enjoy a unique music and dining experience. As you enter Linda’s striking home, you’ll be greeted by friends, spirits and savory hors d’oeuvres. After some mingling, seats will be found, and the acclaimed Eric Mintel Quartet will perform two sets of jazz with Linda’s famous soup served during the break. An elegant dinner creatively prepared by Linda in the best tradition of Julia Child will be ready when the music ends.

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck said, “As long as the music attracts dedicated young musicians like Eric Mintel, jazz will continue to thrive and progress as a voice of freedom.” Joining Mintel on piano will be Nelson Hill on sax and flute, Brian Bortz on bass, and Dave Mohn on drums. The Quartet thrills audiences of all ages and connects with people all over the world.

Bucks County’s Eric Mintel has played piano all his life. His career highlights include two performances at the White House, several concerts at the Kennedy Center, and a special concert at the United Nations.

You won’t want to miss this special occasion!

Donation: $100 per person for the concert and dinner.

Please make your reservations by clicking here, calling 215-862-2021 or e-mailing friends@fodc.org.

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Welcome, New Friends!

Joyce Bigley

Sandy Burdulis

Alex Castner

Chris Cummins

Christine Curtis

Sue and Greg Derr

Mary Lou and Frederick Erk

Carolyn Forcina

Jane and John Grim

Cheryl and Lee Hennessey

John Hommer

Jonathan Kemmerley

Jennifer Koplin

Virginia Kraft

William Larrison

Albert Prohaska

Catherine Neil and Charles Reichner

Rostair Foundation

David Salkin

Lisa Schwartz

Stephan Design Center

Patsy and David Wang-Iverson

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Canal News – Spring 2018

The Time Has Come

A few of the hikers on our “Winter Footgear Walk,” held on February 18, pause at a muddy stretch of towpath in Lumberville.

After being in place for 15 years, the red argillite stone surface of the Canal towpath is showing its age. The argillite is deteriorating to dust leaving behind an earthen surface punctuated with holes, ruts, and humps. On a sunny day, walking and bicycling require watchfulness. On a rainy day, be prepared for lots of mud and deep puddles.

After the floods of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011, the red argillite surface was replaced with “stabilized turf” in the sections of towpath that were damaged by the floodwaters. The red argillite was allowed to remain in the non-flood prone areas. Now that the argillite is failing, DCNR must step up to the problem and develop and implement a plan to bring the towpath back to a safe and visitor-friendly condition.

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One Pump On, One Pump Off , One Pump To Come

From the Point Pleasant Pumping Station to the Delaware Canal

On January 23 water began flowing into the Delaware Canal via a diversion from the Point Pleasant Pumping Station. The lively stream flowing down the berm bank from the big red barn was a welcome sight made possible by an agreement between the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Forest Park Water Authority, owner-operator of the Point Pleasant Pump. The agreement was brokered by State Senator Chuck McIlhinney at the suggestion of Delaware Canal 21.

The diversion can supply water to the Canal during the periods when the giant pump in the Delaware River is operating. The Delaware River Basin Commission has approved the agreement for a six-month test period with a possible extension of an additional six months.

The Point Pleasant Pump last supplied water to the Canal during the summer of 2000. At that time the Tohickon Aqueduct reconstruction project was running a year behind schedule and recent repair work done in Lumberville desperately needed some stabilizing water. Paul Bogen, a Friends’ member, negotiated a deal with the water authorities operating the pump at that time to supply water to the Canal. The water authorities’ “Water Wizard” mascot turned on the system on May 9. The diversion did supply water to the Canal, but not in sufficient volume to make a significant difference. The white PVC pipes from that attempt can still be seen on the Pumping Station property.

The centrifugal pump that conveys water from the River into the Canal at Centre Bridge has been out of service since the end of January. High river levels and cold temperature have prevented the Park maintenance staff from getting down to and into the river water to determine the cause of the problem. It’s most likely that a supply pipe was dislodged while the River was filled with ice chunks and the repair shouldn’t be too difficult. The water level in the Centre Bridge to Lock 11- New Hope section has not dropped too low because of the snow melt, rain, and runoff. In fact, the entire Canal has benefited from these sources of water.

The Friends and DCNR will be working out the final details of installing a centrifugal pump in the River at the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park. The distance between the River and the Canal at that location is fairly short and a power supply is available. The pump that will be utilized is one purchased by the Friends for use by the Park. Its purpose will be to supply water to the southern end of the Canal when the Delaware River drops below the level of the New Hope inlet, which often happens in late summer and early fall.

The quest for a fully watered Canal goes on.

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Delaware Canal Bound

The site of the waterwheels that once supplied water to the southern end of the Delaware Canal will be the first stop on the NY and PA Canal Societies’ spring field trip.

An annual field trip is a part of nearly every state canal society’s schedule of events. This year the Canal Society of New York State and the Pennsylvania Canal Society are collaborating on a spring field trip to the Delaware Canal.

The trip will extend from Friday afternoon, April 27 to Sunday afternoon, April 29. The main feature will be a guided bus tour from the south end of New Hope to the Forks of the Delaware in Easton on Saturday, April 28. Stops will be made along the way, and lunch will be served at the Homestead Store in Upper Black Eddy. After the tour, the group will have dinner at the Wyndham Philadelphia-Bucks County Hotel, and Susan Taylor, Executive Director of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, will present a program “What You Didn’t See on the Bus.”

Friends’ members are invited to join the two canal societies for this exploration. Seeing the Delaware Canal in the company of canal experts and enthusiasts will be an enlightening treat, and the extensive illustrated tour guide developed by trip organizer Bruce Schwendy will be a resource well worth having.

To see a full schedule of activities and register for the trip, go to www.newyorkcanals.org and click on Upcoming Events.

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Park Manager’s Report

The snow and ice is melting, and spring will be here soon. I am looking forward to warmer temperatures and the return of our seasonal staff to the Park. Trout season opens on March 31, and with it comes the return of eager fishermen looking forward to the first cast of the season.

We are still anticipating the beginning of several projects along the Canal this year. They are:

the Kleinhans Aqueduct replacement in Williams Township
the Phillips’ Mill bridge replacement in Solebury Township
the construction of a passageway through the Conrail embankment in Falls Township
the trail bypass along Tyburn Road, also in Falls Township

Also underway this year is a large capital project to repair, replace, and/or restore ten bridges and two sub-canal culverts within the Park. This project will be completed in three phases over the course of about three to five years. The first phase of this project will include Canal Lane in Upper Black Eddy, Smithtown Bridges 3 & 4, and a sub-canal culvert in Raubsville just north of the Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area. Right now, we have an engineering consulting firm working on the design and planning for this project. We anticipate having the three bridges and one sub-canal culvert in Phase One of this project ready for bid in November of 2018. Phase Two will include Canal Road North in Raubsville, Canal Road South in Raubsville, Berm Lane in Upper Black Eddy, and Island Road in Kintnersville. Phase Three will include the Tebola Beans Bridge in Washington Crossing, the Buckstone/David Library Bridge in Upper Makefield, the Rabbit Run sub-canal culvert just north of New Hope, and the Mechanic Street Bridge in New Hope. This large capital project will make a huge difference and will help in addressing the numerous infrastructure needs along the Canal.

Enjoy the Canal!

Josh Swartley, Park Manager

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What’s on the CAT To-Do List?

Repairing the roofs on lock doghouses
Painting camelback bridges
Installing new interpretive sign panels
Building another Potty Barn
Be a CAT member and you can be in the doghouse, too.
Plus whatever comes along

Do you want to work on these substantial projects and enjoy working with your fellow Friends?

Be a part of the Canal Action Team (CAT)

Who: Anyone who wants to and can be physically active.

When: CAT projects can be undertaken both on weekdays and weekends. Usually they take no longer than 3-4 hours.

Where: Work sites can be located anywhere from Easton to Bristol. They are determined by the urgency of the job and the location and number of available volunteers.

The Plan: If you want to be part of CAT, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org and give us your contact info and your preferred work locations (north, central, south). When a work project is developed, an e-mail notice containing the job details is sent to all the prospective volunteers about two weeks prior. Those who can help on a particular project just respond to the e-mail and show up on the appointed day.

CAT is expert at getting things done well while still having a good time.

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Sharing the Towpath Trail

Spring brings sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and great numbers of Delaware Canal State Park visitors – bicyclists, hikers, runners, walkers, equestrians, birders, scenery lovers, etc. The Canal towpath, with its many quirks, is required to accommodate everyone, making it so much more important for visitors to be aware of and courteous to each other.

Here are two tips for sharing the towpath trail:

Bicyclists: Please signal your approach verbally or by ringing a bicycle bell. It’s easy to startle others when you’re coming up quickly and quietly. Slowing down would be nice, too.

Walkers: Please stay to the right on the towpath, so that others can pass by safely.

The Delaware Canal towpath is a trail for all.

An old-fashioned bicycle bell is a good way to let other towpath users know that you’re about to pass them and very appropriate for the old-fashioned Canal.

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Opportunities to the North and South

Dedicated Canal Tenders are taking care of 45 miles of the Delaware Canal – 13.9 miles are still in need of adoption. These miles lie on the northern and southern ends. Please consider volunteering to close these last gaps.

Easton – Forks of the Delaware to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park – 2.3 miles
Riegelsville/Upper Black Eddy – Mueller’s Store to Indian Rock Inn – 5.5 miles
Falls Township – Conrail Obstruction to Wheatsheaf Road – 2.5 miles
Bristol Township/Bristol Borough – Levittown Center to Bristol Lagoon Park – 2.8 miles
Bristol Borough – Beaver Street to Riverfront Park – 0.8 mile

The sections can be divided into smaller stretches.

We have a very willing volunteer for the Bristol Township area, but she wants to work with at least one other person.

Three Canal Tenders have “retired.” We heartily thank Tom and Carol Grube, who tended from the Forks of the Delaware to Wy-Hit-Tuk Park, and Daniel Duffin, who tended from Mueller’s Store to Indian Rock Inn, for all their years of hard work.

Marge Copenhaver retired from her section from Lock 17 to Bridge 3 in Smithtown, but has decided to get right back into tending by adopting the Centre Bridge to Phillips’ Mill section. Linda and Aodan Peacock have volunteered to partner with her.

New Friends’ member Thomas Fryer has adopted the Lock 17 to Bridge 3 section.

We’re so grateful to our Canal Tenders – new, current, and retired for helping to improve the towpath and waterway. If you would like to be part of the program, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

The Canal needs you!

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In the Merry Month of May

You will be receiving your Friends of the Delaware membership renewal request for the year 2018. Please support all that we do to improve the Canal.

We welcome checks because we save on credit card fees, but also are happy to have you renew online. Just click on Join in the main menu and navigate to the Renew Your Membership page.

Thank you so much!

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Welcome, New Friends!

Anna Maria Caldara
Thomas Fryer
Michael Solomon

Contact Us

Help the Canal

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Canal News – Spring 2021

Sharing Stories Virtually

The High and Low Points of Last Winter

PARK MANAGER’S REPORT

The Limber CAT

Fingers Crossed

Upcoming Events

GIVING BACK

THE 6TH FOR THE 4OTH

Get ’em Before They Hatch

Canal Tenders—More Important Than Ever

At the Board Table

The Need Isn’t New

Welcome, New Friends

Canal News – Fall 2020

Construction Countdown Done

Rewatering Underway

Always on the Look Out

Park Manager’s Report

Events that We’re Missing this October

An Untraditional Calendar of Events

POP-UP SHORT WALKS

Locations, Dates, and Times are sent via Constant Contact and posted on fodc.org.

The Cares Act can help you help the Friends

NICE SAVE!

A 9-11 Bench Returns

We’ll be Ready

NEED SOME DIVERSION?

PUMP IN WAITING

SHARING THE TOWPATH TRAIL: MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

WELCOME NEW FRIENDS

Canal News – Summer 2018

Progress, Setbacks and Roadblocks

A New Face at the Locktender’s House

Out With The Old, In With the New

In the Interest of Ease and Safety

To The Rescue

Calendar of Events

In-Water Clean-Up Day

Paddling the Canal II

A Multi-Faceted Afternoon in Historic Bristol Borough

Skirting Scudder Falls – A Late Summer Saunter

Paddling the Canal III

Paddling the Canal IV

Special Events

Canal Walk 2018

September 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27

Faces and Places – Save the Date…October 14

A Very Ducky Season

125 Years of Conservation

Hot Jazz / Cool Location

A Concert and Dinner at the Home of Linda Kenyon

Welcome, New Friends!

Canal News – Spring 2018

The Time Has Come

One Pump On, One Pump Off , One Pump To Come

Delaware Canal Bound

Park Manager’s Report

What’s on the CAT To-Do List?

Sharing the Towpath Trail

Opportunities to the North and South

In the Merry Month of May

Welcome, New Friends!

Contact Us

Help the Canal

Get Email Updates

Menu