Fry’s Run Aqueduct – Friends of the Delaware Canal

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.

A 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)

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:
• 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.

Canal News – Summer 2020

Another Camelback Bridge Project Crossed Off the To-Do List

Work in progress at the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge

Extensive repair work on the historic camelback bridge that crosses the Delaware Canal in the northern section of Washington Crossing Historic Park has been completed. To preserve one the canal’s most iconic and well-used structures, the Friends raised $78,000 in private contributions to fund the project. Thank you!

The work was completed by camelback bridge restoration expert Randall Myer of R-Shell Exteriors, Lancaster, PA. Myer and his assistant Jane Martin arrived on site in late January. The weather was cooperative, but the pandemic wasn’t. They were drawn off the job by the COVID-19 restrictions, and then returned to the project in May when construction activities were allowed.

After elevating, then stabilizing the bridge on cribbing, the main floor beams, posts, cross bracing, X braces, roof boards, and many deck boards were replaced with appropriate timber. The bridge then received its coatings of signature barn red stain. The final inspection by representatives from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Friends took place on June 3.

The Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge is one of only six along the 58.9-mile-long canal that still retains its authentic structure. The camelback design was used on the Delaware Canal because it has a slight hump in the middle allowing clear passage of canal boats underneath. Today they are picturesque and useful reminders of the canal’s colorful past.

At the final inspection of the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge (from left) – Jane Martin and Randall Myer from R-Shell Exteriors, Bethany Hare, Delaware Canal State Park Assistant Manager; Eugene Gelfand, consulting engineer to DCNR; and Susan Taylor, Friends of the Delaware Canal.

The Friends of the Delaware Canal’s quest to restore and preserve the six remaining camelbacks began in 2002. Since then, five of the six have been restored. Their quest continues.

Friends’ volunteers undertake maintenance projects each year to keep the already restored bridges in good condition. The Upper Black Eddy Ready Response Team (UBERRT) will be restaining Hazzard’s Camelback Bridge this summer, and the Canal Action Team (CAT) will be applying their stain brushes to the Goat Farm Camelback Bridge, as well as cutting back vegetation that tries its best to engulf the bridge approaches.

The sixth bridge, Spahr’s Camelback Bridge in Upper Black Eddy, is a victim of earthquake damage and extensive deterioration. Its restoration is a major undertaking and remains a goal.

We are very grateful to the many generous contributors to this project, who love the camelback bridges and ensure their preservation. With special thanks to the Goodfellow Fund, Judy and Joe Franlin, Barbara and Peter Sperry, and Susan Taylor.

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Park Manager’s Report

by Devin Buzard

As you may have already gleaned from other articles in this issue of Canal News, we are nearing a predictable end to several large-scale construction projects along the northern end of the Canal.

These much needed replacements and repairs necessitated the dewatering of the Canal. The bypass gate that feeds Lehigh River water into the Canal was closed last fall. The waterway is essentially without water, but when it can be found in sporadic stretches, its source is stormwater runoff or local streams that flow directly into the Canal.

While there have been setbacks with recent events and the temporary cessation of some work, I am still optimistic that we will be able to introduce water once again as early as August.

As spring transitions into summer, I am finding it is difficult to predict what the next few months will bring. You will see an increase in boom mowing (long reach) along the banks as summer continues. We recently replaced this critical piece of machinery that was lost to a roll-over accident last year.

And, despite being faced with so much recent uncertainty, I have been inspired to see that the good work of the Friends has not faltered over the past few months. Most notably, I witnessed the fulfillment of a primary mission of the Friends – the restoration of an authentic camelback bridge in the skilled hands of an expert craftsman.

While there could be no large ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Thompson-Neely Camelback Bridge when the project was completed, I know that one would have been well-attended. A repair of this scale only exists with many supporters. I appreciate the Friend’s commitment to preserving our historic structures and proud to know that this bridge will go on to bear the footsteps of future generations.

Out on the towpath, I am sure you have noticed the increase in visitation and may have even personally witnessed a new user, who is still unfamiliar with trail etiquette. While the increase in traffic may at times be frustrating, it is important to remember that this influx of recreational users truly indicates the importance of our public lands that you, as Friends of the Delaware Canal, already know and support. While this trend in visitation may not last forever, it is my hope that the appreciation for places like the Delaware Canal will not fade.

The Friends heartily thank all the Delaware Canal State Park staff for keeping the towpath and waterway open during these extremely challenging times!

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Calendar of Events

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Person walking on the canal path — Always open.

COVID-19 has sucked the certainty out of the Friends’ plans for 2020. You already know more than you’d like about the hazards of gathering in groups and being in enclosed spaces,
so we won’t belabor the reasons why our organization has decided to cancel some of our traditional events and reconfigure others.

The Friends of the Delaware Canal is a Pennsylvania State Parks friends organization. As such, we must and want to comply with the directives
that are issued by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Those directives are based on the Center for Disease Control and Department of Health guidelines.

When you receive this newsletter, the Counties of Bucks and Northampton may be in the Green Phase, “the new normal.” At this point, the Friends’ “new normal” means that we will plan on having walks, but the number of participants will be limited to 20 people, who will social distance and wear masks. Reservations will be required. And, yes, we will have a sound amplification system, so there won’t be the need to huddle together to hear.

Canal Action Team (CAT) projects, such as bridge painting and vegetation removal, will go forward with precautions in place. The number of volunteers on each project will be limited to five, the work will take place outdoors, and no contact with the general public made. We would dearly love to take on some small group clean-up activities to make up for missing the Friends’ annual Canal Clean-Up Day, but there is just too much poison ivy growing on the banks to risk it. (And now you know why our annual cleanup is scheduled in very early April.)

Later this year, it may be possible to have some programs, such as photo shows or presentations by speakers, but it will depend upon how well COVID-19 is tamed. Plans are being made for virtual alternates, if need be. We will not be having our Paddle the Canal events in partnership with the State Park Educators this summer and fall. The need to sanitize the kayaks, paddles, and PFDs and be in close proximity during instruction and launching has ruled paddling out.

Our practice of carpooling people from the starting and finishing points of the Friends’ annual 58.9-mile long Canal Walk has complicated the decision about whether or not the Walk will be held this year.

Unfortunately, Faces and Places–A Celebration of the Arts and History Along the Delaware Canal has been canceled. Nearly all of the event arrangements for the Friends’ major fundraiser must be made well in advance, so the cancellation became inevitable. Plans are already underway for Faces and Places 2021.

Meanwhile, as the way forward becomes clear, we will let you know the what, where, and whens about upcoming activities. If you’ve provided your e-mail address, you will receive announcements via Constant Contact. The events will be posted on the www.fodc.org and listed on the Friends’ Facebook page.

It’s been very strange to be without events and activities since early March. We very much miss seeing you, and hope to be able to change that, at least somewhat, soon.

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BUTTON, BUTTON

THE FRIENDS HAVE A BUTTON

You can get yours absolutely free at the Locktender’s House in New Hope or at a Friends’ event.
Many thanks to Board member Jeff Connell for being our button benefactor!

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SMILING AT THE LOCKTENDER’S HOUSE

Even though the interior of the little museum at Locktender’s House at Lock 11 in New Hope is currently closed to visitors because of the COVID-19 restrictions, the Friends are still
sharing the Canal’s stories.

On weekends, Susan Schneider, our Locktender’s House guide, sits on the front porch. Decked out in her long skirt, homespun blouse, and mask, she has been greeting visitors and providing
them with information about the many aspects of the towpath and waterway.

Susan Schneider’s expression can’t be seen behind
her mask, but a painted stone, hid by a kind
someone nearby, makes it clear that there’s a smile
under there.

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Hand painted rock reminding people to wear masks

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The Construction Countdown
3 – 2 – 1 – Done

Completion is in sight for three major Canal construction projects. (Please knock on wood. This is no time to jinx anything.)

The northern end of the Canal from Easton to New Hope has been essentially dewatered since last fall. The bypass gate that supplies water from the Lehigh River was closed to allow work to begin on three projects during the winter/early spring. The timing of the dewatering was dictated by the restrictions concerning the habitat of the red belly turtle, a PA threatened species.

The three projects are:

• The replacement of the northern drop gate on Groundhog Lock aka Locks 22/23 in Raubsville
• The replacement of the Fry’s Run aka Kleinhans Aqueduct in Williams Township
• The repair of the berm bank blowout and structural damage at the Tinicum Aqueduct (The steel trough that conveys water over Tinicum Creek is not being replaced as part of this project.)

The first estimate for the completion of the three projects was May 2020, but then came the obstacles. Access agreement issues, problems with bids, a tree falling on a big piece of equipment, and, of course, COVID-19 shutdowns.

Now, in June, it almost seems miraculous to be able to report that all three projects are expected to be completed by early fall, at the latest, thanks to the diligence of DCNR and the contractors. We hope that there are no additional delays to be encountered due to material availability or personnel shortages due to COVID-19.

From North to South:

The massive timber drop gate for Groundhog Lock is being built in the shop of Methods and Materials Building Company of Gilbertsville, PA. (This is the same company that constructed the drop gate and miter gates for the Lock 11 rehabilitation.) The Delaware Canal State Park maintenance staff has cleaned out the gate chamber and is in the process of replacing the timbers on which the gate will rest. When the new gate arrives, the Park staff will install it. The project is anticipated to be finished in August at a cost of $44,000.

On August 11, 2018, three inches of rain fell in less than an hour turning Fry’s Run in Williams Township into a torrent heading to the Delaware River. The Fry’s Run aka Kleinhans Aqueduct stood in its way and lost the fight. Parts of the aqueduct and its supporting structure were torn away. As an interim measure to maintain water f low in the Canal, DCNR installed two pipes where the aqueduct had been. Last winter, Loftus Construction of Cinnaminson, NJ began work on the new aqueduct. In mid-June, the $780,000 project was 99% complete.

The northern berm bank and canal prism at the Tinicum Aqueduct were also victims of torrential rains. Tinicum Creek raged in June of 2017, collapsing the earthen structures at the aqueduct, but the steel trough and its pedestrian bridge remained intact. Tinicum Aqueduct destruction and reconstruction To keep water flowing southward, DCNR installed a temporary channel. Concurrently, an engineering consultant was engaged to develop plans to restore and strengthen the earthen structures, repair the leaks in the aqueduct’s stone abutments, reinforce its stone pier in the Creek, replace the deteriorated footbridge, and refinish the steel trough.

Clearwater Construction of New Cumberland, PA began the many-faceted, $1.045M job late last winter. Work is currently progressing and expected to be completed in July.

The completion of these three major projects holds the key to rewatering the Canal from Easton to New Hope. It really can’t come soon enough, but the progress that’s been made in spite of all the obstacles this year has been impressive.

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Refreshing the Stories

sign installation at Black Rock Road — Canal Action Team (CAT) volunteer Mark Frey installing the new sign panels at the Black Rock Road Picnic Area.

The Friends is very proud of its significant role in sharing the Delaware Canal’s history Our organization has been involved in the placement of nearly all the interpretive signs that can be found from Easton to Bristol. We both create new signs and improve and replace existing ones when needed.

Late last winter, six sign panels that had been suffering from wear and defacement were replaced through a partnership between the Friends and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail Towns Amenity Grant Program.

New panels, “Where the Water Flows and “A Modern Timber Aqueduct” were installed at either end of the Tohickon Aqueduct in Point Pleasant. The “Canal Boat Graveyard” panel was replaced in Tullytown, and the kiosk at the Black Rock Road Picnic Area in Lower Makefield received three new generic interpretive signs. Clear, crisp text and photos await your visit.

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Tending the Canal

The Friends’ Canal Tender volunteers watch over and care for their sections of the towpath and waterway year-round. The Delaware Canal is so much better for their efforts.

We welcome:

Bill Low, who is a Co-Tender with Aodan and Linda Peacock for the Phillips’ Mill to Centre Bridge section
Eileen Killeen and volunteers from Yardley Friends Meeting will be adding the Woodside Road to Mt. Eyre Road stretch to their tending territory.

Many thanks to our retiring Tenders

Alex Castner and sons Will and James for tending the Wheatsheaf Road to the Conrail Tunnel section
Bob Ketler: Woodside Road to Mt. Eyre
John Manocchio: Lock 11 to Rabbit Run
Ricki Fisher: Bridge Street to Rabbit Run
Marge Copenhaver: Phillips’ Mill to Centre Bridge
Annette Heinz and the “Housewives of Rolling Hills”: Lock 17 to Uhlerstown Covered Bridge

TENDERS ARE NEEDED for these sections, which can be divided into stretches of any length:

Bristol Borough: Riverfront Park to Lagoon Park
Bristol Borough: Lagoon Park to Green Lane
Bristol Twp: Green Lane to Edgely Road
Bristol Twp/Tullytown.: Edgely Road to Levittown Shopping Center (Arby’s)
Falls Twp.: Mill Creek Road to Wheatsheaf Road
Falls Twp.: Wheatsheaf Road toTyburn Road
Falls Twp.: Tyburn Road to Railroad Obstruction
New Hope: Bridge Street to the Rabbit Run Bridge in New Hope
Tinicum Twp: Lock 17 to the Uhlerstown Covered Bridge In Tinicum Township

Can you help? Find out more at fodc.org/help-the-canal/canal-tenders/

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SHARE THE TOWPATH TRAIL, PLEASE

On a recent weekday morning, we witnessed a scene that is all too common these days. A man, focused on his phone screen, was oblivious to a bicyclist who was coming up
behind him on the towpath, and this in spite of her several calls of “On your left” and finally resorting to “Hey, dude.” The man just
continued up the middle of the towpath, and the bicyclist swerved around him narrowly avoiding a fall into the water.

The moral of this story? We all need to be mindful when using the Canal towpath.

During this time of COVID-19, the towpath is experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitation. Many of the bicyclists and walkers have never been to the Delaware Canal State Park before.
These extraordinary circumstances mean that we need to heighten our awareness of whom and what is on the towpath. The extra dividend in this is that we will be more likely to spot the wildflowers and the wildlife. The sight of a dozen turtles lined up on a log is worth a pause.

Wearig masks on a walk along the Delaware Canal in New Hope — Out for a walk along the Delaware Canal in New Hope

Be prepared to wear a mask and social distance.
If you are close to other walkers, runners, or bicyclists, please be ready to put on a mask. The CDC guidelines suggest that all persons, when possible, should maintain at least six feet of distance. This separation often is not possible on the sometimes very narrow towpath. Wearing a mask is the best solution, and it signals that you care about others.

Ride your bicycle with care.
Bicycle tires rolling on the red argillite towpath don’t create much noise, and walkers can be taken by surprise. Cyclists need to make their approaches known by using a bell, calling “on your left,” or simply saying hello to signal the intention to pass. Be mindful of low bridge clearances and limited lines of sight, and be prepared to walk a bicycle under these structures when necessary. And slow down when passing a walker or other cyclist. It is just common courtesy.

Be a good steward of the Delaware Canal State Park.
Keep the towpath clean for all to enjoy. If you take a bottle of water with you, remember to take it home. Please don’t leave used masks and gloves behind. Most restroom facilities are now open for public use, so take care to keep them clean, too.

Just be nice.
If you are traveling in a group, be sure not to block the path for others. Bicycle riders should yield to pedestrians and hikers should yield to equestrians.

The Canal towpath connects many towns, large and small, to an inspiring natural resource. It can be a beautiful day in the neighborhood for all, if we just be mindful.

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WELCOME NEW FRIENDS
Carol & Dan Achord
Lucille Aquilone
Paul & Christine Angulo
John Augustine
Tom Curry
Cindy DeKraft
Linda Fleck
Zachary Henry
Mary Kocubinski
Walter Kocubinski
Sandra & Tom Lavis
Tamie & Douglas Logan
Joanne McDonald
Patricia & Tim Merkel
Mark Miller
Michael Mitrano
Eileen O’Mahony
Sydney Mason
Paul & Casey Pane
Steve Robinson
Ian Skuse
Kate Smith
Michael Swartley
Michael Tavella
John Wehmiller
Michael Yalowitz

Canal News – Summer 2016

Trying Times

The days of May were glorious along the Delaware Canal. In Easton, the abundant water being fed from the Lehigh River filled the Canal all the way south to the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area, 1.3 miles north of Centre Bridge. (At this location, the water had to be released into the Delaware River so that the Redfield Bridge replacement construction site was not inundated.)

A new, more efficient pump, purchased by the Friends and New Hope for Our Canal, supplied River water into the Canal filling the Centre Bridge to Lock 11 section in New Hope nicely.

After extensive culvert cleanouts in the southern end, the Delaware River water flowing into the Canal through the New Hope inlet filled the Canal so high that its water was overflowing the coffer dam at the Lagoon in Bristol Borough.

A water-filled Canal in Lumberville on May 8, 2016.

The key word is “filled.” The many sections that typically have had water were brimful. New to the watering scene were Smithtown, Point Pleasant, Devil’s Half Acre, and Lumberville – communities that haven’t seen consistently high water since 2004. The Canal levels from Morrisville to Bristol Borough were also uncommonly high.

Only 1-1/2 miles of dry-ish Canal prism prevented the achievement of our goal of a “fully watered Canal.” So tantalizingly close.

Then came the discovery of a leak in the Kleinhans Aqueduct, which spans Fry’s Run, seven miles south of Easton. The DNCR engineers confirmed that a previously identified issue with several of the structure’s steel beams had become an immediate problem.

Much to DCNR’s credit, it quickly moved forward with the installation of two 60″ diameter pipes and associated coffer dams that allow Canal water to continue to flow through the aqueduct structure without exacerbating the structural problem.

The amount of water coming through the pipes is impressive, but the flow volume through the aqueduct has been reduced. The use of the two pipes, rather than the full rectangular aqueduct structure, has limited the Canal flow to an amount that reached only as far as the north end of Point Pleasant. A donor paid the electricity bill for a week-long experiment to determine whether a boost from the 6,000 gallon per minute Durham pump would push water farther south. The boost seems to have produced a low level of water extending to the northern end of Lumberville, but a final determination of the effect is still in progress. The cost of operating the Durham pump is $180+ per day, so careful evaluation of cost and benefits is necessary.

These pipes are allowing water to flow through the damaged Kleinhans Aqueduct.

The Kleinhans Aqueduct pipes are a temporary fix. Replacement or substantial repair of the aqueduct, which fortunately is the shortest one on the Canal, is the permanent solution. Replacement or repair is the only way to get a significant flow of “free” Lehigh River water flowing through Point Pleasant, Lumberville, Centre Bridge and New Hope again. DCNR has included the project in its 2016-2017 budget.

Another remedy may be the diversion of water form the Point Pleasant Pumping Station into the Canal at the southern end of the village. DCNR and DC21 have been working on an agreement with the Forest Park Water Authority to allow this diversion, which was first tried more than 15 years ago.

Now on to the Canal from New Hope to Bristol. The prolonged lack of rain has caused the Delaware River to drop below the level of the canal inlet located behind the former Odette’s in New Hope. This inlet supplies Delaware River water into the Canal and is the only significant water source for the southern 25 miles of the Canal from New Hope to Bristol. When the River drops below the inlet level, the Canal drops.

Yardley Lack of water — The level of the Canal in Yardley Borough on June 27, 2016.

In earlier issues of Canal News, you have read about the Friends’ investigation into the installation of an Archimedes Screw pump near the inlet location. This investigation continues, but, meanwhile , the feasibility of installing at 6,000 gallon per minute centrifugal pump at the inlet location is also being pursued as a quicker fix to the need for water augmentation.

Another consequence of the dry weather is that evaporation and tree and vegetation absorption are outrunning the Centre Bridge pump’s ability to keep its section reasonably full.

The best and easiest cure for the water woes from New Hope to Bristol is moderate rainfall. Rain dances by all are most welcome.

Work on all the component parts of the Redfield Bridge project is underway.

Bi-State Construction is making good progress with the replacement of the Redfield Bridge just north of Centre Bridge. The project extended beyond its anticipated duration because the east abutment had to be replaced rather than repaired. The project’s completion will be happy news to the bikers and walkers who use this popular Centre Bridge/Lumberville/Bulls Island/Stockton/Centre Bridge canal loop trail.

Additional project updates are included in the Park Manager’s Report. For the latest information, check the Breaking News page.

The Delaware Canal does present its challenges, but we have come so far and the magnitude of the challenges continues to decrease. We always keep on trying during trying times because the glorious days of May have proven that the canal is more than worth our efforts.

Park Manager’s Report

It is truly an honor for me to be named the new Park Manager at the Delaware Canal State Park Complex. I am looking forward to working with the staff, the local communities, and multiple partners seeking to improve the park. This is an excellent opportunity , and I am looking forward to the new challenge in my career.

I began my career with the Bureau of State Parks in 1994 working as a semi-skilled laborer at Neshaminy State Park. I have held positions as a semi-skilled laborer, intern, and DCNR Ranger at several state parks and as a Park Manager trainee at the Park Region 4 Office. In 2005, I was named the Assistant Park Manager at the Hickory Run State Park Complex, and in 2007, I was named as the Park Manager of Neshaminy State Park.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Recreation from Lock Haven University and will be moving to the Pipersville area with my wife and three children.

We currently have two projects in progress – the culvert replacement on Airport Road in Bristol Township and the Redfield Bridge replacement in Solebury Township. Also, in 2016, a large wall repair will be taking place at Mile Post 21 in Upper Makefield Township. We are anticipating that the replacement of the Phillips’ Mill Bridge and Lower Limeport Bridge, both in Solebury Township, will take place later this year or early in 2017. Also in 2017, we are planning for several projects. They include the tunnel through the railroad embankment just south of Morrisville and a large capital project to replace 12 bridges and culverts along the Canal.

In New Hope, the Bureau has been developing conceptual plans for the relocation of Odette’s and the development of an enhanced visitor services area located by the old mule barge concession.

Finally, work is progressing by PADOT to improve the towpath crossing at Green Lane and Route 13 in Bristol Township. The pedestrian crossing should be completed by the end of the year.

Enjoy the Canal!

Better and Better

More than 350 people turned out this spring for the Friends’ annual Canal Clean-Up Day. Thirty-two coordinators organized coverage of all 58.9 miles of the towpath and waterway. Most of the trash picking and brush clearing took place on showery Saturday, April 2, but some Canal Tenders and other groups chose other days with Falls Township Boy Scout Troop 46 finishing off the effort on May 7.

The volunteers who covered the Green Lane to the Lagoon section of Bristol Borough pose with the fruits of their labor.

THANK YOU ALL!

We were especially pleased to have several new coordinators step up to carry on their predecessors’ traditions of successful group clean-ups – Pam Can in New Hope Borough, Mayor Dave Rivella in Morrisville, and Ed Armstrong of GOAL (Greenbelt Overhaul Alliance of Levittown.)

The very good news is that the Canal Clean-Up Day volunteers say that they find the Canal cleaner every year. In a May 11th Letter to the Editor to the Bucks County Courier Times, Friends’ member Joe Linus of Washington Crossing wrote, “I annually volunteer to clear trash from the Delaware Canal towpath. I am always amazed at how little trash we find. This year, I and four others could not fill even half a trash bag.”

Another validation of “the cleaner the Canal is, the cleaner it stays.”

The High Work

The Locktender’s House in New Hope is a “bank building” set into the canal bank at Lock 11. It rises three stories high on its South Main Street side, and two stories up on its towpath side. This spring three slates fell from the house roof on the towpath side, and the copper gutter on the Main Street side was miserably clogged.

To the rescue came Jeffrey DeFrehn, Sr. and Jeffrey DeFrehn, Jr. of DeFrehn Roofing of Langhorne. They offered to fix the slate roof and clean the gutter at no charge because “we love historic buildings and want to help those who work to preserve them.” We are so thankful to the DeFrehns for this very necessary help. Jeffrey DeFrehn has been in the roofing business for over 40 years, and he and his team handle roofing projects from historic buildings to new construction expertly and efficiently.

Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks

This year’s Delaware Canal Festival has evolved into a series of summer-long events.

So many ducks to admire at the Delaware Canal Festival! Photo credit: The Advance of Bucks County — So many ducks to admire at the Delaware Canal Festival!
Photo credit: The Advance of Bucks County

On June 17 the Delaware Canal Festival kicked off in Historic Bristol Borough. Lagoon Park and the green at Grundy Mill were filled with people who bought their dinner at a variety of food tracks and then stayed for the fun. The local Irish folk band, The River Drivers, set the rhythm for a parade of decorated boats and paddleboard exercisers who plied the calm waters of the Lagoon. Kids and adults decorated ducks for the big contest, played games, visited the tables of community groups, and sat relaxing on a perfect summer evening.

The Delaware Canal Festival will arrive in downtown New Hope on Saturday, July 30. From noon to 4 p.m. come see plein air artists at work along the towpath, Civil War re-enactors at the Parry Mansion, and performers from the Bucks County Folk Song Society at Ferry Street Landing. There will be duck decorating at the Locktender’s House, a scavenger hunt, a guided walking tour of the Canal and an Instagram contest.

And there will be more duck decorating at the Delaware Canal Festival in Morrisville on Saturday, September 10. The State Park educators will be offering the opportunities to paddle kayaks in the Canal, and there will be plenty of good music, food, and fun, too.

Don’t miss out on the rest of the ducky Canal Festival season!

Canal Walk 2016

October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

A blast from the conch shell horn starts each day of the Canal Walk. On October 31, 2015 we had a special helper, who liked hats.

Break in your hiking shoes because the Friends are embarking on their 29th annual 58.0-mile-long Canal Walk this fall. Conducted over five successive Saturdays, the Walk is starting at the Forks of the Delaware in Easton and ending at Waterfront Park in Historic Bristol Borough.

Join in one or all of this year’s walks. The full Canal Walk 2016 itinerary will appear in the fall issue of Canal News and on-line at www.fodc.org. We hope that this is your year to take part in the challenge, the camaraderie, and the fun.

Memories of Canal Walks Past

“I’m thankful that I walked the entire length of the Canal back in the ’90’s. I have the stock certificate framed and hung on my bedroom wall to remind me of the thrill I had taking the walks, and I still recall them when we ride along River Road where the towpath is visible. I feel so proud and happy that I took the walks.”

Pat Jud

Friends of the Delaware Canal member ever since her first Canal Walk

New Canal Tenders Step Up to the Task

Annette Heintz and “The Housewifes of Rolling Hills” have adopted the Uhlerstown to Lock 17 section in Tinicum Township.

Sheree Cote and Tom Lurz are taking care of the Mountainside Inn to Lock 12 section in Plumstead and Solebury Townships.

Monica Hemmers and Steve Heimann are back at work on the Lock 12 to Virginia Forest Recreation Area section in Solebury Township.

Ricki Fisher is covering the Rabbit Run Bridge to Bridge Street section in New Hope.

The work of our Canal Tenders truly makes a difference, and we’re grateful to have these new volunteers. We also thank the people who have taken care of these areas in the past – Joe Cloran, Sally Getchell, Nan Kirstein, and Bill Rorer.

You can be a Canal Tender, too!

Here are the sections of the Canal that need adoption:

Railroad Obstruction to Tyburn Road (Morrisville to Falls Township) – 1.1 miles
Tyburn Road to Wheatsheaf Road (Falls Township) – .6 mile
Levittown Shopping Center to Green Lane (Bristol Township) – 1.9 miles
Green Lane to the Bristol Lagon (Bristol Borough) – 1 mile
Beaver Street to Riverfront Park (Bristol Borough) – .8 mile.

Only 5.9 miles of the Canal’s 58.9 mile length remain orphans – just 10%. Please help to bring our orphan rate down to 9%.

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Family-Friendly Towpath Adventures

Family-Friendly Towpath Adventures

Discover History on the Towpath

A Visit to Coffeetown and Fry’s Run Aqueduct: Mile Marker 52

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

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

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

More to explore

Where Am I?

Contact Us

Help the Canal

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Family-Friendly Towpath Adventures

Discover History on the Towpath

A Visit to Coffeetown and Fry’s Run Aqueduct: Mile Marker 52

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

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

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

More to explore

Where Am I?

Canal News – Summer 2020

Another Camelback Bridge Project Crossed Off the To-Do List

Park Manager’s Report

The Friends heartily thank all the Delaware Canal State Park staff for keeping the towpath and waterway open during these extremely challenging times!

Calendar of Events

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BUTTON, BUTTON

SMILING AT THE LOCKTENDER’S HOUSE

The Construction Countdown 3 – 2 – 1 – Done

Refreshing the Stories

Tending the Canal

SHARE THE TOWPATH TRAIL, PLEASE

Canal News – Summer 2016

Canal News – Summer 2016

Trying Times

Park Manager’s Report

Better and Better

The High Work

Ducks, Ducks, and More Ducks

Welcome, New Friends

Canal Walk 2016

October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

Memories of Canal Walks Past

New Canal Tenders Step Up to the Task

Contact Us

Help the Canal

Get Email Updates

Menu

The Construction Countdown
3 – 2 – 1 – Done