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AUTUMN 2008
FRIENDS OF THE
DELAWARE CANAL CANAL NEWS
Sprucing Up the Canal Murals
Sixteen years ago the Basket Case, been taken of folks standing next to the
a shop that stood on Commonwealth mural mule.) But, age caught up with it
of PA land next to the Locktender’s all. The paintings weathered and lost
House in New Hope, burned to the their vibrancy. The roof and fence
ground. Faced with a blackened gap were the worse for wear.
in the streetscape, Ken Lewis, then To get things back in shape, this
manager of the Delaware Canal State year the Friends requested a variety of
Park, proposed filling in the space by help. Billy Selesnick was asked to travel
extending the earthen embankment that north from his home in Palm Beach,
already stood by the southern bound- Florida to restore the murals, the State
ary of the property. Park agreed to redo the roof, and a
This idea struck the Friends of the volunteer came to the rescue to fix and
Delaware Canal as a missed opportu- stain the picket fence. In order to pay
nity, so they developed a counter pro- for Billy’s services, grant applications
posal. The concrete floor of the Basket Case Donald Macfarlan plays canal-era were made to the PA Parks and Forests Foun-
would become a patio area where people tunes on weekends. dation and the Delaware and Lehigh National
could sit and relax. The western and southern Heritage Corridor, Inc. Both requests were
walls that remained intact would be covered approved because the project not only en-
with blank signboard material and transformed hances the Park by illustrating the history of
into murals that would depict historical scenes the Canal and the rich arts tradition of New
of the Canal and serve as a gateway to the Hope and Bucks County, but also served as a
Park. streetside attraction for visitors curious to see
Ken Lewis liked the idea, and the Park an artist at work.
staff did what was necessary to make the area The mural area was a circus of activity in
into a patio space, including putting up the August. Billy was furiously painting Canal
signboard, building a short, overhanging pro- scenes. John Sikora meticulously stained the
tective roof, and installing sections of picket picket fence, and on weekends Donald
fencing. Meanwhile, the Friends asked Billy Macfarlan, a former New Hope Canal Boat
Selesnick, a New Hope artist well known for Ride captain and musician, entertained by
his local landscapes and mural-painting tal- performing tunes of the canal era. And some-
ent, to take on the task of creating the Canal times, local bands would perform, too.
murals and financed the project using an inter- This fall, the State Park maintenance staff
pretive signage grant from the McLean will replace the roof, and then the area will
Contributionship. Billy enthusiastically tack- look quite spiffy again. Come visit and stop
led the job creating five scenes in two months. Artist Billy Selesnick poses next to his in at the Locktender’s House while you’re
He had so many admirers and such fun that he mule, and John Sikora perches on his here!
said, “It’s just like having a birthday party ladder.
everyday.” The Friends are especially grateful to the
PA Parks and Forests Foundation, the
The patio area and the murals have proven their worth over the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. and Richard
years. (Would that the Friends had a quarter for every photo that’s Beaumont, a Friends’ member and donor, for making the mural
restoration project possible.
FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL G 145 SOUTH MAIN STREET G NEW HOPE, PENNSYLVANIA G 215-862-2021
Park Manager’s Report
Busy , Busy, Busy. results. This study was done to help in deal-
That is how I can describe the current ing with the leak in the building next door.
conditions along the Canal. We have four, I would like to welcome Steve Cardell
Friends of the Delaware Canal count them, four, contractors working on to the Canal. Steve is our new Ranger Su-
145 South Main Street flood repairs in various areas of the Park. pervisor. He comes to us from Fort Wash-
New Hope, PA 18938 The repairs to the structures at the Easton ington State Park where he was the Ranger
Phone & Fax: 215-862-2021 site are nearly complete. The Easton to Supervisor. Steve has also worked at Tyler
Email: friends@fodc.org Raubsville Canal repairs are moving along and Nockamixon State Parks and resides in
Internet: www.fodc.org and are over halfway complete. Structure Quakertown.
repairs from Wy-Hit-Tuk Park to the Nar- We are currently attempting to solicit
Board of Directors rows are also being worked on with the bids for our equipment rental contract. This
contractor estimating they will be done by contract allows us to get a lot of work done
Tom Williams, President Fall. The repairs of the Canal from New each year along the Canal. Our previous
Marianne Fluehr, Vice-President Hope to Yardley recently started. The con- contract expired July 1, 2008. This has
Kim Madarasz, Secretary tract to repair the Canal from Raubsville to meant that our crews have been doing the
Peter Sperry, Treasurer Upper Black Eddy has been awarded and work that would have been done by a con-
David Child should start soon. Also the Notice to Pro- tractor, such as removing trees in the New
Jack Donohue ceed went out on 8/20/08 for the project to Hope to Bristol stretch.
Veronica Morton replace the culvert at Black Rock Road in Our maintenance staff completed repairs
Willis Rivinus Lower Makefield Township and dredging in to the Upper Limeport Bridge near Centre
the Yardley area from Lock 5 to Ferry Road Bridge. This bridge is to be replaced in the
George Schweickhardt
(not flood repairs, but a long-awaited next few years, but needed work to keep it
Vernon Wiegand project). The repairs have necessitated that
Marc Zaharchuk open until the replacement can be done.
the water be dropped in the Canal from New
The Environmental Education Staff has
Hope to Yardley. Please be patient while we
Advisory Board had a busy summer, too. They assisted (prac-
improve/repair the Canal
tically ran) the annual Delaware River
James Amon One problem we are experiencing with Sojourn. They also assisted at the
Randy Apgar all of these projects is that the public contin- Department’s ECO Camps – camps targeted
Allen Black, Esq. ues to enter the sites. At many points barri- at urban kids to encourage their apprecia-
William Farkas ers erected to keep the work sites secure tion of the outdoors. They have also pro-
have been removed. There are many safety vided programming at the Giving Pond and
William Getchell
and liability issues involved, construction in New Hope. Ian Kindle has been named to
Judge Mitchell Goldberg areas can be dangerous! Please refrain from
James Greenwood the Easton Environmental Advisory Com-
entering these areas. It also slows the progress mission.
Judge David Heckler because the contractors have to replace these
Betty Orlemann barriers. As always I would like to thank your
Judge David Strawbridge organization for your continued support of
The Geophysical Study of the Canal in this amazing resource!
the area of the Locktender’s House in New
Executive Director — Rick Dalton
Hope was completed, and we are awaiting
Susan Taylor
Mission Help Wanted
The Friends of the Delaware Canal is an Much of the work of the Friends gets done within the structure of five committees.
independent, non-profit organization The Advocacy, Restoration, and Maintenance Committee deals with bricks and
working to restore, preserve, and improve mortar projects, clean-ups, nudging, planning, etc.
the Delaware Canal and its surroundings.
The Education and Recreation Committee delves into programs, signage, exhibits,
Our primary goals are to ensure that the
etc.
Canal is fully-watered from Easton to
Bristol and the towpath trail is useable The Membership Committee builds the organization.
over its entire length. We embrace this The Organization/Development sustains the organization through fundraising and
mission in order to sustain a unique link to volunteerism.
our heritage, protect beautiful and diverse The Finance Committee makes sure that the bills get paid and the future of the
natural areas, provide recreational and organization is ensured.
educational opportunities, and enable the The Board of Directors would very much like to have assistance, guidance, and insights
Canal to serve as a community and from Friends’ members. Please consider joining a committee or helping out with
economic asset. specific tasks of interest to you. For more info, call 215-862-2021 or e-mail
friends@fodc.org.
PAGE 2 F RIENDS OF THE D ELAWARE C ANAL G C ANAL N EWS G A UTUMN 2008
Autumn Calendar of Events
Sunday, October 5, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m.
The Friends’ First-Ever Steamboat Brunch Annual Meeting and Covered Dish Dinner
Aboard the Delaware River Steamboat Jericho Valley Community Center
Launching from Lambertville, NJ At the intersection of Street and Lurgan Roads, New Hope
The Friends can’t do without a party on the water, so this year, in This year’s Annual Meeting will mark the official end of the
the absence of the Canal Boat Ride, we’ll be cruising on the Friends’ 25th Anniversary celebration, so be prepared for some
River’s newest “old-time” vessel, the Delaware River Steamboat. nostalgia, photos from the past, and a lot of good stories. And, as
The Steamboat, christened SPLASH, is a replica of the sternwheeler always, the wonderful cooking and company of your fellow
friends.
that operated in the area in 1880. It is powered by genuine steam
engines (visits to the engine room are welcome) and is outfitted to The covered dish dinner is first on the agenda. It’s a three table-
reflect the Victorian era while meeting the needs of today’s long spread of an amazing variety of tempting appetizers, entrees,
passengers and the U.S. Coast Guard. salads, and desserts. (It’s always wise to save room for the pies and
cookies.)
During our Steamboat Brunch, we’ll head north on the River
cruising for about two hours. The crisp autumn air, the scenery and After dinner, Tom Williams, President of the Friends’ Board of
Directors, will highlight the year’s accomplishments, and Trea-
the company will be exhilarating. A variety of tasty baked goods
surer Pete Sperry will report on our organization’s financial
and fixings, fruit salad, beverages, and, of course, Mimosas will
condition. Volunteers will be honored, and the election of mem-
add to the festivities. And as a memento of your voyage, you’ll
bers of the Board of Directors will be held.
receive a photo of you taken on board SPLASH compliments of
photographer Veronica Morton. Then we’ll look back on the past 25 years with a show of photos
straight out of the Friends’ files and the early scrapbooks compiled
Donation - $40 per person by Betty Orlemann. It will be the time to share stories and
Rain Date – Sunday, October 12 remember all that our organization has accomplished and the fun
Free and ample parking is located south of the Lambertville Inn and frustrations along the way.
in the D&R Canal State Park. If you have photos that you’d like to contribute for the show, let
For more information and to make reservations, call 215-862- us know. We can scan and return them to you.
2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org. Please don’t hesitate; the Please join us for this special celebration – A Friends’ Thanksgiv-
Steamboat only carries 49 people. ing of sorts. Bring along your favorite 6-serving covered dish to
share. Plates, utensils, and beverages will be provided.
The Friends are out and about this fall
See us at
· New Hope Farmers’ Market on Thursday, September 25 from
3:30 to 7 p.m.
· Yardley Harvest Day – Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m.
· Bucks County Pumpkin Fest – Saturday & Sunday, October 25
& 26 at Fonthill Park, Route 313, Doylestown.
The Friends’ booth will have all the “Great Gifts” listed on page
6. Excellent information, too.
Save the Date
Steamboating on the River The Friends’ Annual Holiday Party
Photo by Aaron Olivo
Thursday, December 11
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Scrumptious hors d’oeurves, spirits, and a lovely fire to
gather round.
Visit the Friends’ website at Esca Restaurant
www.fodc.org for flood repair 18 West Mechanic Street, New Hope
The first Friends’ meeting was held here in 1982 when it was
progress reports and events. known as the Towpath House.
F RIENDS OF THE D ELAWARE C ANAL G C ANAL N EWS G A UTUMN 2008 P AGE 3
Join
CANAL WALK
FRIENDS OF THE DELAWARE CANAL
2008
st
Flood repair work is underway in many areas, but the 21 annual Canal Walk will go on. We’ll hike 32.5 miles
of the towpath trail staying out of the way of heavy equipment and newly-sown grass seed. This year’s Walk
will be the shortest ever in its history, but will get us in shape for next year when most of the towpath trail’s
58.9 miles will be open.
The Delaware Canal is always an adventure, especially these days. Join us and learn about the waterway’s past,
present, and future and enjoy the company of good friends, new and old.
DATE SECTION OF THE DELAWARE CANAL WALK MILES
October 4 The Delaware Canal State Park Office, 11 Lodi Hill Road, Upper Black Eddy to the Kinsman Company, 9
4961 River Road, Point Pleasant.
Our journey will start at Lock 19 and its Locktender’s House, now State Park Headquarters, but once
home to a family of 17. Trekking southward, we’ll hear about the state of the evolution of the Giving
Pond from stone quarry to watery habitat and recreation area. A special tour of Uhlerstown, the “best
preserved canal hamlet in America,” is a step back in time. Perhaps, we’ll see horses arriving for an
afternoon polo game at Tinicum Park. In Smithtown we’ll learn about its connections to plows and
the infamous Walking Purchase. Then on to the village of Point Pleasant, home of the Tohickon
Aqueduct. Lunch Stop: Smithtown
October 11 The Virginia Forrest Recreation Area north of Centre Bridge to Odette’s Restaurant in New Hope. 5
Beginning at a site named in honor of a strong-minded woman, not state trees, we’ll view Hendricks
Island, a PA State Parks Natural Area that has quite a long and interesting history. As we walk along,
River vistas and the homes of Centre Bridge will be on display. At Phillips Mill, stories of the days
of the New Hope School artists will be shared. The quirky tapestry that is New Hope will delight us,
and Lock 11 and the Locktender’s House await. Our walk will end at a site packed with canal
features. The most important is the outlet where canal boats once crossed the River to the D & R
Canal. Today the outlet functions as an inlet supplying river water to the southern end of the Canal.
Lunch Stop: Since this hike is short, and there are so many lunch options in the vicinity, lunch will be
on your own at the end of the walk.
October 18 Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope to Afton Avenue Aqueduct in Yardley Borough. 8.25
The Preserve nurtures an abundance of native plants, and we’ll spy some of them as we follow the
“New Paths to Travel” trail past the Neely Grist Mill and the famous Thompson-Neely House. We
will reach the Canal towpath by crossing one of the six remaining authentic camelback bridges, which
was recently restored by the Friends. The David Library of the American Revolution, which houses
the best collection of Revolutionary War history outside of England, is the next site of interest,
followed by the village of Taylorsville and the spot where Washington crossed the Delaware River.
In the town of Yardley, we’ll end our hike with a short side trip to see the scenic lake and have an
afternoon treat at Cramer’s Bakery. Lunch Stop: Washington Crossing Historic Park at Route 532.
October 25 The Morrisville Waterworks Complex on Delmorr Avenue south of the Calhoun Street Bridge to 10.3
Riverfront Park in Bristol Borough.
In Morrisville, we will be greeted with the view of Trenton’s eclectic skyline, and we’ll hear about the
town’s founder and his aspirations, successes, and failures. We’ll trek through industrialized Bucks
County and learn how the coming of U.S. Steel changed the landscape. Ready for our use will be the
long-awaited gravel trail that marks the Canal’s route through the Levittown Shopping Center
property. The beautiful Lagoon Park will welcome us to Bristol Borough, and interpretive signs will
help us visualize the three Bristol locks and the famous “bump bridge.” After our imaginations
transform a parking lot into the basin where canal boats gathered waiting to be towed to Philadelphia,
we will celebrate our journey’s end at the “ring” by the River.
Lunch Stop: Dunkin Donuts on Route 13 near the Levittown Shopping Center.
All walks start at 9 a.m. sharp. Return to the For more information – call
starting point is accomplished by carpooling. 215-862-2021 or e-mail
Please bring a light lunch, except on October 11th. friends@fodc.org.
The Walks are free, but donations to the Friends will be gratefully accepted.
Becoming a member is even better.
PAGE 4 F RIENDS OF THE D ELAWARE C ANAL G C ANAL N EWS G A UTUMN 2008
Progress Report
Five of the twelve different flood repair and capital projects are now underway. The chart below shows the status of each as of August
28, 2008. A similar chart is posted at www.fodc.org under What’s New – Breaking News and Updates. It is updated as new information
becomes available, usually once a week.
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources put out an official press release on August 27th stating that the repair work
is progressing smoothly. Secretary Michael DiBerardinis is quoted, “ Conditions so far this summer have proved to be a boon to large-
scale construction efforts that are dependent on favorable weather.”
And the most important sentence – “All park repairs are expected to be completed by June 2010.”
Project Location Description In Design Bid Let Bid Award Amount Contractor Notice to Contractual %
Opening Proceed Completion Complete
Date
Forks of the Delaware towpath, prism complete 6/11/07 7/10/07 3/1/08 $10,720,410 Popple 3/3/08 2/26/09 65%
to Locks 22/23 (Easton rehabilitation Construction
to Raubsville)
Locks 22/23 to towpath, prism complete 5/5/08 6/17/08 7/23/08 $8,775,615 Nimaris expected
Bridgeton Hill Road rehabilitation Construction 9/3/08
(Raubsville to Upper
Black Eddy)
Bridgeton Hill to towpath, prism complete expected
Odette’s (Upper Black rehabilitation late 9/08
Eddy to New Hope)
Odette’s to Ferry Road towpath, prism complete 3/19/08 4/17/08 5/16/08 $3,396,456 Tri-State 6/26/08 7/10/09 15%
(New Hope to Lower rehabilitation Dredging
Makefield Twp.
Easton Chain Dam and complete 6/13/07 7/12/07 2/28/08 $265,664 BiState 2/28/08 12/1/08 95%
Fish Ladder repairs Construction
Williams Twp., stop gate, waste complete 3/26/08 4/29/08 5/15/08 $330,602 Bill Anskis 6/26/08 4/6/09 7%
Raubsville, Durham gate, footbridge,
other repairs
Point Pleasant, Centre Locks 13 & 14, expected
Bridge, Bowman’s Hill wastegate, other by 1/31/09
repairs
Lumberville Lock 12 repair expected
by 1/31/09
Williams Twp. Rocky Falls stop expected
and waste gate by 1/31/09
repair
Reigelsville stop and control expected
gate repair by 1/31/09
Easton STP stop gate and expected
pedestrian bridge by 1/31/09
repair
Other Projects
Lower Makefield Twp. Black Rock Road complete 3/26/09 5/15/08 6/20/08 $2,937,975 James D. 8/20/09 9/15/09 0%
and Yardley Borough culvert replacement Morrissey
and dredging from
Lock 5 to Ferry
Road
The stone culvert
that conveys water Tri-State
under the Canal Dredging is
north of Groundhog reestablishing
Lock in Raubsville the channel of
has been repaired the canal outlet
by Bill Anskis behind Odette’s
Company. in New Hope.
F RIENDS OF THE D ELAWARE C ANAL G C ANAL N EWS G A UTUMN 2008 P AGE 5
Great Gift Ideas
With a hint of fall in the air and catalogs arriving daily, it’s time Canal Critter Finger Puppets – Ladybugs ($3), Bats ($4),
to give a thought or two to holiday gift giving. (Please accept our Spotted Owls & Tortoises ($6), Field Mice & Skunks ($6.50), and
apologies for broaching the matter so soon, but this is the last issue Raccoons ($7) are ready to dance and cavort on playful fingers.
of Canal News for 2008. Besides, Halloween is a holiday, too, and Friends’ License Plate – Mount this handsome tan and forest
the Friends’ Mule Puppet is a perfect trick-or-treating companion. green plate on your vehicle to show your support for the preserva-
He looks quite dashing decked out in a Zorro mask.) tion of the Canal $10.
Here is a list of Canal gifts that are unique and support the Mug – The Friends’ “The Good Life” logo decorates a sturdy,
efforts of the Friends. easy-to-hold white china mug. On sale for $3.
Just off the Press – The Delaware An assortment of wonderful books:
Canal – From Stone Coal Highway
to Historic Landmark by Marie Delaware and Lehigh Canals – A Pictorial History of the
Murphy Duess. Illustrated with Delaware and Lehigh Canals National Heritage Corridor in
more than 70 historical and current Pennsylvania compiled by Ann Bartholomew and researched by
photos, this handsome new paper- Lance Metz. A revised, paperbook version of the original pub-
back takes readers on a voyage lished in 1989. $24.95.
through the waterway’s history. A Guide to the Delaware Canal by Willis M. Rivinus – 8th Edition
chapter is devoted to the Friends with photos by Louis Comfort Tiffany. This widely used guide
and the work that our organization to the sites along the Canal from Bristol to Easton give both
does. Foreword by Jim Greenwood. historical background and practical advice for the Canal user.
“The Delaware Canal is as central to $6.95.
Bucks County’s story as William Mule Boy by Joan Gilbert. Pre-teens and teens will enjoy this
Penn’s home or Washington’s cross- story set in 1862 about life on and along the Delaware and
ing.” $19.99. Through the generosity of the author, the Friends Lehigh Canals. $12.95
will receive 50% of the purchase price.
My Name is Jeremiah: Life on an American Canal in the
An assortment of shirts – Nineteenth Century. Young muletenders will enjoy this coloring
25th Anniversary Polo Shirt – A high-quality, taupe shirt embroi- and activity book. $5.
dered with the forest green Friends logo. Sizes Small through Friends of the Delaware Canal Membership – For all those who
Extra, Extra Large. A bargain now at $20. enjoy the Canal and care about its improvement. Recipients will
T-shirt – White all-cotton shirt illustrated with a pastoral Canal receive a decorative 8-1/2 X 11” membership certificate suitable
scene – “The Delaware Canal – A Towpath to Travel – A for framing along with a gift notice.
Waterway to Paddle.” Sizes Medium and Extra Large only. On Categories of membership are:
sale for $10.
Muletender (individual) .... $ 35
“The Good Life” T-shirt – Gray all-cotton shirt sporting the Locktender (family) .......... $ 50
Friends’ logo. Sizes Medium and Large only. On sale for $10. Toll Collector ................... $100
Cap – Baseball-style, adjustable, khaki cotton cap embroidered Boat Builder ...................... $250
with the Friends’ logo in forest green and “Delaware Canal” in red. Canal Superintendent ........ $500
Great for hiking and biking. $15. These gifts may be purchased at the Locktender’s House in
Mule Pin – 1-1/4 inch, gold-finish tack pin perfect for your cap or New Hope on weekends between noon and 5 p.m. through October
hat. $5. 31st and on any weekday. (Please call 215-862-2021 to coordinate
Delaware Canal Mule Puppet – Ever-so-soft and plush. Make a weekday time.) Arrangements can also be made to have the items
him smile, make him kick – he has dual hand pockets for lots of mailed to you. The charge for postage and packaging will be added
mulish action. $25. to the cost. The final cost of all items, except clothing and
memberships, will include 6% PA sales tax. We cannot accept
credit card payments. So more information or to place an order,
call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.
It’s Time to Dream
Think ahead to the day when the Canal is repaired. What would
you like to see done next? Please give us your ideas. E-mail
friends@fodc.org or call 215-862-2021.
PAGE 6 F RIENDS OF THE D ELAWARE C ANAL G C ANAL N EWS G A UTUMN 2008
Times Have Changed — Our Business Members
After the 1955 Flood These businesses support the Friends with their annual member-
Will Rivinus recently showed us three issues of the New Hope ship contributions and in-kind services. We urge you to support
Gazette. Published during the three weeks following the Delaware them.
River flood of 1955, they give an accounting of what happened
along the Canal during and after the Great Flood. Founder
Barley Sheaf Farm Estate & Spa, Holicong
The flood waters rose quickly and reached their height at 4:45
a.m. on August 20, 1955. The August 25 issue of the Gazette reported: Capital Planning Advisory Group, Yardley
Scannapieco Development Corp., New Hope
“And through the evening, with logs and buildings striking
Toll Bros, Inc., Horsham
the [New Hope] bridge and making it resound in the night like a
great gong, [the Mayor, Chief of Police, and Borough Council Benefactor
President] toured the town watching the water rise dangerously Ahlum Gallery, Easton
in the debris-clogged canal. At 11 p.m., with the water starting Fine, Kaplan and Black, Philadelphia
to slosh over the banks by Peakers, [the Mayor] ordered every- George E. Michael & Co., New Hope
one east of the canal evacuated. Police swiftly made the rounds
Sand Castle Winery, Erwinna
and the people went to the gym or to friends’ homes. At midnight,
Addison Wolfe Real Estate, New Hope
the water in the canal began to subside. It was found later that the
canal bank had broken at Phillips Mill, deluging the Lathrop’s Patron
house and pouring into Primrose Creek. Carlton Pools, Inc., Warminster
A Civil Defense group, headed by Bob Montgomery, blasted DeLuca Enterprises, Inc., Yardley
the canal bank above Phillips Mill and saved the Lathrop house
Dilly’s Corner, Centre Bridge – Increased Membership
from being washed away.”
Earl’s Prime at Peddlers’ Village, Lahaska
A photo caption expanded upon the Phillips Mill story: First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown
“PHILLIPS MILL. About midnight a floating canal bridge First Savings Bank of Perkasie
wedged against the one at Phillips Mill, diverting the water Gratz Gallery & Conservation Studio, New Hope
across Julian Lathrop’s lawn. The washout nearly took Lathrop’s Howard Gallery of Fine Art, New Hope
house, but lowered the canal water level and may have saved Logan Inn, New Hope
New Hope from disaster.”
McCaffrey’s Markets, Yardley
Advertisement : “We’ll be OPEN this weekend. You may have Newtown Bicycle & Fitness Shop, Newtown
to crawl over boxes and crates, but come up and relax. Shearer Penn Corp., Trenton, NJ
Black Bass Hotel, Lumberville, Pa. Sugan 3071 The Tattersall Inn, Point Pleasant
In its September 1st issue, the Gazette reported: The Thompson Organization, Doylestown
“The August 20th flood, which caused $2,000,000 damage Tinsman Bros., Inc., Lumberville
along the river from Center Bridge to Buckland Valley Farms… William B. Parry & Son, Ltd., Langhorne
officially ended Monday when Civil defense head Bob Icelow
declared the emergency over and went back to work as postmaster.” Member
“Canal Report – DVPA [Delaware Valley Protective Asso- Acadia National Mortgage, LLC
ciation, [the predecessor of the Friends of the Delaware Canal] Baldi & Jenei, P.C., New Hope
President Joe Forsyth heard a rumor the canal might be aban- Cramer Bakery, Yardley
doned. He asked Sec. of Forests and Waters Maurice K. DiAntonio’s Catering, Newtown
Goddard about it. Wired Goddard: ‘No truth to rumor.’ ” Ellenoff, Underwood & Norman, Doylestown
And on September 8th, this was the news: First Savings Insurance, New Britain
“CANAL O.K. TO BRISTOL” T. Foster & Co., Inc., Yardley
“The Department of Forests and Waters has reopened the Golden Pheasant Inn, Erwinna
Delaware Canal from New Hope to Bristol – and is proceeding The Grundy Commons, Bristol
with repairs on up the river toward Easton. A press release from Havana Restaurant and Bar, New Hope
the DF&W said that three squash pipes have been placed in the Hobensack & Keller, Inc., New Hope
canal to replace washed out bridges and that the flowing water Kurfiss/Sotheby’s Realty, New Hope
already has taken away all remnants of stagnant flood water. Leisure Craft, Warrington
The repairs were hurried to help provide fire protection down Mail Boxes Etc., Buckingham
through Yardley and Morrisville areas.” The Mansion Inn, New Hope
Meanwhile, State Senator Joseph J. Yosko of Northampton Lisa James Otto Country Properties, Inc., Stockton, NJ
County continued his campaign against canal pollution, and at John Paton, Inc. Doylestown
a Harrisburg hearing on the Forests and Waters budget request he
Penn Valley Construction, Inc., Morrisville
suggested that the canal should be filled in for use as a highway.
Pete’s Bike & Fitness Shoppe, Flemington, NJ
Maintenance cost of the canal is $275,000 a year, he said.
Porches Bed & Breakfast, New Hope
Fortunately, the Delaware Valley Protective Association mar- Stephan’s Design Center, New Hope
shaled the Save the Canal troops and overcame the “turn the darn The UPS Store, New Hope
thing into a highway” threat.
F RIENDS OF THE D ELAWARE C ANAL G C ANAL N EWS G A UTUMN 2008 P AGE 7
Another Camelback Bridge to be Welcome, New
Restored Friends
Sommer’s Bridge in Lower Makefield Township is one of the six authentic camelback David Anderson
bridges that remain along the Delaware Canal. It is next in line for restoration thanks to a Vivian Banta and Robert Field
Save America’s Treasures grant administered by the National Park Service and matching Renae Biale
funds from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Save William B. Clark
America’s Treasures grant was secured by Heritage Conservancy, headquartered in Rene & Dave Dubnanski
Doylestown. (Fortunately, the Canal has many helpers.) The Delaware Canal State Park Rosalie Gerson
staff will administer the project, and the engineers already have the design and specifica- James R. Hanly
tions completed. The bid packages will be sent out soon, according to Rick Dalton. Ben Kreider
Sommer’s Bridge will join Hazzard’s Bridge in Upper Black Eddy, the Thompson- Blythe Kropf
Neely Bridge in Solebury Township, and the Goat Farm Bridge in Upper Makefield Karen McAllister
Township on the “Restoration Complete” list. The three finished bridges were saved Pat Miiller
through the efforts of the Friends of the Delaware Canal. Plans are in the works to tackle Suzanne and Todd Ruback
the remaining two as part of the Friends’ campaign to ensure that the authentic camelbacks Jonathan Spencer
are not lost. Victor and Lois Stevens
Mary and Don Woodruff
Sommer’s Bridge
in Lower Makefield
Township to be
restored.
Permit No. 2
18938
New Hope, PA
PAID New Hope, PA 18938
US POSTAGE 145 South Main Street
Nonprofit Org. Friends of the Delaware Canal, Inc.
