Friends of the Delaware Canal
145 South Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: 215.862.2021
Michael Ginder, Executive Director
A Locktender’s Life
When you work in a Locktender’s House, you are constantly reminded of the people who once lived here and worked the lock so many years ago. We know from first-person accounts that lock tending was a demanding, low-wage job. One main benefit was free housing. And back in the day, “free” didn’t get you much.
There were 23 locks along the Delaware Canal, and 17 Locktenders were initially employed to ensure the canal boats could travel through the locks as efficiently as possible. Several sections of the Canal required adjacent locks to accommodate the drop in elevation. In those instances, a Locktender was responsible for two closely situated locks.
An example of this could be found in New Hope, where Locks 8 & 9, along with a guard lock were the responsibility of one Locktender. The same was true of Locks 10 and 11. In New Hope, you will find three Locktenders’ houses within less than ½ mile.
The original list of Locktenders included*:
- John Hibbs – Lock 1 and the Tide Lock
- Elias Gilkyson – Locks 2 and 3
- Samuel Daniels – Locks 8, 9, and Guard Lock in New Hope
- Samuel Stockdan – Locks 10 and 11
- George Solliday – Locks 13 and 14
- Mahlon Smith – Locks 15 and 16
- Joseph Shepard – Locks 22 and 23
Lock 11 and the adjacent house serve as the headquarters of the Friends of the Delaware Canal. This house is still a mystery. Research indicates that the building pre-dates the construction of the Canal and was likely built by Lewis Coryell, who owned the land and worked as the engineer on this section of the Canal. The original first floor of the structure is now underground. The street elevation was raised at some point, and the first floor was filled in.
Dawn to Dusk
The workday of the boatmen and Locktenders began before dawn, and it lasted well into the night. During the height of canal activity, Locktenders became very efficient at locking boats through. And with the help of a willing boat crew, the task could take three to four minutes.
As the canal boat captain signaled their approach, the Locktender would be ready to guide them through. The captain would throw a line with a loop at the end, which the Locktender would attach to a cleat on the lock. The captain would then “snub” or tether the boat before hitting the lower gate.
As the boat sank, the captain would release the line. The boat would sink to level and continue the journey.
Heavy traffic was managed by locking distance markers which were guideposts placed a hundred plus yards away from the lock in either direction. The rule is that you could proceed if you were in the locking distance before another boat.
However, the Locktender had discretion here. If the lock were ready for a boat coming north, the boats traveling in the opposite direction would need to wait. The widening of the locks helped ease the captains’ tension, who were eager to get on their way. These locks allowed two boats to lock in simultaneously and improved overall traffic flow in the busiest sections of the Canal.
At night, the Locktender would signal that the gate was open by waving a lantern. If the lock was closed, a ruby-colored lamp would be placed in the window of the wicket shanty. When the Canal opened, the boats traveled day and night, leaving no rest for the Locktender. By the mid-1850s, however, this changed, and Locktenders worked from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day except Sunday.
Since the Locktenders were responsible for keeping the traffic moving, they became very
adept at anticipating oncoming traffic. Once they heard the sound of the approaching boat, which could be a bugle or a conch shell, they would reply with their own response to indicate whether the lock was open or closed. Boat captains were always in a hurry. The more trips they made, the more money they made, so in general, they were an impatient crowd. Fights over who could lock in first were a daily occurrence in the early years. And stories tell us that Locktenders were sometimes forced to throw the brawling parties into the Canal to cool off tempers.
A Family Affair
A Locktender wasn’t paid much, so they often had to supplement their income by taking other jobs during the day. This meant the whole family was put into service, locking in the boats as needed. One source said that as soon as a child was strong enough to work the wickets, they were “hired” for the job.
Many Locktenders and their wives also earned extra money, supplying boatmen with provisions. Often, these industrious families would grow vegetables and some livestock, if they had the room, and would sell or barter with the boat captains. Some wives would sell baked goods and launder clothes. Still others would provide stable space for mules to rest in the evening. Boatmen gave these houses names such as the laundry lock or the mule barn lock.
Locktender Houses
According to research from the Heritage Conservancy, 16 Locktender’s houses were built along the Delaware Canal for $9,200.46. These houses were small but well-built. Most were constructed with stone. However, storms and floods led to the rebuilding of many original structures along the Canal. All but one house was built before electricity became available.
Most houses were two stories with two rooms downstairs and a kitchen. Upstairs there would be two or three bedrooms. The bathroom was usually an outhouse. And not surprisingly, they were heated with coal, which was often traded or purchased from canal boat captains. Any land adjacent to the house was put to good use. Gardens, chickens, and even some larger livestock helped feed the family and the passing boatmen. Without this supplemental income, most families could not survive.
A Living Legacy
Like many historic sites, several Lockhouses have been lost to time. However, some still remain. Several are used by the park service, including our headquarters, yet others are now private residences.
When it became clear the Canal would be sold to the State of Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company offered to sell the Lockhouses to company employees. One account was discovered and shared by a FODC member who is fortunate to live in a Locktender’s house today.
As you can tell from the following letter, these Lockhouses were prized for their location and historical connection. Today, the current owners lovingly maintain the character and charm
Excerpts from a letter to the homeowners (dated 8/5/1978).
“It may be of some interest to you to know some of the history (albeit recent) of the Lockhouse. My father was an official of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, the builders and operators of the Canal, and at the time of the transfer of the Canal (late 1920’s) to the Commonwealth, he was able to purchase one of the lockhouses. The one chosen was to be a weekend retreat as well as a vacation site, and it seemed that (this one) was the best of the lot as well as the most scenic.
When we took it over it was, to put it mildly, a pigsty. The house itself was filthy and the entire property looked as though it had not been cleaned since the Canal was originally built. The small building in the back, toward the River Road, was located on the cement pad next to your house and we had it moved to its present location and installed some sanitary facilities, inasmuch as the purchase price included a half-moon backhouse, which did not appeal to us.
Needless to say, for quite a few years, our weekends and
vacations were spent in trying to humanize the house and grounds. However, there was compensation: Quite a few parties were held which the family and friends enjoyed. I remember having my high school pals, as well as gals, for weekend shindigs. (In the 30’s, believe me, they were properly chaperoned.)
In the northeast corner above the lock, we had installed a dock at which we kept two canoes and a rowboat because at the time the aqueduct over the Tohickon had not been demolished and we were able to canal for miles north on the Canal.
The original cost to my father for the property, as I remember, was $500.00. Due to World War II, the gasoline shortages, and the fact that sons were called into the service, as well as the death of my father in 1937, the property was sold in 1943.”
*Source: A complete list of the original tenders can be found in the Delaware Canal
Journal by C.P. Yoder.
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Canal Tender Spotlight
Our volunteers, many of whom are members, are the backbone of our organization. Without them, the Delaware Canal State Park would be a very different place.
Our Canal Tenders act as the eyes and ears of the towpath, all 58.9 miles. They provide valuable input on the conditions along the canal while picking up litter along the way.
To recognize the dedication of these volunteers, we will spotlight a few throughout the coming year.
Mark Greaney
Mark has been a Canal Tender since 2018 and is responsible for the section of the Canal towpath between the Narrow’s Restaurant and Mueller’s Store, approximately a five-mile stretch. Lately, his reports have been very encouraging. Little trash, small debris. All good news. Mark is a runner who can cover this distance pretty quickly. He sends regular updates on the condition of the towpath and the surrounding area.
As an employee of ExxonMobil, Mark has enrolled the Friends in the ExxonMobil Foundation’s Volunteer Involvement Grant program. His dedication pays off. Mark
forwards his canal tender hours to the program, and we receive a donation based on his hours of volunteer service.
Jane Richter
We are lucky to have many committed Canal Tenders who send photos and often take matters into their own hands. In the southern section of the Canal, one of these
dedicated volunteers is Jane Richter.
Jane tends the area between Bridge Street to E. Maple Avenue in Morrisville. She provides useful information on the condition of the Canal and towpath, which we share with the Park Staff.
Recently, Jane spotted some new graffiti on a bench and fencing along the Canal. She picked up some paint from a member of our CAT team in the area and resolved the issue quickly. The paint was a perfect match, and once Jane painted over the graffiti, the bench and fence looked as good as new. This attention to detail helps keep the park looking its best for residents and visitors alike.
Want to be a Canal Tender?
If you are interested in joining this special group of dedicated volunteers, we do have a few openings available in the southern section of the Canal. Specifically, these areas in Bristol are still in need of a watchful eye.
• Beaver Street to Bristol Lagoon
• Bristol Lagoon to Green Lane
• Green Lane to Edgely Avenue
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WHAT’S IT WORTH?
The Delaware Canal State Park isn’t just another pretty place; it has economic value.
This year, on July 4th weekend, several favorite spots along the canal exceeded capacity. The gates at the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area had to be closed due to overcrowding. Since the pandemic, the number of visitors has continued to grow along with their impact on the local economy.
Here are some enlightening statistics
• Pennsylvania is one of the top states for spending on outdoor recreation, generating over $29 billion annually.
• This industry supports over 250,000 jobs, equating to $8.6 billion in wages and salaries.
• And the industry generates nearly $2 billion in tax revenue.
• The combined acreage of Pennsylvania parks and forests is twice the size of the State of Delaware.
• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) manages 5,000 buildings, 141 dams, and 171 water treatment facilities.
• An extensive and aging infrastructure will require additional investment.
The current administration is aware of the economic impact of our parks. “The 2023- 24 bipartisan budget invests $112 million to improve state parks and forests and spur economic growth in the outdoor recreation industry.”
Investing in the industries that provide the best return on our tax dollars makes economic sense, and our park system fits the bill. The outdoor diversity available in our state parks makes Pennsylvania unique. It is a valuable resource and one worth the investment.
We can all do our part to protect and promote our park system by supporting legislation and funding that maintain this regional and national treasure.
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WHERE’S THE WATER?
You may have noticed that many places along the canal that usually have flowing water are lower than before. This condition will persist for several months in some areas and longer in others.
A series of storms over the past three years has caused infrastructure failures along the 58.9-mile length of the canal. Some fixes are more complicated than others. Some will be resolved before the spring. However, the impact on water levels in the canal is the same. When construction is underway on the canal, the water level must be drawn down.
That’s the bad news: a dry canal and many trail closures.
Now for the good news. The state has appropriated and approved funding of over $104 million for park infrastructure improvements, including much-needed repairs in the Delaware Canal.
Approximately 40 + projects in the pipeline will restore and improve the canal for years to come.
A case in point is the High Falls Creek culvert. This culvert has been replaced several times. The size of the pipe could not adequately handle the volume of water that occurs in major storms.
The long-term fix will be a new, improved design in keeping with the historic nature of the original structure. This larger culvert will handle a significant surge in the volume of water.
Approximately 80 bridges span the canal. Many need repair. A comprehensive project called the “12 Bridge Project” will address this issue in the coming year. You will see more towpath closures
as the construction teams begin to take core samples and ready the sites for repair. Other infrastructure improvements that are in some stage of design work or are out to bid include Rodge’s Run Sub-canal Culvert in Riegelsville, Spahr’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy, Lumbervillle Aqueduct, Bowman’s Hill Waste Gate in Washington Crossing and the Yardley Aqueduct. In addition, towpath
resurfacing is taking place in Easton as Penn-Dot completes wall repairs further south.
So, DCNR has a busy few years ahead on the canal. The park is trying to schedule the work as best it can to avoid extended towpath closures. All agree that no one wants to see the process of watering and de-watering. The plan is to coordinate projects to minimize the impact on wildlife and the environment. While this work is underway, we will post any closures or alerts on our Facebook page and website. And we will provide as much insight as possible into the timing and completion of these projects.
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HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
The holiday season is right around the corner and we wanted to help make your gift giving pain free. So, why not shop our line of exclusive merchandise. Throw in a membership, and we will pack it all up and send a personalized holiday card with a message of your choice.
Our carefully curated selection of tastefully branded items is ready-to-order and we have gifts to fit every budget.
Simply give us a call to place your order or stop by our Pop-Up Holiday Store in New Hope to find the perfect gift. Prices range from $5.00 to $25.00.
• Car Magnets: $5.00
• FODC 40th Anniversary Pins: $5.00
• Large Tote Bags: $10.
• Dennis Gerhart Illustrated Notecards (Six different designs): $15.00
• Baseball Hat (Embroidered): $25.00
• Gray T-Shirt imprinted on front and back (specify size Adult XL, L, M, and S): $25.00
• FODC Gift Membership—A great gift you can order online!: $50.00–$500.00
NEW THIS YEAR – Minnie Mule The cutest, most adorable plush mule sporting FODC Bandana: $15.00
Give us a call at 215-862-2021 or email us at friends@fodc.org and get your holiday shopping done today!
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CATTAILS ARE NO MATCH FOR OUR CAT TEAM MEMBERS
Volunteers of the Friends fill various roles. Many of our members and volunteers sign up yearly for the Annual Canal Clean-up in April. Still others are regulars. They are Canal
Tenders who “adopt” a section of the towpath and keep an eye on conditions, picking up any debris or trash along the way.
Still others join our CAT Team. CAT stands for Canal Action Team. These heavy-hitting men and women take on some larger projects, like bridge painting, 9/11 memorial bench repair and
replacement, and sign installation.
This year, our CAT Team members have taken on the task of removing cattails from the prism of the canal. While cattails are native plants, they can be very aggressive, choking out other
plant life while soaking up water. Removing vegetation from the canal is a water sport. Our CAT members wade into the canal and pull out the cattails, roots and all. Once the first clump is removed, they become easier to conquer. Getting muddy is inevitable, and sore muscles are sure to follow.
Recently, the team tackled two outcroppings: one near the Locktender’s House at Lock 11 (below right). and another near the Malcolm Crooks Bridge in Solebury (bottom). Once the “waders”
conquered a clump of cattails, they handed the plants to other land-based volunteers who stacked the debris for removal by the park staff.
It is honest work that pays nothing, yet this arduous task rewards volunteers with the knowledge that their efforts have improved the canal.
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ANNUAL YEAR-END APPEAL
In the next few weeks you will receive our annual fundraising appeal. While we have accomplished much this year, we still have more work to do. If you can, please consider a donation to help us continue our efforts to preserve, restore and protect the Delaware Canal.
Thank you!
Towpath Closure – Tinicum Township**TOWPATH CLOSURE** Bridge 4 [Smithtown Bridge 4] Tinicum Township (MP 35.5)– Towpath will be*closed*to all pedestrian traffic at Bridge 4 Ln. Starting October 25th until further notice due to construction. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it.
Bridge Closure – Williams Township**Bridge Closure** Canal Road North bridge, Williams Township (MP 53.7) – will be closed to all traffic starting October 20th until further notice due to construction. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC*SAFETY* due to construction related activity.
Towpath Closure – Tinicum Township**TOWPATH CLOSURE** Bridge 3 [Smithtown Bridge 3] Tinicum Township (MP 35) – Towpath will be *closed* to all pedestrian traffic at Bridge 3 Ln. starting October 23rd until further notice due to construction. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it.
Towpath Advisory – Effective October 13, 2023Delaware Canal State Park is planning a maintenance drawdown of the canal beginning on October 13th, 2023. The canal will be de-watered
in multiple sections of the park to perform debris removal associated with the 7/15 storm event.
Work associated with this drawdown will take place from New Hope through Upper Makefield Township at multiple locations. The canal will be dewatered from New Hope though Bristol and rolling trail closures can be expected. Once complete, water will be re-introduced.
For more information on towpath conditions, please visit the DCSP Website.
https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/DelawareCanalStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Towpath Closure in Washington Crossing starting Monday 9/25TOWPATH CLOSURE**(MP17.3)*-The towpath will be *closed at Amber Beech Kennels on Taylorsville Road in Washington Crossing (MP 17.3) starting September 25 until further notice due to construction. The purpose of this closure is for PUBLIC SAFETY due to construction activity. Trail users should turn around at the closure and NOT attempt to get by it.
Towpath Closure – Northampton CountySeptember 6, 2023
TOWPATH ADVISORY/CLOSURE – *NORTHAMPTON COUNTY*(MP 58.90- 56.57; MP 53- 52)* – Starting September 6th, 2023, the towpath in areas of Northampton County from Easton Terminus to the North end of Wy Hit Tuk park, and from a point south of Theodore Roosevelt Recreation Area to Fry’s Run, will be closed to conduct trail repairs from a 2020 flooding event. Towpath users are advised to turn around due to PUBLIC SAFETY if the towpath is closed. Water levels will be lowered to accommodate the work. PLEASE be mindful of all barricades and fencing.
Canal News – Summer 2023The Delaware Canal – The Inn Place to Be
Bucks County is rich in history, and we can trace much of that history and growth to the impact of the Delaware River and Canal. River towns became hubs of industry, and when the Canal opened for operation, it spurred additional investment. Mills, lime kilns, farms, and other businesses flourished. When the Delaware Canal opened in 1832, it changed the river valley and the towns along the way. With improved transportation, commerce grew, and many people prospered.
As business people, travelers, and canallers flocked to the area, hotels and inns began to flourish. Many of the inns along the Delaware Canal were built around the same time. Others pre-date the Canal but certainly benefited from its operation. Trains and highways eventually replaced the Canal, however, many of the historic inns have remained, most for public use, while some are private homes. The number of Inns along the Delaware Canal makes this 58.9-mile waterway unique.
Starting in the north, we will take a walk back in time to revisit some of the inns and provisioners that have been around for centuries.
Riegelsville Inn
This Inn was built in 1838 by Benjamin Riegel, a wealthy miller who owned property on either side of the Delaware River. His New Jersey operations included a grist mill and an oil mill. John Riegel, the grandson of Benjamin, continued the industrial legacy of the family by adding a paper mill which became known as the Riegel Paper Company, one of the largest employers in the area until the 1990’s.
Riegelsville Inn is situated between the river and the Canal, next to the historic Roebling Bridge. It is listed on the Bucks County Register of Historic Places.
The original building is stucco over stone with porches facing the river and patio space on the Canal. At one point, the property also boasted a large barn with enough room for 50 horses (or mules).
Over the decades, the Inn has changed hands; however, it has remained in continuous operation for most of the past 160+ years. Today, the Inn offers fine dining throughout the week, with a brunch menu also available on the weekends.
The Narrows Inn (formerly the Indian Rock Inn)
The Lenape Indian Tribe originally inhabited the site of the current Inn and restaurant. They used a deep natural pool in the rocks at the base of the Nockamixon Cliffs as a holding tank for fish they had caught in the Delaware River. When the current building was erected in 1820, owner Jacob Krouse used the rock walls of the tank as his new tavern’s foundation. The tavern license for the site dates back to 1812 when the pilots of lumber rafts were served a blicky (quart) of beer for a nickel.
In 1837, new owner John Derr enlarged the business to accommodate weary travelers, and the Rising Sun Hotel came to be. It was known by that name until 1854, except for a short period in 1851 when owner Frederick Trauger thought it might do better as the Farmers and Traveler’s Inn. Apparently it didn’t, since the name and Trauger lasted less than a year. In 1854, owner Mathias Lehman changed it to the Narrowsville Hotel.
The Inn changed hands several times and was most recently called the Indian Rock Inn. This name derives from a nearby rock formation whose profile is said to resemble the face of an
Indian. The mural of an Indian life scene, painted in 1988 by Irish artist Eric Patton, decorated the north side of the building until the most recent renovation.
To the north of the Inn were mule stables, with a barn and blacksmith shop to the south.
Today, the Narrows Inn serves great food in alovely historic setting.
The Homestead General Store
Another popular spot along the Canal is the Homestead General Store. This business has served the local community since the early 1800’s and is the oldest continuously operating general store in Bucks County providing provisions as well as a place to trade some canal gossip.
Originally built in 1831 by Hugh Major, the store arrived just in time to serve the newly opened canal and boatmen. Customers could stock up on provisions as well as local gossip. Today, the charm of the Homestead has been enhanced by the addition of a coffee roasting business. Their certified organic coffee is served and sold throughout Bucks and Hunterdon counties.
While the Homestead has seen several owners over the decades, Rick and Iris Lewis have been the proprietors since 1980. They have witnessed floods, bridge closures, and other calamities but have endured throughout it all. The Homestead has earned a reputation for its food and family-friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to stop along your towpath stroll.
Uhlerstown Hotel and Hamlet (formerly Uhlertown)
Now a private residence, the Uhlerstown Hotel was once a favorite resting spot for weary travelers. Built around 1840, the hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Today, the entire hamlet is listed as a historic district.
The natural charm of the hotel is enhanced by its location in this well-preserved little hamlet. Uhlerstown is one of the true historic gems along the towpath. This village was once a prosperous
settlement, built mainly around the Canal and its operations. Michael Uhler, a man of remarkable energy and business ability, recognized the opportunity that the Canal offered and moved downriver from the Groundhog Lock area between Riegelsville and Raubsville, where he and his brother Peter had been doing business.
Uhler developed the town that would be named after him. He is best known for operating a boat building yard and running a line of wellequipped canal boats called the Michael Uhler line. He owned extensive farmland from which grain and hay were supplied to the canal trade and metropolitan markets. He built and operated a gristmill and lime kilns, a country store and post office, a saddler shop, and coal yards. The hamlet is also home to the only covered bridge that spans the Canal.
Today, the historic district encompasses 63 contributing structures located along the Delaware Canal. Buildings of note include a brick building that once housed a school. The building to the right of the bridge entrance was the residence of Jonas Sigafoos who operated a general store. To the left of the bridge entrance, the present home was originally a warehouse for the gristmill located on the opposite bank of the Canal. Other historic buildings include the Uhlerstown Hall, a community gathering place for dances and entertainment, the Locktender’s House, and the remnants of lime kilns.
Golden Pheasant Inn
Originally called the Delaware House, the Golden Pheasant Inn was built in 1857 to cater to the canal trade. The Inn offered housing for men and mules along with provisions. When the Canal closed in 1931, the Inn suffered hard times until 1967, when it was purchased by Ralph Schneider, who named it the Golden Pheasant Inn.
The Inn is situated on the eastern boundary of Tinicum township in a section of Bucks County which was called Manor of Highlands. In 1699, the 7,500 acres were purchased from William Penn
by the London Company.
In 1986, the Faure family purchased the property. Michel Faure was the chef, and his wife Barbara was the hostess and decorator. Barbara refurbished the rooms to the Inn’s original 1850s period
style. Within three months of opening, John Bull, a restaurant critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer, gave the new Inn a resounding “thumbs-up.”
The Faure’s daughters, Brittany, Blake, and Briar assumed the business and operated the Inn and restaurant for many years before selling it to the Thompson Hospitality organization.
Point Pleasant Inn (F.P. Kolbe’s)
At one time, Point Pleasant was a bustling commercial center largely catering to the canal and carriage trade and then to vacationers who discovered the charms of this river valley town.
The Point Pleasant Inn (above, right), as it was initially known, was built in 1782. This grand hotel hosted Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, and other fishing enthusiasts. Prominent Astor, Whitney, and Vanderbilt family members were also guests. The elegant colonnaded façade faces out over what was once a lovely view of the Tohickon Creek.
Today, the building is home to F.P. Kolbe Gift Store & Café. It is a favorite shopping spot for seasonal decorative items, candles, garden fountains, and hand-crafted furniture.
Cuttalossa Inn (No longer in operation, but for sale)
Standing by the picturesque waterfall above the Cuttalossa Inn, it is hard to imagine that this was once the bustling center of the village of Lumberton. Approximately 200 people lived here, including Zebulon Pike (of Pike’s Peak fame) operating the quarries and several mills.
The Cuttalossa Inn was a general store and post office; the stone building across from it was “Hard Times Tavern” as the proprietor made barely enough to pay the rent.
The quarries above and below Cuttalossa Road produced stone used in mansions in Philadelphia and New York City. Canal barges transported it to Philadelphia and by railroad (Jersey side) to New York City. A cable car from the towpath across the river delivered the stone to the railroad.
A sawmill was located above the falls, powered by a 20-foot diameter water wheel; the mill race can be discerned on the left as one moves up Cuttalossa Road. Immediately below the falls, at the parking area level, was a decking from one bank to the other, called a forebay—a place to stack the milled lumber in an otherwise tight valley. This picturesque spot has been a favorite subject of painters and poets alike.
More Inns to Come
There are other notable historic inns, including the Black Bass Inn located in Lumberville. The Black Bass was built in 1740-1745, was partially destroyed by fire. There was substantial rebuilding in 1834. The original owner of the establishment was a Tory who favored the British, so George Washington did not sleep here. However, today all are welcome to eat or stay here.
The Washington Crossing Inn was built in 1817 and it features an original large kitchen hearth in one of its dining rooms. The Yardley Inn, once called the White Swan Inn was built in 1832.
And in Bristol, you will find one of George and Martha’s favorite spots, The King George II Inn (right). This Inn has a rich history, and is the oldest, if not one of the oldest, operating inns in the
country. Established in 1681, the property is lovingly maintained by the current owners who are committed to providing great food and service in a truly unique setting.
One last Inn we feel we should mention, was located in the village of Raubsville, north of Riegelsville and close to the Forks of the Delaware River. The building still stands today, but remains empty.
Take A Walk Back Inn Time
No matter where you start your hiking or biking excursion along the towpath, you are sure to pass one of these historic inns and businesses. We encourage you to take advantage of the views,
the food and the hospitality each has to offer.
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Never Forgotten – 911 Memorial Benches, A Lasting Tribute
After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, when so many people lost their lives, including some of our Bucks County neighbors, the Friends committed to remembering these victims with a fitting tribute, not just a plaque or a marker, but something that could enhance the towpath while honoring the victims.
The vision—place seventeen plantation teak benches along the length of the Canal towpath.
Each bench has a bronze plaque showing the name of one of the victims who called Bucks County home. The benches would commemorate their lives and provide spots for Park visitors to rest, reflect, and enjoy the wonders of nature. They would be reminders of the importance of memories and hope.
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, historical significance, and enduring nature make the Delaware Canal a fitting site for a special memorial.
We promised never to forget these lives. So, in 2004, the Friends implemented their vision and purchased and installed 17 teak benches, each with a memorial plaque honoring a fallen neighbor. We chose high-profile locations along the towpath that are easily accessed by the public.
But installing these benches was only the first step in our commitment. Wood, even teak, needs to be maintained and preserved. And some benches must also be replaced when lost to flood, decay, or vandalism.The Friends recently updated the 911 bench policy to help guarantee these tributes in perpetuity. At least once a year, all of the benches will be inspected by volunteers or board members to assess the condition and placement of each bench.
This assessment will be used to determine if the existing benches are in need of repair or replacement. The Friends will pay for these costs which may require occasional fund-raising support.
Several Board members and Canal Action Team volunteers have already been busy with upkeep and maintenance this year. Lichen seems particularly fond of these teak benches; it takes some elbow grease to clean and restore them.
Several benches were beyond repair. Unfortunately, there are few sources for the bench style we use, so replacing them has been slow. Top it off with COVID-related material delays, which created a backlog of orders. Thankfully, the manufacturer caught up on production, and three new benches will be installed this fall.
The Friends and our members understand the importance of community and honoring the legacy and lives of our those lost. We want to thank the dedicated people who created a lasting tribute to the 911 victims with their donations and hard work.
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LEGISLATORS GATHER IN UNITY FOR THE CANAL
The Delaware Canal State Park Legislative Caucus was relaunched this spring to present a united voice in the General Assembly about the importance of preserving and improving the
Canal and towpath. This caucus will advocate for the Canal, focusing on needed repairs and improvements. The group will also work to identify the necessary federal, state, and local resources.
The ultimate goal is to restore the Canal so that it is structurally sound and fully watered.
The caucus members include co-chairs State Senator Steve Santarsiero and State Representative Robert Freeman. The caucus also includes Senators Lisa Boscola and Jarret Coleman and State
Representatives Tim Brennan, Perry Warren, Craig Staats, Shelby Labs, Tina Davis, and John Galloway. The initial meeting also included The Friends of the Delaware Canal Board President Brett Webber and Executive Director Michael Ginder. They stressed the need for a solid commitment to preserve the Canal and discussed the improvements the Friends 2032 Plan recommends.
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PAINT AND SWEAT EQUITY PAY-OFF
The Friends of the Delaware Canal headquarters is the Locktender’sHouse at Lock 11 in New Hope. As part of our lease agreement, the Friends not only paid to renovate the building before we took occupancy, but we also pay to maintain the exterior.
The original building, which dates back to the early 1830s, is a stucco on stone structure. The Friends use “true to the period” paint colors to maintain the stucco and the wood trim. In May, the Friends hired Martin Lalor Painting to put a fresh coat on the building exterior, including the front porch floor and ceiling.
Various board members and other Friends provided sweat equity to repair and repaint other structures on the property, including the garden fence (above), which received a brand-new
gate and posts courtesy of our talented Friend, Jay Freeo.
Once the repairs were made, our board members Pete Rosswaag and Gordon Heisler jumped in to prep and paint the fence. And, there is a lot of fence to prep. The scraping, sanding, and
washing took many hours over a few weeks to complete the task. The unrelenting heat did not help.
Jay Freeo also repaired the “dog house” structures. The “dog houses” protect the miter gate opening mechanisms on either side of the lock. The miter gates are at the southern end of the lock and were built to swing in or out as needed to fill and empty the lock as a canal boat passed through.
We want to thank all of the Friends members who helped not only at the Locktender’s House this year but who also assisted with painting and repairing bridges, fences, signs, and benches along the way.
Are you interested in helping to create a maintain an 1840’s era kitchen garden using plants appropriate to the time? We would love to hear from you. Just give us a call or email us today.
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2032 Plan Update
With over 1,500 responses to our 2032 survey, we have entered the next phase of planning.
Using the input from the survey and community meetings, we are working with Studio Bryan Hayes to put together preliminary plans and drawings for priority projects.
In tandem with this work, we are also investigating funding sources for these projects. Our goal is to introduce the final 2032 plan to our members by the end of the year.
Thanks to all who participated and provided valuable feedback.
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Bridge Street construction in Morrisville to improve towpath access
When we hear about a project to enhance the experience of towpath users, we are all in. The Friends have long advocated for, and sometimes financed, essential modifications and improvements that provide better pedestrian access to the towpath.
This new construction project in Morrisville will create an improved crosswalk and ramp to ease access from one side of Bridge Street to the other.
For years, towpath users could only get around the bridge by traveling down Bridge Street before crossing the road to re-enter the towpath. This new access will allow a fairly seamless entry point as users can use a towpath ramp to access the other side of Bridge Street.
Construction is expected to be completed by late November. Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time through the work area as backup and delays are anticipated.
As a reminder, you can check on road conditions in the area by accessing the 511 PennDOT website at www.511PA.com.
We are excited for the Borough of Morrisville. This new ramp and crosswalk will improve safety and travel on the towpath.
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MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER
‘Tis the season to renew your annual Friends of the Delaware Canal membership. Most of our members should have received our letter in June. If you have already responded, we thank you!
If you still need to renew, there is still time. You can renew your membership on our website, fodc.org, or by calling the Friends at 215-860-2120.
We accept credit and debit cards, although we prefer checks. That way, we avoid those nasty fees charged by the processing companies.
As always, we appreciate the support of our members who share a vision of preserving the towpath and canal for generations to come.