News Topics Archived news topics National Trail Day June 6 WAITING FOR OUR SHIP TO ARRIVE The non-profit Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Association in Delphi, IN will be receiving their new replica canal boat this week. Ready for travel, this boat called "the Delphi" will leave Scarano Boat Builders in Albany, NY Monday morning. Arrival is expected on Tuesday late afternoon or evening in Delphi. This is our "boat that floats" (compared to the playground stationary version the volunteers built last year). This picture was taken two weeks ago when the Sea Trials were performed at Albany on the Hudson River. This WEDNESDAY morning (June 3rd) perhaps mid-morning a giant crane will off load the beautiful new boat into the canal at the "turning basin" beside the new Warehouse on the upper north end of our mile section of dredged and rewatered historic Wabash & Erie Canal. This site is one block east of Washington Street a dozen blocks north from the stoplight at the Court House in Delphi. For those that live close to Delphi you may observe the unloading operation from the opposite (west) side of the canal across from the Warehouse. Or you may look from the Washington St. Stone Arch Bridge (where this picture was taken) OR from the air. Do not get close to the actual operation as the huge crane and rigging is dangerous to be around and is in a restricted construction area at the north end of Union Street. If you have been a volunteer working at the canal or on the trails in the last year you are encouraged to come to VOLUNTEER REGOGNITION DAY at Canal Park in Delphi. It will be convene this Saturday, June 6th at noon. Besides the “free” lunch by the Psi Ote Sorority we have EARTH TEAM hats and shirts to pass out. DAN Return to top UP, UP and AWAY -- ALL ABOARD Last Friday was a special day in Albany, NY. At least it was for a few observers including myself, and two members of the American Canal Society. In addition Scarano Boat Company staff was there to perform their customary "Sea Trials" on our new replica canal boat. The waterway in the background is the Hudson River. It connects New York State’s fabled Erie Canal with New York Harbor. As the boat touched the water the true canal enthusiasts shouted Hip-Hip-Horay as it started floating. This beautiful 54 foot long craft has been inside the boat factory under construction for the past 7 months. The DELPHI is being produced by the firm that has built more replica canal boats for the United States that any other firm. In the US there are only 14 such replicas operatiing on canals. Beautifully appointed and with its bright colors typical of the boats of the mid-1800s, this boat will carry 45 people. There are benches to seat 32 and access for handicap travelers. By rearanging the floor seating and placing tables between the seats a meal or a meeting could be chartered. Provisions will be made for “off time” rental for these special events including transporting a bride, groom and their attendants to their reception in the Conference Center next to the dock. The mostly open architecture of the roof will be appreciated on nice days. When the sun might be too hot or a rain shower comes there is a canvas awning with plastic windows that can be pulled over the white supports. Though the upper center beam is strong enough there will be no passenger access on the roof as clearance under the stone arch bridge is close. Looking down the trail entering Canal Park Annex this new Warehouse becomes the dominant fixture. This new building will house the boat inside nightly and in the winter allow the boat to be suspended above the ice. A security system is in place for protection from vandallism, fire and high water. Viewing the Warehouse from the Washington Street Stone Arch bridge provides an interesting historical view of the original "turning basin" used by the canal boats in the 1850s. The looks of the new structure mimic the fabled Speece Brother's Warehouse at Carrollton five miles to the north. Murals on the white doors will be created to look as though workers inside were loading cargo. For this to materialize the Canal Association is asking for a naming donor to make this possible. Call 765-412-4308 if you are that donor. Watch for announcements of the dedication of this boat and warehouse tentatively set for Saturday, June 20th at 10 am. Last Friday's deluge of rain caused the canal to fill prematurely. This challenges the expected opening date scheduled for that Saturday because the canal will have to be lowered again for removal of the last obstruction (a solid rock ledge) that could scrape the bottom of the new boat. CAPTAIN STEVE GRAY SEZ: We need volunteer crew members for THE DELPHI both to operate the boat and to give historical narration. If you have an interest, call 765-447-1627 or email Steve1948@aol.com Return to top IF IT WASN'T FUN WE WOULDN'T DO IT Probably the most "kid friendly" exhibit we have ever built is the Playground Boat. Though it doesn't move and isn't over water the kids swarm to enjoy its unique ammenities. Maybe its popular because it's old fashioned and isn't full of electronic gagetry. The towpath trail draws people together -- like these kids as they take a stroll. Or, it draws visitors like this young lady from far off Turkey who was visiting the Canal Interpretive Center's historic clothing exhibits along with a traveling group sponsored by Rotary International. Or imagine the fun kids and adults will have opening the large wooden gates to our Guard Lock outdoor exhibit. The chamber is being constructed this month while the canal water is still drawn down. Historically the massive guard gates would be closed only during periods of flooding to protect the canal downstream. The concrete foundation in the canal bottom is being formed to create the lock chamber. The stone faced lock walls when erected will have standing movable wooden gates. This replicates the historic Paragon Guard Lock two miles north of Canal Park where boats would enter/exit the Lake of the Wabash. A Guard Lock's flood protection function should not be confused with the more common Lift Lock that would allow a boat to change elevation. The bridge to the left can be adapted to look like the towpath "change bridge" below. There was a towpath Change Bridge at Paragon similar to this structure that allowed the towing animals to corssover of the canal from one side to continue on their journey. Put your finger on the photo and trace the towpath that Mules would follow going up, over and down to the other side of the canal. The County Highway contracted to have the stones in our popular Stone Arch Bridge (Washington Street entrance to Canal Park) repointed and some replaced to protect its historic integrity. One objective was to then evaluate the bridge's capacity for tour busses entering Canal Park. The contractor was able to do this work before the waterlevel is returned to normal in early June. Stone repairs were being made alongside Canal volunteer's work as they installed the underewater barrier guides (foreground) to guide the new boat. And then there is the boat lift inside the Warehouse and an overhead door is being installed before the replica canal boat arrives in Delphi on June 3rd. The lift mechanism will raise 40,000 pounds and allow the new craft with its aluminum hull to rest above the ice in wintertime. Join with us on June 20th in Canal Park for Heritage Transportation Festival and the 10 am dedication of this beautiful replica boat. It is currently being built in Albany, NY by Scarano Boat Company. Return to top WORK IN CANAL PARK GOES ON DESPITE THE WET WEATHER As we prepare for the arrival of the new replica Canal Boat to our expanding historical venture in Delphi we are slowed somewhat by wet weather lately. Our volunteers continue to find the best job to work on each day. Some days lately we work indoors on the trailside restrooms or completing the inside of our Mule Barn. Nice days outside we are tackling work on some very important features that will improve the canal banks, remove obstructions and assist the safe (scratch free) transit of the new boat under the Washington Street Stone Arch Bridge. Twelve "Jersey Barriers" given to us by Milestone Construction in Lafayette are being placed on an elevated, compacted floor with crushed stone donated by US Aggregates/Delphi Quarry. When waterlevel returns the surface will be 8-9 inches higher than the tops of these concrete barriers. The orange line to the right is where the paralleling second row of barriers will be placed. The barriers will allow one foot of vertical space between the boat and the barrier on each side. The boat's durable underwater rub rail will help guide the passage of the boat. Note the boat's new warehouse in the far background. Longtime volunteers Roy Patrick and Ed Gruber study the ways to fabricate an upright 24 inch "roller" to be installed in the gap between the entry barriers and nudge the boat's rub rail. The concrete sides providing the bulk of the nudging have been painted with epoxy paint to create a smooth wall. In a future issue of CANAL UPDATES the story of our new boat will entertain you. These three Canal Board members went to the Scarano Boat Company in Albany, New York last Wednesday to check on the construction of our beautiful boat. It is expected to be delivered to Delphi in the third week of May. You are invited to attend a program at the Canal Center Wednesday, May 6th at 1:00 pm A Concept Plan Unveiled for the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail Presented by Purdue University, Landscape Architecture Program Students from a Purdue University Landscape Architecture class took on the challenge of examining how to deal with the concerns of producing a trail featuring historic water transportation and connect communities. After much field and classroom study under the direction of Bernie Dahl, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, the students prepared ideas and will present the Canal Towpath Trail Concept Plan on Wednesday, May 6th at 1 pm at the Wabash Erie Canal Interpretive Center in Delphi, Indiana. Join us and hear about the possibilities of the vision. Tom Castaldi Return to top SPRING CONSTRUCTION SEASON COMES TO THE CANAL Volunteers working on their M-W-F schedule are moving outdoors now to take advantage of milder weather. Here the decking of the passenger dock is being done while the water level in the canal is down. This dock was given monetary assistance from the Carroll County Community Foundation. An Amish crew from Grabill, Indiana, provides the craftsmanship for laying stone along the base of the new boat's storage house. The Canal Board is awaiting a major sponsor for this building but in the meantime a name will be painted on the blank plaque above the light. The name chosen is Hubbard & Harley Lime Company--since 1857. This identifies a business that might have used of a warehouse like this along the canal in the early days of Delphi. A single boat could enter the far end and float into the slip for loading indoors. Lime was "burned" in huge kilns nearby in the Canal Annex and then shipped to many clients in the east. Contractor Jack Cohee is enlarging the "turning basin" at Washington Street beside the Stone Arch Bridge while waterlevel is down. Whenever the canal boat runs shorter jaunts just inside Canal Park it will turn around here and at the southwest end of the Park. Bedrock is evident in the shelf to the left of the excavator. Removal will require special equipment coming next in the creation of this basin. The replica boat will draft 21 inches with a full load. The rock will be removed to a depth 3 ft. below the normal water surface. Seeded and mulched the same day of construction and a silt fence placed below the slope indicates the need for keeping the canal clean and attractive during and after construction. The rock ledge has yet to be removed thus allowing the canal boat to approach the arch bridge straight in line. In the canal's operating era this stone arch bridge wasn't here. Instead it was a higher wooden span that allowed the mules or horses under the far end pulling through on the towpath without unhooking the tow rope. Return to top WE CONTINUE TO PLAN FOR THE ARRIVAL OF OUR CANAL BOAT Once in awhile we sit down for a planning session. This one at the local Stone House Restaurant brings us together with Ron Dust’s engineering plans fresh from Chicago (that’s where he lives now). He still drives down monthly to volunteer with our regular M-W-F crew. Ernest Avery called one day with a challenging message to come look at his old “weigh shed” and see if we might want it. He farmed for years in Clinton County (now retired) and has some of his old buildings to remove at Michigantown where the local library is expanding in his former farmstead. In the canal era (1850s) there was a City Scales on the Court House Square. We might relocate the old farm scale to our Canal Annex Park where we have the new replica warehouse. This building looks like 1850s ports where goods like lime and pork were brought in barrels to the canal and loaded in freight boats. Scales were important in marketing transactions. Our new replica boat will reside inside this warehouse beside the historic turning basin. In winter months a lift will raise the boat above the ice. Part of the lifting system is represented by the white posts. Normally the indoor slip will be full of water. A pesky beaver is creating a problem for us. As the water has been lowered all winter for construction of the boat’s warehouse, half mile to the north, beaver in this south end were busy building a dam in that section (note that the water surface is at maximum level). The trees and branches have been interwoven against the railroad bridge to complete their dam. Like “engineers” they seem to know what to do. We will return the entire canal length to this level when the boat arrives. FOR THOSE IN NEARBY LAFAYETTE -- A SPECIAL MEETING A Taste of the Canal Comes to Tippecanoe County The Wabash and Erie Canal Association located in Delphi, IN is bringing the excitement of the canal to Lafayette on Wednesday, March 25. Canal volunteers in 1850’s costume will discuss the many new and exciting changes coming to the Delphi based canal this spring. The meeting will be held at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation at 638 North Street in Lafayette beginning at 7:00 p.m., according to Steve Gray, Canal Boat Captain with the Wabash and Erie Canal. The meeting will include a first person portrayal of “Life on the Canal” followed by updates about the many new additions to the canal association’s programs this year. The premier attraction will be the “replica” canal boat being built by Scarano Boat Company of New York. This boat will resemble a period canal boat and can be towed by horses for special occasions. It will be stored in a boathouse designed to look like an 1850’s warehouse that is currently being built. The new boat is scheduled to be completed by late May of this year. Canal volunteers will be available to discuss volunteer and donor opportunities at the Delphi, IN canal. Gray says this will be a chance for Lafayette area residents to preview the many new additions Spring will bring to the mile long dredged and re-watered canal. Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to this meeting. For more information contact Steve Gray at 765-447-1627. Return to top PROJECTS CONTINUE TO EMERGE FROM GRUBER'S BARN An unusual new canal era outdoor exhibit is being created in Ed Grubers barn west of Delphi. This workspace has been the "Winter Quarters" for the CCC volunteers (short for the Canal Construction Crew). What is being built now will be placed in Canal Park's Pioneer Village where it will interpret the 1850s backyard experiences of the Case House. Actually it will illustrate a CHICKEN COOP of that era. The small building is on tall legs to illustrate ways of keeping varmints away from the eggs and hens. Built from various pieces of lumber new and old the fellows use 4 x 6 inch White Oak leftover from sawed timber used in the decking of the Stearns Truss. And they use some planks left from the recent construction of the Guard Lock Gates for bracing. Then there is Oak in the illusionary "hen" entrance. Just back from Rose Hulman on "quarter break" is Martin Seese. When he arrived back in his hometown the first thing he wanted to do is get back to volunteering with the construction crew. He has also been involved with the restoration of the Stearns Truss (old iron bridge), Mule Barn stables and other projects over the past several years. Like some of the other volunteers that wear the trademark EARTH TEAM caps Martin proudly wears his (green) Earth Team jacket as he works with Ed Gruber. There is Martin (to the far right) studying the layout of bridge parts as the volunteer crew began assembly of the Stearns Truss a year and a half ago. At that time he was an Academy student contemplating studying engineering. Return to top March 5 Trail Planning Evening - Upcoming Third Saturday Workdays - April 18 Earth Day - May 16 Flowers and Fun Day: - National Trail Day June 6 National Trails Day - Saturday, June 6th For hiking interests in this nation the first Saturday in June is called National Trails Day. For some very special people in Delphi, Saturday, June 6th is Volunteer Recognition Day. The Wabash & Erie Canal Association and Delphi Historic Trails volunteers involved in the past year's trail building and maintenance, park outdoor exhibit construction and serving as docents at the Canal Center will gather along with their families for the noon lunch and recognition ceremony. This includes the current focus on flower planting and completion of current projects in Canal Park. For all the volunteers in the past year a free lunch begins the festivities at 12 noon at the Canal Park Shelter House, 1030 North Washington Street. The meal is provided by the local Psi Iota Xi sorority as they have done for many past workdays. After the many volunteers eat, they and any public interested in the Canal and Trails will observe the awarding of special recognition, certificates and clothing. All canal and trails volunteers present will receive an Earth Team hat or shirt for their efforts. The Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service have sponsored these items. Some volunteers have amassed literally hundreds of hours of service. Special recognition will also be given to the youth groups, Scouts and 4-Hers that have been involved during this past year. Immediately after the ceremony, at 1 pm, a narrated hike will begin. A special treat along the easy walk will be a visit to the site where the 1905 wrought iron Stearns Truss bridge has been placed behind Dairy Queen and Pizza Hut. For those wanting an additional longer jaunt the walk will progress south on the VanScoy Towpath to Sunset Point at the confluence of Deer Creek and the Wabash. This year focus of trail narration will be the 1839-40 wooden lock and nearby Irish canal construction camp. Click to download the PDF file of the Trail Map Return to top MAY BRINGS FLOWERS AND FUN TO CANAL PARK "May becomes a time for volunteers to beautify Delphi's Historic Trails and Canal Park" according to Canal Board President Dan McCain. "Third Saturdays of most months are traditional canal and trails workdays but this month, May 16th beginning at 9 am, is designated as a fun day. There are flower planting activities and fun things for kids, parents and others to do." Groups and individuals of all ages are welcome. Canal Park is in Delphi, 12 blocks north of the Court House stoplight on Washington Street. "Call them fun days if you like, but these volunteer workdays become a way for the community to show their love for these outdoor facilities while they beautify them" suggests Dan McCain, Canal Board President. "Accessing the trails provides physical exercise and brings out the spirit of friendliness found by the users of our community's 10 mile trail system." Fun also comes in the form of hearing a report on the progress being made on the building of the replica Canal Boat and seeing the exciting new "warehouse" building that will house the new boat. Canal Park will have the 'replica canal boat' operating in June. The planning and construction process has been rather lengthy but the much launching of this authentic boat will herald a new era for Canal Park. Concerning the need for community involvement this spring McCain says "If you use the trails and love the setting of some special place-consider adopting it for the season. If you pick a spot somewhere along the Delphi Trials, let us know and we will mark it with a 'Trail Treasurers' sign." Or if you just want to help others and spread color in Canal Park's open spaces, come out and try your hand at planting. "The Canal Association will have some flowers for volunteers to plant but if you have perennials in beds that still need thinning or just want to go out and buy a flat of annuals, bring them with you and pick out your spot" suggests the project coordinator. Care should be exercised to avoid areas that may flood or where foot traffic would be excessive. For more information: Dan McCain 765-412-4308 Return to top CALLOUT FOR EARTH DAY EVENT Saturday, April 18, 2009 Tell your family-bring a friend-be a part of Earth Day 2009 Have you noticed the first sign of spring near Earth Day - lots of people out enjoying Delphi's parks, the Wabash & Erie Canal and the many trails? If you appreciate and use these public facilities, come out to a workday and make them even better for broader enjoyment. The community is responding more and more through volunteerism to make Wabash & Erie Canal dreams come true. Saturday, April 18th is an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to come for PROJECT W.E.E.D. or "Wabash & Erie Earth Day" beginning at Canal Park, 1030 North Washington Street in Delphi. If it rains, the alternate date is April 25. In the past these EARTH DAY workdays have attracted 50-75 volunteers of all ages. This year the goal is to top 100 workers. Groups like 4-H, Scouts, church groups, and individuals of all ages are invited. Children should work together with parents or teachers. Volunteer "captains" will be onsite to supervise specific jobs and a work list will be available. Some of the work will be in Canal Park and relates to cleaning flower beds, landscaping associated with the development of an historic herb garden, etc. The big job will be out along Deer Creek east of Delphi. Work to remove trash and clear off an old small building down in the creek bottoms below the Monon High Bridge Trail on land owned by the preservation group NICHES. Also be work clearing brush and building trail on this unique site. For that effort the team gets to ride the Trolley out and back. The Wabash & Erie Canal sponsors the event with support from the USDA/NRCS "EARTH TEAM." Those wearing Earth Team white hats are designated as "captains" and will direct work and answer questions at the various sites. A workday can be a "fun day" and a chance to help the environment. Groups and individuals working that day should plan to arrive by 9 am at Canal Park for orientation before breaking into work groups. Work crews may be directed to other various locations on other trails that may require driving to the sites and then returning by noon for lunch. For the NICHES work crew the Trolley leaves the Park at 9:10 am and returns at noon. If you bring your own hand tools you will be given instructions and a map showing where to report for work. Mark your tools with your name before you come that day. Dress appropriately -- everyone should wear work clothes and shoes, gloves and other protective wear. No pets please. An eager crew can accomplish much. Finishing some task and realizing how this may be helping this community is one of the best paybacks that volunteers feel. Volunteers get a "free lunch" served at noon at the Canal Park's shelter by the local Psi Iota Xi sorority. As in the past this meal helps bring out many more workers. Check the CANAL HOTLINE for last minute weather cancellation notice by calling 765-564-6572. Return to top DELPHI HISTORIC TRAILS SET TO MEET MARCH 5, 2009 Delphi Historic Trails volunteers will meet on March 5th from 7-9 pm in the Canal Center on North Washington Street. The purpose is to assess the possibilities for the newest trail development in Delphi since the Monon High Bridge Trail five years ago. This new potential trail route follows the old Fort Wayne and Wabash Valley Interurban electric transportation system. In the early 1900s the Interurban route passed through Delphi with its ticket station beside Deer Creek at Washington Street. It ran along what now is mostly a utility right-of-way through town and the embankment that shields Water Street area from flooding. Work is being contemplated by the City to bolster the earthen fill. The Interurban exited the Deer Creek Valley on the northeast near the proposed exchange with the Hoosier Heartland Highway and on the southwest near Trailhead Park. Landowners, interested citizens and volunteers of any age are welcome. Those persons in attendance that wish to volunteer will help assess the route, plan ahead for various activities and set workday priorities. Come join in and interact with other interested community leaders. If you have wanted to get involved and didn't know where to start with trail activities, come and get acquainted. During good weather months there are Third Saturday Workdays-the next big one will be Earth Day Workday on April 18th. Later in the spring brings Flower Day in Canal Park on May 16th. Both of these special days offer "community service" credit hours for 4-H, Scout and school youth groups. Personal commitment brings pride to the many volunteers. That good feeling comes every day you work and then hike Delphi's unique trails. The real recognition for this volunteerism comes once a year. The public is invited to National Trails Day at noon on June 6th to help honor volunteers that have worked at least one day during the year. Each will receive an Earth Team hat and shirt for their community efforts .        Return to top THE CANAL BOAT WAREHOUSE RISES TO THE OCCASION Rising out of the banks of the original "turning basin" north of the Stone Arch Bridge this large building will house the new replica canal boat. The canal is currently drained to allow construction. What looks like a porch is actually the "Dock" attached to the warehouse. The three doorways will have full mural paintings that illustrate loading of a canal boat indoors as one might have experienced in 1850. This "slip" (dry today because the canal is drained) inside the warehouse will safely store the new boat. It will allow raising the boat above the water level in winter to protect the hull from ice damage. Angle iron braces are being placed on the second Guard Lock gate by the M-W-F Volunteers Volunteers Roy Patrick from Lafayette and Ron Dust, our volunteer "Engineer" that comes from Chicago, review the placement and operation of the pivot wicket that controls water flow through the gate. Boats reminds us that kids love our playground (stationary) boat year 'round. On January 30th the arsonist that set fire to the boat last August was sentenced to 20 years. It was reported in the COMET, Journal & Courier and USA Today on Wednesday, February 4th. Return to top COLD WINTER CAN'T STOP THE WOODWORKING PROGRESS Volunteer Dave Smith reviews plan for the guard lock gate being built in Ed Gruber's barn. Previously cut mortise and tenons on lock beams are ready for assembly by the volunteer crew. The guys winch the lock gate posts and horizontal timbers together for a snug fit. Decking the gate calls for leaving an 18 inch square opening for the metal wicket (water flow valve). After flipping the gate mortise joints need trimmed and angle brackets installed on that side. Roy creates the metal bearing called a "GUDGEON" that allows the lock post (laying on its side) to pivot. The M-W-F volunteers like working in Ed Gruber's barn in the winter because it has a big wood stove that keeps their backsides warm. When spring weather comes, this stone guard lock chamber exhibit will be created at the south end of Delphi's Wabash & Erie Canal Park Return to top 2009 SIGNALS THE COMING OF SOME BIG CANAL PROJECTS This outdoor interactive gate exhibit will be placed at the southwestern end of Canal Park But the project begins here-- Eight seasoned volunteers came together the first Monday in January to begin another exciting exhibit. This time the work is inside Ed Gruber's wood heated barn west of Delphi. Longtime volunteer Ron Dust (far left) now lives in Chicago but still comes monthly to volunteer his engineering talents. He moved back to be nearer his children/grandchildren but can't miss out on important beginnings like this beginning for the Guard Gate assembly. In the foreground are the "quoin post and the miter post" laying side by side while Al Auffart, a volunteer from Cutler, marks the position for the mortise and tenon joints. Vern Cripe also a talented volunteer from Delphi is ready to help cut the square holes in these massive timbers. The first step in making a square hole is to remove some of the wood with a large drill. Then the hand work of shaping the hole with flat wide chisels and a special right angle square wood chisel will do the job. It just takes hours to make these mortices into the timbers but our patient volunteers regularly work M-W-F mornings throughout the year. This time the goal in mid-winter months is to complete two gates. Later these gates will be positioned inside the cut stone lined chamber yet to be placed in the canal near the southwest end of Canal Park next to the old Monon Railroad. For over 10 years volunteer Roy Patrick (with grinder) has worked with the Canal Association on many intriguing projects. He and Bill Draper (left) have been instrumental in creating many of the museum exhibits in the Interpretive Center, moving, repairing, painting and erecting two historic iron bridges and now this work on making tenons in timbers to fit into the miter post and quoin post of the Guard Lock gates. If there are retirees that have interest in volunteering and accomplishing this kind of work during the M-W-F weekday mornings we invite you to help us. Or if you own or have access to some of these special wood tools for making mortise and tenon joints and want to offer them call Dan McCain at 765-412-3208. The picture below shows the foundation work ongoing by sub-contractor LaPorte Construction. Michiana Contratactors out of Plymouth has the prime contract with INDOT to build our Canal Boat Warehouse. This can be seen near Canal Park in Delphi north of the Stone Arch Bridge over the canal (Washington Street). The framing crew for this large historic looking warehouse building for storage of the new boat will begin by mid-January. Return to top DELPHI TRAIL HIKE SET FOR 1 PM THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Get ready to try out those new boots, gloves, coats or whatever you unwrapped for Christmas. Delphi Historic Trails will treat you to a winter trek along a historic trail east of Delphi. Meet at the Canal Center at 1 pm. There is adequate parking at the Center, 1030 North Washington Street -- 11 blocks from the Court House stoplight. Weather could cause cancellation or just to move indoors for a talk while looking at maps but the idea of a hike on that day brings out many with "cabin fever" at Christmas. Dress warm in layers and be ready to hike through snow on ungroomed landscape as the group will be treated to a choice of an easy and a difficult walk. Hikers will board "The Trolley" at the Canal Center (weather permitting) and be shuttled to the east side of Delphi where the Monon High Bridge Trail begins. Similar hikes in the past were organized by the late Charles Gerard. Many people have attended after Christmas walks. Last year more than 100 attended--the weather was nice. The mission is to first explore the developed old Monon rail trail that skirts the valley high up on the side north of Deer Creek. For those that wish to only walk the easier trail portion and then return to the Center, the Trolley will pick up at the Sherry Mears' farm lane that connects to this isolated scenic Monon High Bridge route. The hearty hikers may go on to the old trestle and overview Deer Creek from the exhilarating height once experienced by the train travelers. Then on the return circuit the trek will show the remaining hikers the old farm access tunnel under the Monon tracks that was used for passage of livestock and two row equipment going to the lower field. The area between Deer Creek and the NS Railroad will reveal the changes INDOT made in the past 6 months for the Hoosier Heartland Highway. These welcomed changes came from a concerted effort by local historical organizations and city leadership concerned with the highway's impact on the Deer Creek valley. Narration along the hike will also illustrate how the addition of an historic bridge will enhance the Monon rail-trail as the old railbed will be permanently severed by the highway corridor. With greater public involvement it is hoped that a beautiful 300 foot long historic iron bridge can be placed for the hikers in the future to cross above the new four lane highway. The trolley will pick up from various points making this a "short walk and a long walk" depending on how far the hiker wishes to go. Then back in the Canal Center will be hot coffee and cocoa for the hearty hikers. A response form will be offered for collecting public feelings about the proposed iron trail bridge being contemplated. The old Monon High Bridge over Deer Creek Points of interest along Deer Creek and the Monon High Bridge Trail Harsh winter weather might cause the event to be cancelled but if you are interested in going and want to check up on the latest message (“go” or “no go”) call our information HOTLINE at 765-564-6572. Return to top AND WE BEGIN THE CANAL ERA OVER AGAIN Seems like a long time ago when the early Directors of the Wabash & Erie Canal Association answered this question: "Will you ever have a canal boat"? And of course the answer was always "yes, but we just don't know when." Well now we begin the countdown to next June. After a contract letting in September, Michiana Contractors, Inc. from Plymouth have completed digging a big, deep hole in the bottom of the canal. It's the site for the canal boat's "warehouse" and is in the 1850s turning basin. A "widewater" where boats would have docked and loaded or unloaded their cargo. This big hole was needed to remove the poor underlying soil material and rebuild the base with crushed stone. That compacted base now is the bottom level for the massive "U" shaped concrete foundation being formed. The shape depicts the "slip" that the replica boat will ride into when being stored. This warehouse which should be completed by next June will protect the boat from the weather and will be used for mooring daily after carrying passengers. In the winter the boat will be raised up and above the ice indoors. The building will look much like a canalside warehouse of the 1850s. Concrete being poured into foundation forms in the dry canal bottom. Washington St. stone arch bridge in the background. Michiana Contracting, Inc., working though their earth and concrete subcontractor LaPorte Excavators has begun with the first pour of 40 yards of concrete. A huge concrete 'pumper' was brought in to transfer the mix from the delivery trucks to the far out forms along the canal basin. When completed the warehouse will look a bit like a "bank barn" whereby the delivery of goods to load could be brought in at a higher second floor level and dropped into the boat's cargo hold. The lower side of the warehouse next to the water will have a 1850s dock with big cargo doorways. These doorways will be inoperative but can illustrate a busy period of shipping on the canal. The doorway panels will be painted with murals that depict the indoors where goods would have been loaded. These murals can be seen from the towpath trail across the canal or from the replica boat as it passes. The warehouse is being built strictly under federal contract by INDOT and this doesn't utilize the volunteer crew normally associated with projects along the canal and trails. Canal volunteers can't let this outpace them in this season -- they are building a dock (a separate items not initially funded by INDOT). So now comes the NEWEST NEWS! INDOT just announced that we will be awarded money to build the more detailed historic appearing dock but it can't be let until 2012. Also now to address the need for a dock the Community Foundation of Carroll County awarded money for a handicap accessible plank dock. This wooded dock can be built by the volunteers. It will be lacated just offside of the main visitor towpath access to the waterfront. It will be put to the test of use when our "ship comes in" next June three years before the formal dock will be funded by INDOT's reimbursement program. The wooden dock will allow handicap access and give shoreside access for fishermen. Both docks strung together will ultimately span 100+ feet along the glistening canal. Someday guests attending a wedding reception will be awaiting the boat's arrival and cheering as the couple approaches their "roaring" crowd. Return to top A UNIQUE STRUCTURE IS COMING TO THE CANAL Rich Markins, a retired mason from Valparaiso, came again to volunteer and help remove a giant lime kiln from north of Delphi last week. The Canal Association learned recently that this canal era piece of industrial history could be removed from land owned by Delphi Limestone Company. With the cooperation of US Aggregates (the Stone Company's parent) an agreement involving the Canal thru the City was signed in September. It allowed the Canal Association to remove this last standing kiln. It represents a once prosperous period with 22 kilns. Local lime production operations ceased by 1917. Back in the 1840s and 1850s the processing of limestone in north Delphi netted three primary lime products: plaster, mortar and whitewash. These first products were shipped by canal boats from docks beside the Wabash & Erie Canal in what is now called Canal Park Annex. Hubbard and Harley were brother's-in-law and in 1857 they began operating six "Pot Kilns" along the canal right beside the Iron (Red) Bridge in Canal Park Annex. Those earliest kilns were not as efficient as the next generation would enjoy. Pot Kilns were not capable of being loaded with fuel day and night. The more efficient kilns built in the 1870s and 80s were built from patented plans. These newer kilns could receive continuous feeding of wood fuel and fist size lumps of quarried limestone. Products from these kilns were shipped primarily on the Monon Railroad. By the 1870s the canal had ceased to operate. Fuel for these kilns was harvested as logs from the surrounding lands being cleared to farm but as time went on the sources had to come from further out. In the case of the second generation, Harley's sons, their continuous kiln operation bought fuel from forest land six miles south along the Monon Railroad. Now comes the big challenge! Moving this giant kiln with its multi sized faces of stone and fire brick making up the walls and firebox. Kiln structures were mostly made from the same roock as was being heated inside the brick lined chimney stacks. One patent used tall iron stacks lined inside with brick. Measurements were made along with investigations as to where the firebox was located in the firebrick lining. Care is needed to gently remove the iron flume and make note of special flat and angled stone for re-creating the beautiful stone archways when it is reassembled in Canal Park Annex next summer. Rich Markins an experienced mason, machine oparator Jack Cohee and a team of volunteers are completing the removal and storage of the arch, walls and metal flume. The quest for a kiln exhibit brought together this team. Now the only remaining challenge is to interpret this structure for the public to appreciate. Return to top CANAL BOATS COME BACK TO DELPHI We are beginning a series of colorful outdoor interpretive panels with discriptive information and artwork to be placed along Delphi Historic Trails. Above is a beginning sketch of one of our most intriguing historic canal sites -- we call this area "Sunset Point". History records the last boat passing this narrow spot between the high bluff and the spillway in 1874 crashing into the dam. That happened just after the mules pulling it had fallen through the rotting spillway bridge boards. Since the forward momemtum was ceased with the demise of the mules the captain couldn't control the boat and it was swept by current into the aging wooden dam. Cargo, driver, mules and all were "dashed into the Wabash" and drowned. Artist Terry Lacy is placing the completed interpretive panel on the wooden posts at Carrollton Bridge site. This panel illustrates where the Mentzer Tavern set and where canal boats crossed the Wabash River (then a slackwater lake). On the west side of the road was Lock #32 where another panel sign was placed. Many additional historic locations along the trails are available for sponsorship in this expanding program (call 765-412-4308 for details if you are interested in sponsorship). Volunteer Jeff Seramur (topside) assisted by Kevin McNally started spray painting the playground boat just recently completed by the many volunteer carpenters. The arson fire destroyed the whole back half (note the difference in color) less than two months ago. This signals the end of construction for this popular outdoor exhibit. During reconstruction the crew doubled in size – usually 10-12 each day. The name to be painted on the back will be "Volunteer" to recognize the efforts of so many men and women helping this to completion on the M-W-F morning work schedule. The playground "VOLUNTEER" boat will be outdoors in front of the Canal Center year-round while the newest boat coming to our fleet will be a replica craft that floats and takes passengers on rides along the mile long watered section of canal. It will be housed inside the protective “Warehouse” entering a slip at water level. Very recently a donor Richard Funkhouser stepped up to sponsor this full size “playground” freight/passenger boat. Thanks Mr. Funkhouser for the generous donation. And thanks to the many contributors, including children, that helped fund and provide materials to rebuild after the fire. The operational boat shown below will be known as the "DELPHI" after it arrives from Scarano Boat Company in Albany, New York next June. Together the operational boat and warehouse comprise items of a project featuring historic transportation funded primarily by the Department of Transportation. Return to top ASHES TO NEAR COMPLETION IN FOUR WEEKS This is one for "Believe It Or Not" -- how this got rebuilt so quickly comes as a blessing because there are many new volunteers. We doubled our M-W-F work crew since the fire. Exactly four weeks to the day after the Canal Volunteers swept away the ashes of the arson fire that destroyed half of the playground boat we have the popular outdor gallery nearly completed again. Sunlight brightens the sky and lights the nearly rebuilt playboat Besides the many new volunteers thanks also go to many donors that provided money, food, support and love as we are back where we were just before the arsonist hit. Completing the rebuilding will now free up time for the next wave of construction activities coming this fall. INDOT contracting for the floating version replica canal boat and its 1850s warehouse upstream is now underway but those two products don't involve our volunteer's time. Warehouse and replica boat are under contract and will be completed by June 2009 The new replica boat will be built in Albany, New York on an aluminum hull with wooden upper features, electric power and fifty four feet of length. It will be possible to tow with animal power for special events and it will feature charter options for use by groups, meals, club meetings, etc . This replica with hidden aluminum hull will be built to 2/3rds scale to clear the stone arch bridge On the volunteer’s list of work activities are "BIG things" to complete in the next six months. Items like the replica boat's plank dock, an interactive full size guard lock (set of gates) at the south end of Canal Park, two turn-around basins and a railing under the stone arch bridge to keep the new boat on track straight through the tight space . In the coming months join with us in many ways to produce this exciting canal venture. We call this scene “OUR DREAM.” You are encouraged to just watch, become involved, or sponsor one of many varied exhibits. Ask for a list and it can be emailed to you. Return to top WE SWEPT AWAY HALF THE PLAYGROUND BOAT The cleanup started Friday and netted a bare spot behind the bow of our outdoor boat exhibit. Volunteers aided by a backhoe and dump truck supplied by the City made short work of this job. Perhaps at least another couple months and we will see the full scale boat back together. Volunteers are welcome M-W-F mornings 8-11 am. The outpouring of support from many friends is astounding. We have received donations from children, adults, organizations and business. We will plow all this into the repairs and then any extra will be used for the next (of many) exciting outdoor exhibits. We have plans for 10 trailside sites with all the exciting experiences that this boat provided. If you would like to contribute you may send tax deductible donations to: Wabash & Erie Canal Association C/O Annadell Lamb 50 Redwood Court Lafayette, IN 47905 We appreciate all the support and we are getting stronger as we have face this adversity. Come to Delphi try us out -- walk the trails or visit the Interpretive Center and enjoy our 1850s experiences. DAN Return to top The police have identified the culprit that did this to us. by dawn's early light last Sunday Now join with us as we rebuild and expand in Delphi’s Canal Park. We have a dream -- it involves everyone enjoying . We will rebuild and get stronger as progress comes and volunteers engage in completing our many projects. You ain't seen nothing yet. There are many more outdoor exhibits to come. Ask for details 765-412-4308 Pledge your support -- get involved by volunteering, donating money or supplying materials. Wabash & Erie Canal Association, 1030 West Washington St., Delphi, IN 46923 Return to top A RUDE AWAKENING AT 6 AM By dawn's early light Early this morning vandals invaded our Canal Park and torched our "just completed" playground canal boat. By dawn's early light I was called out of bed by the Delphi Police saying that I better come to assess the damage to our boat. Riding on a sea of blood, sweat and tears Sometime around 5 am Sunday, August 31st the fire started on the rear deck of this beautiful full scale canal boat. Our many volunteers have worked hundreds of hours since February when we started the bow section. It was our "pride and joy" -- it was the kid's favorite outdoor venue. We started construction last winter working at Ed Gruber's barn west of Delphi where we enjoyed a different kind of "heat". The kind that you back up to keep warm. Ed has a wood stove in the workshop where we began this tedious process of assembly. As the frame grew in sections we brought them to Canal Park and began the on-site construction "one piece at a time" until last week when the volunteer crew declared it completed -- except for painting. This 72 foot long playground item literally represents "blood, sweat and tears" by dozens of volunteers. Now for us it is kind of like getting thrown off a horse -- we will want to pick ourselves up and go at it again! Help us in any way you might with donations, labor or love for our canal endeavors. We are not sure at this time if it is covered by insurance. Return to top THE CANAL BOAT IS COMING—hip-hip-hooray! INDOT our major funder for the replica canal boat and warehouse has opened bids this week and found an apparent qualified low bidder for work that should start in September of this year. That makes us very happy as the final product should be operational by early summer 2009. That’s when “OUR SHIP WILL ARRIVE” In the meantime we have lots to do to get ready for the increase in Canal Park and Trails visitors. We are aggressively moving forward with many exciting outdoor interpretive exhibits and trailside informational panels that need your support. Our volunteers are working the M-W-F schedule and accomplishing some phenomenal projects. Canal Park and trails attractions have been carefully planned by LifeSpace Design and now are underway. We have initiating a fundraising campaign titled. . . . . Making a Reality This brings excitiement in ways that the public has grown accustomed to experiencing our ventures with interpretive displays and graphic panels depicting the canal era. As an example the plans call for twenty-five sites where we will place interpretive panels featuring special historic information along the trails. Signage is already completed at Carrollton Bridge (Area 10) with a recent grant from the Canal Society of Indiana. Land was donated by descendents of the Grantham family and it involves a very special "slackwater crossing" of the canal. You might want to help us with more special areas like this drawing of Carrollton depicts. And we have begun construction of other special interpretive sites -- i.e. where the railroad intruded into the commerce of the canal (depicted by the old Wabash RR building moved to the back of Canal Park last winter): We even have dreams of moving a large lime kiln in Canal Park Annex: Nearly complete now is the "playground boat" that permanently sets in the "basin" in front of the Canal Center. It is already a popular attraction for kids of all ages. Starting this September and taking us through the winter months the waterlevel will be lowered in the canal. So watch in the next couple seasons as the arrival of a 54 foot long operational boat, an overwater warehouse (with slip) and dock are produced. Slated for public appreciation by next summer these items are the core of our major improvements. If you would like more information on volunteering or leaving a family legacy by supporting one of the many outdoor exhibits, graphic panels or illusionary items contact us by return email, phone 765-412-4308 or by mail: Wabash & Erie Canal Association 1030 West Washington Street Delphi, Indiana 46923 Help us bring back the feel of the 1850s in Carroll County by Making THE TOTAL CANAL EXPERIENCE a Reality Our traditional CANAL DAYS FESTIVAL -- July 5-6th Come join the fun as we celebrate the 1800s when Delphi was an important port along the Wabash & Erie Canal. The weekend will be packed with activities for all ages. Bring the whole family because both children and adults will enjoy exploring the newly installed full-sized “Playground Boat” at Canal Park. There will be children’s games as well throughout each day. Saturday’s events will start with the Delphi Rotary Pancake Breakfast at Honan Hall. Then Delphi Lions Club’s Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m., through downtown and ending at Canal Park, where Canal Days activities will take place. All Canal Park buildings will be open 10 to 5 on Saturday and 12 to 5 on Sunday. Many various pioneer crafts will be demonstrated and some crafters will have items for sale. Handmade items can be purchase at the Bowen log cabin gift shop as well. For a special treat, come to the Reed Case House Saturday afternoon to see a craftsman demonstrate how to apply rope to an antique rope bed. This historic 1844 house, the log school house and the Canal Interpretive Museum will be open for tours both days. Take a boat ride on the canal or ride the pony cart or horse-drawn carriage. Have lunch or a snack at one of the food booths and save room for ice cream and homemade pie! Sunday listen to the “Life on the Canal” skit at 2 p.m. Schedule of Events for Canal Days July 5 and 6 Saturday Only (Park open 10) Rotary Breakfast 6-10 a.m., Honan Hall Parade 10 a.m., downtown streets Patriotic Parade Awards 12 noon, Canal Center Carriage rides 1 to 4 p.m. Rope Bed demonstration 1-5 p.m., Case House Broom making demonstrations 10 a.m.—5 p.m. Boat rides 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. Hand-made pie safe drawing 4 p.m. Narrated towpath walk 3 p.m. Sunday Only (Park open 12-5) “Life on the Canal” skit 2 p.m. on Playground Boat Carriage rides 1 to 4 p.m. Boat rides 1 to 4 p.m. Narrated towpath walk 3 p.m. Narrated towpath walk 3 p.m. Hand-made pie safe drawing 4 p.m. All Day Both Days 10 to 5 Saturday, 12 to 5 Sunday Playground boat open ~ Children’s games ~ Canal Interpretive Museum open ~ Case House Tours ~ School House open for tours ~ Cabin Crafts Gift Shop for quality hand-made gifts ~ Snack Shack for lunch, homemade pies, ice cream ~ Food vendors ~ Indian artifacts ~ Blacksmithing ~ Bird-house building at Jim’s Carpenter Shop ~ Pony cart rides ~ Towpath Trails each direction from the park for walking or biking. Many pioneer craftsmen and artisans demonstrating and offering wooden toys, woodworking, potpourri and gourds, china painting, book binding, crocheting, tatting, fiber art, bowl carving and much more. AND YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN YET! Progress at Canal Park and along our Delphi Historic Trails is kicking into high gear this summer. Many outdoor projects along the three miles of canal are being contemplated. Fundraising is underway and as it becomes committed our volunteer crew is busy making progress -- it's now coming in waves. Work on the stationary playground canal boat is nearly finished and already kids really enjoy it. Next year's floating version is ready for contracting by INDOT on August 6th. A 20 minute skit is acted out by two students portraying "Life on the Canal" with the playground boat as a backdrop and the "grassy basin" in front of the Canal Center as an outdoor auditorium. The play was inaugurated at the recent Heritage Transportation Festival. On that festival weekend two special tracts of land five miles north of Delphi at "Carrollton on the Wabash" were dedicated. Historic sites like these are being interpreted for the local lore and featured structures operating in the canal era. At Carrollton that day two special signs (nearby) were funded by the Canal Society of Indiana. There are many more signs needing sponsorship at important interpretive sites. Would you like to sponsor something special? Reply by email for a prospectus. LIFE ON THE CANAL–a play presented Sunday afternoons this summer Brittni Ballard plays the wife of a canal worker while prosperous Reed Case (played by Chris Mayfield) listens to her scorn. Additions to the storage barn behind the Canal Center will remake this site into an important interpretive exhibit. It will become a horse/mule stable beside the canal for towing animals – it’s called a "relay station". Funding for this TOTAL CANAL EXPERIENCE exhibit was provided by Duke Energy Foundation. Duke employees on a volunteering day in May came and helped lift the trusses with own skills and their big aerial equipment. OUR FIRST RELICA BOAT WON'T EVEN FLOAT For the first time in over a century Delphi's Canal Park will sport the likeness of a life-size canal boat. Only challenge is this this one won't float. Plans were drawn by our museum designer Len Mysliwiec, and already the volunteer crew has rallied to begin constructing a "look alike" full scale model of a canal boat. This “on land” playground version should provide lots of entertainment for children and adults as well and it will be outdoors 365 days per year . The life size creation constructed with weatherproof wood and featuring many intreguing crawl space cavities and playground attractions for kids will adorn the "basin" area in front of the Canal Center. It won't be over water but will be level with a slightly elevated sidewalk to give the impression that it is tied up next to a dock. Access will be by a "gang plank" to the deck level while the starboard side will allow a child’s slide and chain ladder for kids to exit into the dry basin. Conceptual interactive designs are being prepared for nine individually unique sites along the Towpath Trail section plus the historic canal crossing site at Carrollton Bridge north of Delphi. This playground boat becomes part of the second site that has been inaugurated with special exhibitry. The first site gained an old historic railroad baggage building 6 weeks ago when it was transported from near Rockfield and placed near the old Monon crossing at the back of Canal Park. The M-W-F volunteer "regulars" have been ready for the challenge of buiding this lifesize boat model since the completion of their last big constuction project (the restoration of the Stearns Truss iron bridge). This building work now is being done inside Ed Gruber's barn that offers a wood stove to take off the chill on these frosty winter mornings. Twenty foot sections are being framed and then these sections will be transported to Canal Park for final assembly later this spring. Cedar was chosen for the sides of the boat as it will weather and retain its rustic looks for many years. Sixteen foot long rough sawn 1 X 8 boards are being fastened to the struts of the frame and the surface “skin” has to bend to conform to the shape of the bow. Inside this bow is a double deck with a "hatch" that will give kids a hide and seek effect while discovering how these historic barges were built and used on the Wabash & Erie Canal in the heyday of the 1840s and 50s. This playground attraction will come a year before the operational Replica Boat--the one that will float and carry up to 35 passengers for a mile long trip on our reconstructed waterway. The tedious planning for this million dollar enterprise is almost complete. Biding is expected to be announced by INDOT early this summer. Completion of this project with its realistic protective warehouse (inside storage at waterlevel) plus the grand dock will come in late spring 2009. This floating boat will be built by a marine contractor, likely out of state. Much of the money for this federal grant has been secured but time is nearing when the Canal Assoc. must remit the 20% match to start the construction contract. Donor support for this and many unique interactive displays and graphic panels is now being sought. A fundraising campaign titled "THE TOTAL CANAL EXPERIENCE" is being launched. Exclusive donor "naming" of various sized exhibits and graphics present an opportunity that contributors will have for a selected display they like. For further information on any of the trailside interpretive items or for general support of the match needed for the operational replica boat ask for a prospectus via email admin@canalcenter.org Note: We are needing a source of 2 or 3 inch thick by 14 inch wide cedar, poplar or other suitable weatherproof material for use on the gunwale above the deck. Various lengths of these boards could be used but a total of about 150 lineal feet are needed. Perhaps some good salvage material from a barn or outbuilding might be located. A HIKE IN THE DEER CREEK VALLEY “Young Austin Smith along with 110 other people of all ages enjoyed the hike to High Bridge last Wednesday. This ‘day after Christmas’ narrated outing was organized by Delphi Historic Trails” according to chairman Dan McCain. “It began on a nice day that became and even warmer day by the time it ended two hours later. That warmth encouraged Austin to shed his coat and give it to his father Gil to hold.” The hike returned by the Delphi and Wabash Valley Traction Company Trolley back to the Canal Center for refreshments before disbanding. Two days later Gil finally relocated Austin’s winter coat when Dan announced that “some kid left a coat in the Canal Center.” The mood of many avid hikers— young and old—kept pace with the kids. It culminated in a very special outing. See a slide show of the hike created by Tim Criswell. “Hikers observed the Deer Creek Valley from high up on the north rim in the first half of the narrated trek. This vantage allowed a special birds eye view from atop the old Monon High Bridge. Up to that point the hike was on the level stone trail.” Then McCain announced that the hearty hikers that wanted to see specifically where the Heartland Highway will come across the valley could go on for the second half of the walk. More than half the crowd followed on the “off trail” cross country route – that’s where the expended energy and sun’s warmth came into play. It was a beautiful day. Sites were viewed in the valley depicting the history and beauty of this area just east of downtown Delphi. Early pioneer settlement landscapes, the Bossard Falls, Slate Bluff, the old mill damsite near Robinson’s Run -- all were viewed with consideration of where the massive cuts and fills of the new four lane highway will affect the area. This was the largest “day after Christmas” crowd in the fifteen year history of the event. Next spring a similar hike will be offered to explore the south side of Deer Creek Valley where the old Pioneer Road, waterfall and beautiful overlooks afford an appreciation for the Bowen Woods. This area may become a landlocked isolated nature area after the new highway is completed. INDOT is committed to “Context Sensitive Solutions” planning in an effort to not destroy these natural, cultural and historic assets. According to McCain, “one mission of the Trails Association is trying to accomplish is to get INDOT to provide trail access across Deer Creek to join the Monon Trail with the Bowen Trace.” Other important points of contention are focused on the massive earthen cuts and fills that may detract from the beauty of this valley as well as the concern for an elevated “at grade ‘T’ intersection” planned for the east entrance to Delphi. “Other members of this local committee involved with evaluating INDOT’s plans are affiliated with the local historical organizations, the Rural Historic District and local governmental representatives,” according to co-chair Anita Werling. If the public wishes to respond to INDOT on matters of the road’s impact on this specific valley crossing east of Delphi you may pick up information at the Canal Center Reception Desk. Or, as Werling suggests “the Heartland Highway’s website: http://sr25study.in.gov may be accessed for more information.” Wabash & Erie Canal Park Home Page Park & Trails News/Updates Trails Picnic Area Reed Case House Calendar of Events Map/Directions Photo Gallery Interpretive Center Plan Your Visit General Information History Behind Exhibits Education Exhibit Sponsorships Conference Center Meetings & Conferences Weddings & Functions About Us Board of Directors Canal History Volunteer Work Join Us Newsletter Brochures Links Copyright © 2002 - 2009 Wabash and Erie Canal Park, All Rights Reserved.