Cantankerous would be a good adjective to describe the Delaware Canal this summer, but the arrival of September has brought welcome improvement and progress.
From north to south, here is the Canal’s story.
This towpath bank collapse south of Easton was repaired in less than two weeks.
On August 20, a section of the towpath bank collapsed south of Easton. The void was approximately 10o-feet-wide and extended approximately 12 feet from the Canal water line toward the River. The Park staff immediately dropped the level of the Canal to prevent further problems and closed the towpath trail. By August 24, DCNR engineers had evaluated the situation and formulated a plan of action. Bi-State Construction commenced the repair on August 27, which involved excavating the void and then filling and compacting to reestablish the bank and towpath. Fortunately, the Canal did not have to be fully de-watered for the project. In less than a week, Bi-State was finished, and the Park staff began to rewater the canal. Subsequently two other problem spots were identified, both of which were repaired by the Park staff. With these minor collapses fixed, the gate at the Lehigh River was opened wider, and the canal is now full from Easton south to the waste gate at Indian Rock Inn in Upper Black Eddy. The waste gate is as far as water can be run because of the High Falls Creek Culvert collapse.
The deliberations on how to repair the progressively failing High Falls Creek Culvert in Upper Black Eddy are done. The consultant has advised that a metal sleeve can be inserted through the full length of the stone arch culvert, and that this course of action will serve as a permanent repair. This is very good news because the project can move forward quickly rather than waiting for a new structure to be designed, funded, and bid. It is anticipated that Bi-State Construction will be given notice to proceed with the work very soon. At that time, the sleeving material can be ordered. the lead time for the material is 3 to 6 weeks. With luck, the High Falls Creek Culvert will be repaired and the canal prism and towpath rebuilt by the end of 2015. With the completion comes the capability to water the Canal from Easton to New Hope and beyond.
The Cuttalossa Culvert replacement project is done.
The Cuttalossa Culvert replacement project, which began in May, was completed by September 1 – right on schedule. The towpath trail is back in action, and the prism is ready for water. This is particularly good news for those who hike and bike the very popular canal loop trail from Centre Bridge to Lumberville to Bulls Island to Stockton to Centre Bridge.
During the exceedingly dry weeks of late August and early September, the level of the Delaware River fell below the level of the New Hope inlet, which is located behind the former Odette’s. Without this fresh water supply, the water level in the Canal dropped by feet and in some spots was non-existent.
This Great Blue Heron wasn’t in need of help during the dry spell, but it did get a good helping of fish exposed in the low water of the Canal.
By September 8, the situation was so severe that the Park staff asked the Friends to help them with their fish rescue efforts, and we put out a call. And then the rains came, the River rose, the Canal rose, and the Canal’s critters and people were exceedingly happy. We have been very lucky during the last several years that the southern end of the Canal hasn’t been water-starved more often. The Friends have been investigating the feasibility of installing an Archimedes screw pump that would transfer water from the River to the canal. The screw pump would be a substitute for the two waterwheels in New Hope that augmented the southern water supply from the mid-1830’s to 1936. The screw pump project has been deemed feasible by the equipment manufacturer, and a proposal has been received. Now on to consensus, funding and logistics.
The Friends continue to plan, advocate, implement, and assist. We were able to help with the towpath collapse repair south of Easton using the $4,925 that was contributed to the “Let’s Help Keep Water in the Canal This Summer” campaign last April. The funds were destined for the High Falls Creek Culvert project, but that became much more complicated. Instead, the contributions were used to help pay for the towpath collapse repair project. which was unanticipated and unfunded. The outcome of the project fit the original intent – keeping water in the Canal this summer. Thanks to all who contributed. Your support motivates quick action.
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Back in Place
One of the Canal’s worst enemies in its mid-section is topography. Between the high, rocky hillsides to the west and the Delaware River to the east are narrow parcels of land. In that narrow band lie River Road, the Canal, and homes and businesses. When rainwater pours off those hillsides, it takes a direct path to the River often damaging whatever is in its way. The roadway, the Canal, and properties are all vulnerable.
This summer the Friends helped to minimize one of the hillside runoff problems. Paxson Creek in Solebury Township flows directly into the Canal at the southern end of the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area, 1.3 miles north of Centre Bridge. A canal waste gate is positioned directly opposite the point where the creek enters the Canal allowing excess flow to be dumped into the River rather than overtopping the Canal.
During the heavy storms of recent years, the rampaging waters of Paxson Creek eroded its downhill streambed and blew out the stone wall that established the berm bank of the Canal where the Creek and the Canal met. The erosion endangered an abutting residential property and destroyed the integrity of the Canal’s prism.
The Friends contracted with Moyer & Jones Construction to both rebuild the stone wall and unobtrusively reinforce it with concrete. A grant from Solebury Township allowed the Friends to undertake this two-week-long project, which cost $8,900. A win-win, the reestablished wall benefits both the Canal and the properties along the Creek.
The Friends are here to help.
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Park Manager’s Report
The project to replace the culvert that carries the Cutttalossa Creek under the Canal was completed at the end of August. The towpath trail had been closed at this site for months prior to and during the construction and is now open again.
We are working to restart work on the culvert that carries High Falls Creek under the Canal that failed last spring. Initially an attempt was made to repair that site utilizing the remaining culvert. During the removal of debris from the culvert it was determined that the remainder of the culvert is not structurally sound, and we had to reevaluate the repairs. We now have a plan, and we will begin to institute it this fall. The towpath remains closed at this location (about 2 miles north of the Park Office in Upper Black Eddy).
There is also the culvert at Airport Road in Bristol Township that caved in and needs to be repaired. Airport Road is currently closed at that location. Also a hole 10-foot in diameter formed in the towpath slope near the Easton sewage treatment plant. We were able to determine the cause and repair the site within a few days with little interruption of water flow. These repairs were done by Park staff and our equipment rental contractor.
DCNR is getting closer to starting work on the following bridges: Redfield, Lower Limeport and Phillips’ Mill. We are also continuing to pursue solutions to obstructions in the lower end of the Canal including the Conrail Crossing, Bridge Street and Tyburn Road.
DCNR is exploring the possibility of constructing a Visitors’ Center/Office building next to the Locktender’s House in New Hope. Survey work and a Master Plan (feasibility study) were recently conducted.
We are currently working on an inventory/evaluation of the wails along the Canal between the Canal and the River with the Army Corps of Engineers.
A Vision Study is currently being developed for the Canal spearheaded by the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and DC21. A series of public meetings were held in June. The results of those meetings are currently being discussed in a series of meetings with stakeholders and a second set of public meetings is scheduled for November.
As always I want to thank your organization for the help and support that you continue to provide.
Rick Dalton
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How Do You See It?
The Delaware Canal Vision Study is intended to engage a wide range of regional stakeholders, advocates, and residents in a collaborative first step toward developing a next-generation plan for the Canal.
The study process got fully underway in July with public meetings held on three consecutive nights in Riegelsville, New Hope and Morrisville. Approximately 50 people attended each session and provided thoughtful comments that reflected their concern for the Canal. The public was asked to share their Canal experiences, and questions were posed in breakout sessions. “Why is the Canal important?” “How do you currently use the Canal?” “Who uses the Canal?” “Who doesn’t use the Canal?” “What are the obstacles to using the Canal?” “What are new ways to use the Canal?” “How can the Canal survive as a community, economic, social, and environmental asset?”
The project was initiated by Delaware Canal 21 and aims to address the entire 58.9-mile-long National Historic Landmark located within Delaware Canal State Park in Bucks and Northampton counties. The process, which began in April 2015, will continue to seek innovative ideas through a series of public meetings over the next several months. Funding for the project was provided by the William Penn Foundation, and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (D&L) serves as project manager.
A second round of public meetings will be held in November. Please use these opportunities to share your thoughts about the Delaware Canal.
Tuesday, November 17
Meeting Hall in the Riegelsville Borough Building, 615 Easton Road, Riegelsville, PA.
Open House at 4:30 p.m. Share your memories and experiences. Learn about the Delaware Canal’s history. Engage team members with your ideas.
Presentation and Discussion at 7 p.m. Listen to a brief Vision Study presentation. Join in group discussions.
Wednesday, November 18
Washington Crossing Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA
Open House at 4:30 p.m. Presentation and Discussion at 7 p.m.
Thursday, November 19
Bucks County Community College, Bristol Campus, 1304 Veterans Highway, Bristol, PA
Open House at 4:30 p.m. Presentation and Discussion at 7 p.m.
For more information about the Delaware Canal Vision Study, visit delawarecanalvision.org.
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Successful in Spite of Surprises
The venue changed quite unexpectedly, but this year’s Friends of the Delaware Canal Art Show was quite a success nevertheless.
Our thanks go to:
Rich Timmons who very kindly allowed the Friends to use his gallery space when the Rolling Green Barn was suddenly shut down for public use. Dealing with an unanticipated two-day show, an opening reception attended by 175 people, and highway construction is no easy task, but Mr. Timmons handled everything with grace and ease.
Richard Carlson, the owner of the Rolling Green Barn, who hosted the Friends’ Art Show for four years and thus significantly furthered our canal improvement efforts. Always generous and gracious, Mr. Carlson assisted so many local non-profits with their fundraising endeavors. He is a true “good guy,” and may that reputation ease the way to renewed use of the Barn.
Pearl and Chuck Mintzer who have led the Friends’ Art Show from its inception. In fact, it was their idea. Their creativity, drive, and extraordinary energy have made the Shows such successes. This year they deserve special gold stars for dealing valiantly with the many twists and turns of accommodating the location change.
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Just in Time for the Holidays
To keep himself occupied during his newly achieved retirement, our favorite canal artist Dennis Gerhart decided to create a line of note cards and holiday cards featuring his charming pen and ink drawings. The Friends have added the note cards to our line of sales items and are ready to sell you as many as you would like.
The note cards are packaged in assortments of six. Featured are a mule portrait, a canal boat passing under a camelback bridge, Lock 8 in front of the River House in New Hope, a mule team pulling a boat through a lock, a pair of muletender’s shoes, and a muletender leading a mule. With each pack comes a poem, which captures the spirit of Dennis’ artwork.
Thoughts of long ago
Remembering America before machines
Very hard work, very long days
When muscle power was the only way
Remembering America before machines
The note cards are priced at $10 per pack and can be purchased at the Locktender’s House, 145 South Main Street, New Hope, or you may place an order by e-mailing friends@fodc.org or calling 215-862-2021.
They’re perfect to send and perfect to give. Combining a pack of notecards with a pack of colored pencils can be a fun “color your own” present.
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From the New York Times – June 22, 1941
OLD CANAL IS REBORN
Bucks County’s Waterway After a Century Will Foster Recreation
Morrisville, PA. – The old Bucks County canal threading northward to Easton, a hard-working waterway which carried coal for a century, will enjoy a revival in a happier role. To be devoted to pleasure henceforth, it promises to be a watery wonderland for those who like glimpses of idyllic countryside from little boats.
The State acquired the sixty-five-mile-long canal from the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company several months ago. Locks, gates, weirs and spillways, disintegrated through five years of disuse but not collapsed, are to be repaired. It is to be a haven for canoeists, picnickers and sportsmen. Having labored a lifetime, the canal is now to have a career of fun.
As a rowboat thoroughfare, it will present fascinating vagaries. It plays a hide-and-seek with the Delaware River, dodging inland behind sudden hills and cleanly woodlands. Red sandstone “palisades” tower above it near Upper Black Eddy, and it skirts a famous wild-flower trail off Bowman’s Hill. Ringing Rocks Park, where a clever tapper can play a tune, is a short hike overland from the waterway. Striking inland betimes, the canal reaches the heart of the country now tenanted by authors, actors and other New Yorkers.
Delaware Crossing
Those with a liking for history will find here a little river of Revolutionary lore. Morrisville, near the southern terminal of the canal, honors the home of Robert Morris. In Broadway language, the “angel” of the young nation. To the north is Washington’s Crossing, where patriots braved the icy Delaware to surprise the Hessians on Christmas night, 1776.
Near by is the lookout from which the Colonials spied on the redcoats in New Jersey. Near Kintnersville is old Durham furnace, where iron-workers made cannon as early as the French and Indian War. An abandoned iron mine, dating beyond Revolutionary times, can be seen near New Hope. Pennsbury, restored manor house of William Penn, is a few miles from Morrisville. Twenty “unknown soldiers” of Washington’s army are interred near Neeley’s mill.
The canal itself has a sturdy story, dating from its opening in 1834 to its abandonment, for commercial use, in 1936.
Vistas Along the Banks
In season now, as then, rhododendron and mountain laurel blossoms prettily in groves and thickets along the canalway. Parts of the route are charmingly shaded by willows, elms, oaks, maples and ash. Enthusiastic residents say that the Atlantic Ocean can be seen across the flats of Jersey from the peak near Bowman’s Hill, provided the observer has good eyes, high-powered glasses and clear weather.
Several public parks will fit neatly into the canal scheme. Like the canal, some of them are supervised by the department of Forests and Waters with an alert eye to recreational possibilities. Williamson Park, at Morrisville, is at the junction of the Lincoln Highway, the Delaware River and the canal. Washington’s Crossing Park is State-owned, as is the Ralph Stover Park, farther north.
Assemblyman Thomas B. Stockham and Wilson L. Yeakel, sponsors of the law by which the State acquired ownership of the canal, see the waterway as a historical landmark because it speaks so typically of America’s early transportation. Whether canoeists will ponder long on history is doubtful, but the canal machinery, restored, may attract those of an engineering turn.
The potentialities of the canal as a fish preserve are being explored, a step readily approved by sportsmen. If all plans materialize, the 107-year-old canal will enjoy a rebirth of grandeur indeed. Coal which it carried south made people warm and wealthy for years; it will be fitting if the hearty old waterway in its second career is devoted to beauty and romance.
***
Welcome, New Friends
Evelyn Caetano
Pamela Blake & Steven Cohen
Randall Cook
Elizabeth & Michael Mirisola
Len Morawski
Hal Pschunder
Ian Shankland
Elizabeth Schirmer
Diane & Thane Tagg
Joan E. Webber
Rachel F. Wood
Golden Pheasant Inn, Erwinna
Tinicum Civic Association
Benefactor
Rockwood Wealth Management, New Hope
Walter’s Nursery, Inc., Point Pleasant
Patron
1740 House, Lumberville – NEW Member Acadia Mortgage, LLC, New Britain
The Boat House, Lambertville
Brett Webber Architects. P.C., Philadelphia and Erwinna
Donnelly Marketing Services Associates, LLC
Ellenoff, Underwood & Norman, Doylestown
First Savings Bank of Perkasie Holly Hedge Estate, New Hope – NEW Member Newman & Company, Inc., Philadelphia
Newtown Bicycle and Fitness
Odell Painting, LLC, Ottsville
The River House at Odette’s, New Hope
The Thompson Organization, Doylestown
William B. Parry & Son, Ltd., Langhorne
Member
Ahlum Gallery, Riegelsville
Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter
Borough of Morrisville
Bucks County Riverboat & Trolley Companies, Upper Black Eddy
Cramer Bakery, Yardley
Dilly’s Corner, Centre Bridge
Edgar H. Denson, Post #79 American Legion, New Hope
First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown
First Savings Insurance, New Britain
T. Foster & Co., Inc., Yardley
Fox Chase Bank, Lahaska
Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio, New Hope
The Grundy Commons, Bristol
Hobensack & Keller, Inc., New Hope
Homestead General Store & Coffee Roasters, Upper Black Eddy
La Chele Medical Aesthetics, New Hope
Leisure Craft, Warrington
Liberty Bell Wanderers, Philadelphia
Logan Inn, New Hope
McCaffrey’s Markets, Yardley Mueller’s General Store & Kitchen – Easton – NEW Member NAM Planning & Design, LLC, Lumberville
John Paton, Inc., Doylestown
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska
Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Flemington, NJ
Porches Bed & Breakfast, New Hope
River Road Business Alliance, Erwinna
Sand Castle Winery, Erwinna
Shearer Penn Corp., Trenton, NJ
The Stephan House Inn, New Hope
Tinsman Bros., Inc., Lumberville
Univest National Bank & Trust Co.
The UPS Store, New Hope
Yardley Borough
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Canal Tenders at Work
The Delaware Canal is a cleaner, more pleasant place to visit thanks to all the people who have volunteered to be Canal Tenders. They are vigilant year-round. They pick up trash, clear away limbs, report problems, and care in every way for the sections of the Canal that they have adopted.
To find out more about becoming a Canal Tender, visit the Get Involved page or call 215-862-2021. It would be wonderful to have a full complement of Tenders.
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Help Wanted
Much of the work of the Friends gets done within the structure of five committees.
The Advocacy, Restoration and Maintenance Committee deals with the bricks and mortar projects, clean-ups, nudging, planning, etc.
The Education and Recreation Committee delves into programs, signage, exhibits, etc.
The Membership Committee builds the organization.
The Fundraising Committee sustains the organization through fundraising and volunteerism.
The Finance Committee make sure that the bills get paid and the future of the organization is ensured.
The Board of Directors would very much like to have assistance, guidance, and insights from Friends’ members. Please consider joining a committee or helping out with specific tasks of interest to you. For more info, call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.
Canal walkers carry on as well, except when they break for lunch on a beautiful day.
The Friends always “Carry On,” but the regal decree to “Keep Calm” while carrying on has been a challenge since March 27. On that Friday, two Canal structures failed. In Upper Black Eddy, the stone arch culvert that carries High Falls Creek under the Canal collapsed sending the Canal’s water rushing toward the Delaware River and washing away the towpath. Near the David Library of the American Revolution in Washington Crossing, a section of berm-side stone wall gave way.
Much to its credit, DCNR immediately initiated a “temporary repair” of the collapsed culvert. The Friends promised to help with the cost, and an on-line “Let’s Keep Water in the Canal This Summer” fundraising campaign yielded $5500 in donations. THANKS to all who contributed!
Bi-State Construction was making great progress on the repair. The concrete footers were in place, the custom metal arch had arrived, and a “rock vac” was being used to remove accumulated gravel from the intact sections of the culvert. Could back-filling and restoration of a water-carrying prism be far behind? Sadly, yes, it could. In June, four inches of rain fell in Northampton County sending torrents of water down the Canal and filling the job site with silt and stone. In the process of removal, it was discovered that some of the stones in a portion of the standing culvert were now missing, and stability was questionable. So now, as this article is being written, the DCNR engineers and Bi-State Construction are evaluating whether a more extensive “temporary” fix is viable and affordable. The best case scenario is that the answer will be “yes”, and water will be flowing through the site in the fall. The less immediately desirable Plan C, involving the construction of a new entire or partial culvert is being pursued because it is ultimately the permanent solution to the problem.
The wall failure in Washington Crossing did not negatively affect water flow. The repair project is being put out to bid in July.
Meanwhile, the Cuttalossa Creek culvert replacement project, located south of Lumberville, also ran into problems. Drilling for the footings proved to take much longer than anticipated, and then came the rising Delaware River that inundated the construction site. The River now has dropped, the culvert structure has arrived, and , by the time this newsletter has arrived, the contractor should be well on the way to bringing the site back to its currently desired condition with the towpath trail usable and the canal prism ready for water.
Another culvert problem occurred at Airport Road in Bristol Township. This metal pipe culvert will be replaced in kind, and Bristol Township will be helping with the road restoration work.
Then to make being calm even more difficult, in June, a leak developed through the wall in the side yard of the Locktender’s House in New Hope,. The first leak ever in 24 years. Fortunately, the leak had no effect inside the house, and the bentonite slurry that the Park used to stem the flow seems to be working.
On the bright side, New Hope for Our Canal in partnership with the Friends, recently began raising additional funds necessary to keep the pump at Centre Bridge running through the rest of 2015. Thanks to everyone who has and is participating in this effort!
The Canal from Easton to Lock 20 near Kintnersville remains watered, as does the lower half of the Canal from Odette’s in New Hope south to the Bristol Lagoon.
The Friends always carry on – we’re always planning, always implementing, always helping as friends do. We do not lose sight of what makes the Canal invaluable.
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Park Manager’s Report
We were able to begin sending water into the Canal from the inlet gates at Easton early this spring. This was going well until the culvert that carries High Falls Creek under the Canal collapsed. This is a stone arch culvert that is one of the original Canal structures. It is located about 2 miles north of our office in Upper Black Eddy.
The section of the culvert near the towpath collapsed and took part of the towpath with it. We had decided to attempt a temporary repair as the planned replacement of the structure will take a while to get approved, funded, designed, and built. The temporary repair was to cover the collapsed section with arched steel plates and backfill including repair of the towpath.
While removing debris (rock, silt, etc.) from the remaining section of the culvert, it was discovered that this section exhibited the potential for further failure (missing stones). We are currently awaiting an estimate from the contractor to extend the plates over this section of culvert.
Work has started and continues on the replacement of the culvert that carries the Cuttalossa Creek under the Canal near the Delaware Valley Quarry south of Lumberville. The contractor has had to deal with very dense stone, which made drilling for the support pilings difficult. Also a recent high river level event inundated the site.
These two areas are closed to the public and we ask that people abide by these closures.
The culvert that carries the Canal under Airport Road in Bristol Township has also collapsed, and we are working with the Township and a contractor to initiate repair to this structure.
The repairs of three brides are in various stages of design. The Redfield Bridge should go out to bid shortly. We are working with adjacent neighbors on agreements for access at Phillips’ Mill and Lower Limeport.
Along with the normal ongoing maintenance (mowing, painting, tree removal, gravel bar removal, etc.) the crew has replaced all of the lumber on the “Keystone” picnic tables and rehabbed the landscaping at the Forks of the Delaware in Easton. They have also replaced the deck on our bridge at Wy-Hit-Tuk Park.
We welcome Chuck Wood to our staff as a Semi-Skilled Laborer on our Lodi maintenance crew. Chuck is from Levittown and is a valued addition to the staff.
Our Environmental Educators continue to provide excellent programs at both the Canal and Ralph Stover State Park. They offer programs such as rock climbing, walks, and kayaking. Assisting the staff this season is our intern Marilyn Can who is a student at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a resident of New Hope. Ian, Katie and Marilyn also participated in this years’s Delaware River Sojourn.
I want to thank everyone that was involved in this year’s clean-up efforts. Your organization contributes greatly to upkeep of the Canal through your annual Clean-Up Day, Canal Tenders program, and Canal Action Team(CAT) projects.
I want to take a moment to mention the passing of Brian Nixon who passed away suddenly on June 3rd. Brian was an engineer hired to work almost exclusively on projects along the canal. Brian began his position with the Park in March of 2014 and in that short time became a valuable asset to this organization. He is greatly missed.
Rick Dalton
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Just Ducky!
This year’s Delaware Canal Festival was a rollicking success with approximately 1000 people attending in Historic Bristol Borough and 300 in Morrisville – the highest number ever in each location. The decorated boats, cardboard boats, and decorated ducks were shining examples of local creativity. The food trucks hosted by Raising the Bar in Bristol were a big hit, and the music was great in both places. Kayaking proved to be very popular in Morrisville. A good time was had by all, despite a little bit of rain. Our thanks to our sponsors, contributors, volunteers and participants! Funding support from the Bucks County Conference and Visitor Center and The D&L Trail Alliance was very much appreciated.
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Safe Passage
Last winter’s incessant freezing, thawing and salting nearly destroyed the steep exterior stairway next to the Locktender’s House at Lock 11 in New Hope. All of the stucco risers were in some state of deterioration, and seven of the bluestone treads spalled. Since the stairs provide the main access way between South Main Street and the Canal towpath and Locktender’s House, the Friends undertook the $5200 repair project. Moyer & Jones Construction spent two weeks rebuilding the contankerous, crumbling structure, and now visitors can climb up and down safely again.
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Thank You!
On April 11 more than 325 people turned out for the Friends’ annual Canal Clean-up Day. The winning combination of community groups and Canal Tenders collected truckloads of trash and debris along the full length of the Canal. Volunteers from GOAL (Greenbelt Overhaul Alliance of Levittown) pulled 55 tires out of their section!
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Two 9/11 Memorial Benches Repaired
The Delaware Canal State Park is a place full of memories and hope – memories of America’s past and hope for the future of a scenic waterway that thousands of people enjoy. Its beauty, historic significance, and enduring nature made the Delaware Canal a fitting site for the installation of seventeen teak benches that honor the seventeen Bucks County, Pennsylvania residents who perished on September 11, 2001 in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.
The Friends coordinated a successful fundraising effort, and a bench dedication ceremony was held in October 2003. Since then, the benches, which were sited along the length of the Canal towpath, have commemorated the victims’ lives and provided spots for Park visitors to rest, reflect, and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Unfortunately, over the years, a few of the benches were lost to vandalism and floods. One lichen-laden bench has been replaced by its original donor. Others weather in place.
Recently two benches that were suffering from age and careless use were rescued by woodworker extraordinaire Josh Gradwohl. Josh volunteered to work his magic on the benches that honor Victor J. Saracini and William Robert (Bill) Godshalk. Furniture that looked like it was headed for the firewood pile was skillfully restored. The Delaware Canal State Park staff has reinstalled the benches at their locations along the towpath in Lower Makefield and Washington Crossing, and they once again offer places of rest and peace.
Thank you, Josh, for doing such a fine job!
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Welcome, New Friends
Noel C. Brown
Eiseman Roofing & Exterior Construction
Tim Farrell
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gaibler
George E. Michael & Co.
Mark Goresky
Graham Harriman
Douglas Hillman
Sarah Jane Kennedy
Scott Kirkham
Michael Lynch
Melvyn Mason
Dr. and Mrs. Peter McCue
OMNIA Group Architects
Eileen and Robert O’Neil
Alexandra Radbil
Lawrence Reinfeld
Scott Reynolds
Pat Robinson
Kimberly Segal-Morris
John W. Seifert
Pamela Thompson
Golden Pheasant Inn, Erwinna
Tinicum Civic Association
Benefactor
Rockwood Wealth Management, New Hope
Walter’s Nursery, Inc., Point Pleasant
Patron
1740 House, Lumberville – NEW Member Acadia Mortgage, LLC, New Britain
The Boat House, Lambertville
Brett Webber Architects. P.C., Philadelphia and Erwinna
Donnelly Marketing Services Associates, LLC
Ellenoff, Underwood & Norman, Doylestown
First Savings Bank of Perkasie Holly Hedge Estate, New Hope – NEW Member Newman & Company, Inc., Philadelphia
Newtown Bicycle and Fitness
Odell Painting, LLC, Ottsville
The River House at Odette’s, New Hope
The Thompson Organization, Doylestown
William B. Parry & Son, Ltd., Langhorne
Member
Ahlum Gallery, Riegelsville
Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter
Borough of Morrisville
Bucks County Riverboat & Trolley Companies, Upper Black Eddy
Cramer Bakery, Yardley
Dilly’s Corner, Centre Bridge
Edgar H. Denson, Post #79 American Legion, New Hope
First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown
First Savings Insurance, New Britain
T. Foster & Co., Inc., Yardley
Fox Chase Bank, Lahaska
Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio, New Hope
The Grundy Commons, Bristol
Hobensack & Keller, Inc., New Hope
Homestead General Store & Coffee Roasters, Upper Black Eddy
La Chele Medical Aesthetics, New Hope
Leisure Craft, Warrington
Liberty Bell Wanderers, Philadelphia
Logan Inn, New Hope
McCaffrey’s Markets, Yardley Mueller’s General Store & Kitchen – Easton – NEW Member NAM Planning & Design, LLC, Lumberville
John Paton, Inc., Doylestown
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska
Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Flemington, NJ
Porches Bed & Breakfast, New Hope
River Road Business Alliance, Erwinna
Sand Castle Winery, Erwinna
Shearer Penn Corp., Trenton, NJ
The Stephan House Inn, New Hope
Tinsman Bros., Inc., Lumberville
Univest National Bank & Trust Co.
The UPS Store, New Hope
Yardley Borough
***
Canal Tenders at Work
The Delaware Canal is a cleaner, more pleasant place to visit thanks to all the people who have volunteered to be Canal Tenders. They are vigilant year-round. They pick up trash, clear away limbs, report problems, and care in every way for the sections of the Canal that they have adopted.
To find out more about becoming a Canal Tender, visit the Get Involved page at www.fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. It would be wonderful to have a full complement of Tenders this summer.
***
Help Wanted
Much of the work of the Friends gets done within the structure of five committees.
The Advocacy, Restoration and Maintenance Committee deals with the bricks and mortar projects, clean-ups, nudging, planning, etc.
The Education and Recreation Committee delves into programs, signage, exhibits, etc.
The Membership Committee builds the organization.
The Fundraising Committee sustains the organization through fundraising and volunteerism.
The Finance Committee make sure that the bills get paid and the future of the organization is ensured.
The Board of Directors would very much like to have assistance, guidance, and insights from Friends’ members. Please consider joining a committee or helping out with specific tasks of interest to you. For more info, call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.
A bald eagle keeps watch over the Canal from its perch on Lynn Island.
In spite of a very construction-unfriendly winter, the two major projects preventing Lehigh River water from flowing south of Raubsville have been completed.
PennDOT’s contractor, Bi-State Construction, diligently worked to finish the installation of the new wall south of Locks 22/23 in Raubsville by their January deadline. The US Army Corps of Engineers then required that some additional work be done to the berm bank. The deep freeze impeded this, but it is done now. Bi-State has removed its equipment from the canal prism, but will return in better weather to restore the towpath and other disturbed areas.
The new bypass pipe at Lock 20 south of Kintnersville has been replaced. Another impediment to water flow is gone.
With these projects done, the State Park’s plan is to open the gates at Locks 22/23 and let the Lehigh River water flow south as soon as the gates thaw. With any luck, there will be water to watch as spring arrives, and it will make its way down to the south end of Lumberville.
The water will have to be released to the Delaware River at Lumberville because of the Cuttalossa Culvert collapse, which makes it impossible to run water through that area. The State engineers made every effort to design and bid the project as quickly as possible because the closure prevents both water flow and travel on a much-used section of the towpath. The culvert replacement project has been awarded and will begin soon. Details are included in the Park Manager’s Report on page 2.
Even though we all know that the Canal is full of surprises, the probability of having water in the entire Canal from Easton to Bristol by late summer seems good, especially since the Canal south of Morrisville has been brimful this winter – something that hasn’t happened in years.
In the period from spring to late summer, it is likely that only the section from Coppernose Creek in Lumberville to Centre Bridge will be sparsely watered.
With water comes the issue of better water retention. The State Park staff has been working on making waste gates more watertight and repairing leaks in walls this winter, and there is evidence that this has helped. The Friends are investigating various ways to prevent excessive loss of water via the overflows, particularly in the north. As for leaks, all watered canals have them, and they are part of the character of canals. The issue is to minimize them as much as reasonably possible.
The Park Manager’s Report also tells of new bridge and culvert projects. The Friends are providing input on design and are being vigilant.
All in all, things are getting better and better.
***
Three Canal ‘C’s to Cure Cabin Fever
Shake off the last of the cold and grey of winter past. Get back out on the Canal – walk, bike, run, bird watch, fish, whatever you please… You can also get the satisfaction of making the Canal a safer, more pleasant place to visit. The Friends have three ways that you can help.
Canal Clean-Up Day is on Saturday, April 11. Find out about this annual Easton to Bristol spring cleaning effort on pages 3 and 6.
Canal Tenders adopt sections of the canal, which they monitor and clean up year-round.
The Canal Action Team (CAT) undertakes more heavy-duty projects, such as clearing trees and brush, removing vegetation from locks, and painting bridges on a periodic basIs.
Want to be a Canal Tender?
There are still several sections of the Canal that need to be adopted.
Tyburn Road to Falls Township Park
Levittown Shopping Center (the Home Depot end) to the Ramada Inn
Green Lane to the Lagoon Park in Bristol Borough
Beaver Street to Riverfront Park in Bristol Borough
Please let us know if you can help to close these gaps (the sections can be divided into smaller segments). Find out details about the Canal Tenders program at www.fodc.orgcanaltenders.
The Canal Action Team (CAT) needs more volunteers. This year’s CAT Work Day schedule is in the making, but one special day has already been set.
Tuesday, May 5 at 9 a.m. – Meet at the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area to clear the canal prism, as well as the towpath and berm banks, of debris and overgrowth from Coppernose Creek in Lumberville to Centre Bridge. This is an effort to get the Canal ready for the reintroduction of water when the Cuttalossa Culvert replacement project is finished.
If you want to be part of the CAT, please call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org and give us your contact information and your preferred work locations – north, central, south. You will be added to the list of CAT team members. Details about work days (what the project is, when, where , what to bring) will be e-mailed to you. If you can help, just reply.
During the past several months, there have been some changes in our teams.
Welcome to the Yardley Friends Meeting team, who will be the Canal Tenders for the Mt. Eyre Road to Afton Avenue section in Lower Makefield Township/Yardley Borough.
Canal Tender Jeff Connell will be taking over the Levittown Shopping Center to Falls Township Park section. We thank Ruth Dorn for taking care of this area for several years.
Kip Mitman cared for the Canal north of Mill Creek Road in Falls Township for many years. He worked in his neighborhood incessantly, but also turned out for projects all along the Canal, including last summer’s eradication of cattails in New Hope. He did everything from picking up trash, to cutting brush with his machete, to rescuing fish. His unexpected death leaves us and the Canal sorely missing him.
Many thanks to Brian Dougherty for his expert and enthusiastic service as a CAT project coordinator.
The work of Clean-up Day, Canal Tender, and CAT volunteers truly makes a difference.
THANK YOU ALL!
***
Close, but not Quite Covered
Last fall several more sections of the Canal were adopted by Canal Tenders. The goal of having complete coverage for the entire 58.9 miles is closer to fulfillment.
Janice Armstrong and Stephen Schlosser are taking care of the Berm Lane to Lock 19 section in Upper Black Eddy.
Jose Acevedo moved from informal caretaking to becoming the Canal Tender for the Lagoon Park to Beaver Street section in Bristol Borough.
Thank you to our new volunteers and all the other Canal Tenders who are at work all year long!
There are still some sections that need to be adopted.
The section of the canal north and south of Mill Creek Road in Falls Township is in need of a Tender because of the unexpected death of Kip Mitman. Kip lovingly cared for the Canal for many years. He worked in his neighborhood incessantly, but also turned out for projects all along the Canal, including last summer’s eradication of cattails in New Hope. He did everything from picking up trash, to cutting brush with his machete, to rescuing fish. We and the Canal will sorely miss him.
Other sections that haven’t been adopted are:
Levittown Shopping Center (the Home Depot end) to the Ramada Inn
Green Lane to the Lagoon Park in Bristol Borough
Beaver Street to Riverfront Park in Bristol Borough
Please let us know if you can help close these gaps.
***
Welcome, New Friends
1740 House
James Alden
Elaine Barkan
Linda Dimario
Mary Ditzler
Jean & Ken Holland
Holly Hedge Estate
Will Krohn
Dr. Howard Lee
Michael Lemme & Paul Bressi
C.J. Lonoff
Patricia Maguire
Bill Mathis
Barry Mazer
Michael McCullough
Kathleen Meier & David Perry
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Miller
Kent Milstead
Mueller’s General Store and Kitchen
Sandra Myerson
Caroline Oakes & Reid McCarthy
Pauline & Faelton Perkins
Melissa Rider
Cynthia Schaffer
Pearl Schaffer
Ronald Sheetz
Dr. and Mrs. David Svahn
Thomas Tighue
Lorraine Tucker
Dr. and Mrs. Harlan Weisman
Marnie and Jan Yunger
Golden Pheasant Inn, Erwinna
Tinicum Civic Association
Benefactor
Rockwood Wealth Management, New Hope
Walter’s Nursery, Inc., Point Pleasant
Patron
1740 House, Lumberville – NEW Member Acadia Mortgage, LLC, New Britain
The Boat House, Lambertville
Brett Webber Architects. P.C., Philadelphia and Erwinna
Donnelly Marketing Services Associates, LLC
Ellenoff, Underwood & Norman, Doylestown
First Savings Bank of Perkasie Holly Hedge Estate, New Hope – NEW Member Newman & Company, Inc., Philadelphia
Newtown Bicycle and Fitness
Odell Painting, LLC, Ottsville
The River House at Odette’s, New Hope
The Thompson Organization, Doylestown
William B. Parry & Son, Ltd., Langhorne
Member
Ahlum Gallery, Riegelsville
Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter
Borough of Morrisville
Bucks County Riverboat & Trolley Companies, Upper Black Eddy
Cramer Bakery, Yardley
Dilly’s Corner, Centre Bridge
Edgar H. Denson, Post #79 American Legion, New Hope
First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown
First Savings Insurance, New Britain
T. Foster & Co., Inc., Yardley
Fox Chase Bank, Lahaska
Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio, New Hope
The Grundy Commons, Bristol
Hobensack & Keller, Inc., New Hope
Homestead General Store & Coffee Roasters, Upper Black Eddy
La Chele Medical Aesthetics, New Hope
Leisure Craft, Warrington
Liberty Bell Wanderers, Philadelphia
Logan Inn, New Hope
McCaffrey’s Markets, Yardley Mueller’s General Store & Kitchen – Easton – NEW Member NAM Planning & Design, LLC, Lumberville
John Paton, Inc., Doylestown
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska
Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Flemington, NJ
Porches Bed & Breakfast, New Hope
River Road Business Alliance, Erwinna
Sand Castle Winery, Erwinna
Shearer Penn Corp., Trenton, NJ
The Stephan House Inn, New Hope
Tinsman Bros., Inc., Lumberville
Univest National Bank & Trust Co.
The UPS Store, New Hope
Yardley Borough
***
Canal Tenders at Work
The Delaware Canal is a cleaner, more pleasant place to visit thanks to all the people who have volunteered to be Canal Tenders. They are vigilant year-round. They pick up trash, clear away limbs, report problems, and care in every way for the sections of the Canal that they have adopted.
To find out more about becoming a Canal Tender, visit the Get Involved page at www.fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. It would be wonderful to have a full complement of Tenders this summer.
***
Help Wanted
Much of the work of the Friends gets done within the structure of five committees.
The Advocacy, Restoration and Maintenance Committee deals with the bricks and mortar projects, clean-ups, nudging, planning, etc.
The Education and Recreation Committee delves into programs, signage, exhibits, etc.
The Membership Committee builds the organization.
The Fundraising Committee sustains the organization through fundraising and volunteerism.
The Finance Committee make sure that the bills get paid and the future of the organization is ensured.
The Board of Directors would very much like to have assistance, guidance, and insights from Friends’ members. Please consider joining a committee or helping out with specific tasks of interest to you. For more info, call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.
The New Year is off to a great start thanks to all of you who so generously responded to the Friends’ Year-End Appeal. We asked you to help us do more in 2015, and you did just that. Your contributions have certainly helped to replenish the Canal Improvement Fund.
The Bi-State masons at work at the bottom of Locks 15/16 in Smithtown.
The Friends are very grateful to Greg DiNardo, President of Bi-State Construction Company, for contributing half of the cost of the additional work that was required to correctly complete the timber sill replacement project at Locks 15/16 in Smithtown. The masons did an exemplary job of removing rotted wood, replacing wood, repositioning and replacing stone – all done at the bottom of the 20-foot-deep lock chamber. The Friends were literally able to keep the walls from tumbling down at Locks 15/16 and Lock 18 in Uhlerstown by funding the replacement of deteriorating timber sills. By utilizing contributions, the Friends were able to pay $57,751 for these painstaking projects. Mr. DiNardo donated $7,655 of his company’s services.
***
Getting Together for the 32nd Time
Even if the By-laws didn’t require it, the Friends would want to have an Annual Meeting. It’s such a good opportunity to meet fellow members, try the many wonderful “covered dishes”, and learn what’s been happening and what’s in store for the Canal and our organization.
The Friends’ 32nd Annual Meeting and Covered Dish Dinner was held on November 11 with more than 70 people in attendance at the Audubon Barn in Solebury Township. Our special guests for the evening were David Kemmerer, the Director of DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks; John Hallas, Assistant Director of the Bureau of State Parks; and Rick Dalton, Delaware Canal State Park Manager.
Following the covered dish dinner, which was particularly appetizing this year, Friends’ President Brett Webber opened the meeting. He presented an illustrated summary of the year’s activities and thanked outgoing Board member Greg Taylor for his valued service.
Peter Sperry gave a summary of the Friends’ financial condition, including details about the expenditure of Canal Improvement funds.
The Nominating Committee presented the slate of candidates for positions on the Board of Directors. Pam Can and David Schaeffer were elected to two-year terms; and Judith Franlin, Joan Fullerton, Stephanie Garomon, and Lynn Vogel were re-elected to additional two-year terms.
New Hope for Our Canal was honored at the Annual Meeting. From left to right: Committee members Geri Delevitch, Judy Franlin, Susan Taylor, Connie Gering, Dee Dee Bowman, and Friends’ President Brett Webber.
Outstanding volunteer efforts were also recognized. The local group, New Hope for Our Canal, was commended for its enthusiastic campaign to improve the appearance and functionality of the Canal in the New Hope area. Working in partnership with the Friends, they raised over $43,000, which has been used to pay the electricity bills for the pump that provides river water for the 3.4 mile section of the Canal from Centre Bridge to Lock 11. The funds also have allowed two historic stone walls to be repaired and invasive vegetation to be removed.
Jack Merkl, Canal Walk Driver-in-Chief, was rewarded for his infinite patience and hiding skills.
Veteran Canal Walker Jack Merkl was awarded with a new book to read. Jack watches over the walkers on the Friends’ annual 58.9 mile Canal Walk. In his car, he follows them along the route over the five successive Saturdays. He transports the lunches and anyone who wants or has to return to his/her car. He is also master of the game, “Where’s Jack?”, the Canal Walk version of “Where’s Waldo?”. Who knew that there were so many places to hide along the Canal. When he is found by the walkers, he always has a mystery in hand, so his present of the latest John Grisham novel was right on target.
Following the presentations our State park guests were introduced. David Kemmerer gave an encouraging update about the state of Pennsylvania’s State Parks, especially the Delaware Canal, which received additional funding to take care of some of the maintenance backlog, particularly bridge and culvert repairs and replacements. The effects of the incoming administration of Governor-elect Tom Wolf are still to be determined. The Friends’ membership expressed its hope that DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti would be allowed to retain her position.
The evening closed with hopes for even more progress.
***
Close, but not Quite Covered
Last fall several more sections of the Canal were adopted by Canal Tenders. The goal of having complete coverage for the entire 58.9 miles is closer to fulfillment.
Janice Armstrong and Stephen Schlosser are taking care of the Berm Lane to Lock 19 section in Upper Black Eddy.
Jose Acevedo moved from informal caretaking to becoming the Canal Tender for the Lagoon Park to Beaver Street section in Bristol Borough.
Thank you to our new volunteers and all the other Canal Tenders who are at work all year long!
There are still some sections that need to be adopted.
The section of the canal north and south of Mill Creek Road in Falls Township is in need of a Tender because of the unexpected death of Kip Mitman. Kip lovingly cared for the Canal for many years. He worked in his neighborhood incessantly, but also turned out for projects all along the Canal, including last summer’s eradication of cattails in New Hope. He did everything from picking up trash, to cutting brush with his machete, to rescuing fish. We and the Canal will sorely miss him.
Other sections that haven’t been adopted are:
Levittown Shopping Center (the Home Depot end) to the Ramada Inn
Green Lane to the Lagoon Park in Bristol Borough
Beaver Street to Riverfront Park in Bristol Borough
Please let us know if you can help close these gaps.
***
Welcome, New Friends
1740 House
James Alden
Elaine Barkan
Linda Dimario
Mary Ditzler
Jean & Ken Holland
Holly Hedge Estate
Will Krohn
Dr. Howard Lee
Michael Lemme & Paul Bressi
C.J. Lonoff
Patricia Maguire
Bill Mathis
Barry Mazer
Michael McCullough
Kathleen Meier & David Perry
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Miller
Kent Milstead
Mueller’s General Store and Kitchen
Sandra Myerson
Caroline Oakes & Reid McCarthy
Pauline & Faelton Perkins
Melissa Rider
Cynthia Schaffer
Pearl Schaffer
Ronald Sheetz
Dr. and Mrs. David Svahn
Thomas Tighue
Lorraine Tucker
Dr. and Mrs. Harlan Weisman
Marnie and Jan Yunger
Golden Pheasant Inn, Erwinna
Tinicum Civic Association
Benefactor
Rockwood Wealth Management, New Hope
Walter’s Nursery, Inc., Point Pleasant
Patron
1740 House, Lumberville – NEW Member
Acadia Mortgage, LLC, New Britain
The Boat House, Lambertville
Brett Webber Architects. P.C., Philadelphia and Erwinna
Donnelly Marketing Services Associates, LLC
Ellenoff, Underwood & Norman, Doylestown
First Savings Bank of Perkasie
Holly Hedge Estate, New Hope – NEW Member
Newman & Company, Inc., Philadelphia
Newtown Bicycle and Fitness
Odell Painting, LLC, Ottsville
The River House at Odette’s, New Hope
The Thompson Organization, Doylestown
William B. Parry & Son, Ltd., Langhorne
Member
Ahlum Gallery, Riegelsville
Appalachian Mountain Club, Delaware Valley Chapter
Borough of Morrisville
Bucks County Riverboat & Trolley Companies, Upper Black Eddy
Cramer Bakery, Yardley
Dilly’s Corner, Centre Bridge
Edgar H. Denson, Post #79 American Legion, New Hope
First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown
First Savings Insurance, New Britain
T. Foster & Co., Inc., Yardley
Fox Chase Bank, Lahaska
Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio, New Hope
The Grundy Commons, Bristol
Hobensack & Keller, Inc., New Hope
Homestead General Store & Coffee Roasters, Upper Black Eddy
La Chele Medical Aesthetics, New Hope
Leisure Craft, Warrington
Liberty Bell Wanderers, Philadelphia
Logan Inn, New Hope
McCaffrey’s Markets, Yardley
Mueller’s General Store & Kitchen – Easton – NEW Member
NAM Planning & Design, LLC, Lumberville
John Paton, Inc., Doylestown
Peddler’s Village, Lahaska
Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Flemington, NJ
Porches Bed & Breakfast, New Hope
River Road Business Alliance, Erwinna
Sand Castle Winery, Erwinna
Shearer Penn Corp., Trenton, NJ
The Stephan House Inn, New Hope
Tinsman Bros., Inc., Lumberville
Univest National Bank & Trust Co.
The UPS Store, New Hope
Yardley Borough
***
Canal Tenders at Work
The Delaware Canal is a cleaner, more pleasant place to visit thanks to all the people who have volunteered to be Canal Tenders. They are vigilant year-round. They pick up trash, clear away limbs, report problems, and care in every way for the sections of the Canal that they have adopted.
To find out more about becoming a Canal Tender, visit the Get Involved page at www.fodc.org or call 215-862-2021. It would be wonderful to have a full complement of Tenders this summer.
***
Help Wanted
Much of the work of the Friends gets done within the structure of five committees.
The Advocacy, Restoration and Maintenance Committee deals with the bricks and mortar projects, clean-ups, nudging, planning, etc.
The Education and Recreation Committee delves into programs, signage, exhibits, etc.
The Membership Committee builds the organization.
The Fundraising Committee sustains the organization through fundraising and volunteerism.
The Finance Committee make sure that the bills get paid and the future of the organization is ensured.
The Board of Directors would very much like to have assistance, guidance, and insights from Friends’ members. Please consider joining a committee or helping out with specific tasks of interest to you. For more information, call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.
The Delaware Canal Vision Study is intended to engage a wide range of regional stakeholders, advocates, and residents in a collaborative first step toward developing a next-generation plan for the Canal.
To keep himself occupied during his newly achieved retirement, our favorite canal artist Dennis Gerhart decided to create a line of note cards and holiday cards featuring his charming pen and ink drawings. The Friends have added the note cards to our line of sales items and are ready to sell you as many as you would like.