Newsletter and Event Guide for the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
Winter 2003
625 Canal Road, Somerset, NJ 08873
Vol. 3, Issue 1
Phone: Somerset Office (732) 873-3050 / Bull’s Island Office (609) 397-2949
A NEW NATIONAL CANAL PARK IS FOUND!
~ Park Web Site: www.dandrcanal.com
By Jeanette K. Muser
This past fall Jeanette Muser, a long-time Rocky Hill resident and archivist for the Rocky Hill Community Group, took a road trip
into Ohio with her husband and discovered the Cuyahoga Valley National Park - a relatively new national canal park similar to New
Jersey’s own D & R. The short visit inspired her to write the following article with the hopes that other canal-minded adventure
seekers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts would be encouraged to explore and experience another wonderfully preserved canal
park located within driving distance from New Jersey.
Within a pleasant and scenic day's drive from this area on Interstate 80 West through hilly
Pennsylvania towards the rolling limestone prairie of Ohio, we discovered the Cuyahoga Valley
National Park (CVNP) an urban recreational and historic greenspace between Cleveland and
Akron. We wondered why we had not heard about this national park before. Canal buffs, bikers, photographers, families and adventurous travelers, this park's for you!
After an overnight in Boston Heights at Exit 180, we picked up a sheet at the motel called
"The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail." This 2-sided sheet showed the north and south sections of this 20 - mile hiking/biking trail. We decided to start our tour at the Canal Visitor
Center at Lock #38 on Canal Road. That seemed a logical beginning for us because we saw
similarities with the Delaware & Raritan Canal in central New Jersey.
Our first question to the national park ranger was, "when did this park open?" He smiled
and asked, "Where are you folks from?" We told him that we lived in Rocky Hill on the
Delaware & Raritan Canal and we wanted to explore this national park that we knew nothing
about! The ranger then gave us a brief history of the park indicating that it had opened as a
national park less than 2 years ago in 2000. The 33,000 acres along 22 miles of the Cuyahoga
River became a National Recreation Area in 1974. At the urging of many citizens and agencies,
the National Park Service then took over the management creating a new national park. Unlike
many of our national parks, this park provides enjoyment in an area that is densely populated
and requires minimal travel to get there!
Although the Cuyahoga River Valley has been inhabited for nearly 12,000 years as a link between the Great Lakes and
the Ohio River Valley, early European explorers and trappers discovered the river's potential in the 17th century. The crooked
Cuyahoga River is named after the American Indian word for crooked ("Ka-ih-ogh-ha"). In 1786, Connecticut "reserved"
3,500,00 acres in northeastern Ohio for settlement; this area was known as the Western Reserve and still bears a New England
appearance. By 1805, treaties between the United States and the Indian tribes opened up the land for homesteaders. With the
opening of the Ohio & Erie Canal in 1827 paralleling the Cuyahoga River, the canal replaced the river as the primary transportation artery and thus began boom times for Cleveland and Akron. By the 1860's, railroads had replaced the canal as the
major route for commerce and travel.
We viewed the exhibits and books in the Canal Visitor Center and took a picturesque walk from the lock on the towpath trail to the Tinker's Creek Aqueduct and back. The trail represents the historically - correct appearance of the towpath by
having the trees cleared between the canal and the mule towpath. We only experienced a fraction of what there is to see and
do in this area. We drove part of Canal Road southwards passing by quaint villages, such as Peninsula.
Our schedule did not permit visits to the Frazee House, where early settlement life on the Canal is interpreted, the
Boston Store, where the building of canal boats is exhibited, the Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center, which focuses on
agricultural history or the Peninsula Depot Visitor Center, the headquarters for CanalWay Ohio. This linear heritage greenway
in central Ohio bears many similarities to the Millstone Valley Historic and Scenic Byway and the proposed Crossroads of the
American Revolution National Heritage Area in central New Jersey. What Ohio has successfully done is to preserve and
showcase George Washington's prophetic observations in 1784 about connecting the "invaluable back country" through its
waterways. (Continued on page 4 ~ National Canal Park)
Newsletter Design: Stephanie Fox, RIS - Natural Resources
Vicki Chirco, RIS - Historic Resources
Park Superintendent: Susan Herron
Photocopying: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Registration
is requested for ALL PROGRAMS unless otherwise noted. Call the Park
Office at 732-873-3050 to register. Visit www.dandrcanal.com for further
details and to check for program updates. All programs are FREE!
Jan. 5:
Jan. 12:
Jan. 26:
Jan. 26:
Trenton Walk: Cadwalader Park to Old Rose Street: Start the New Year off with a leisurely 4 mile walk along the
feeder canal through Trenton. This walk, lead by the D&R Canal Watch, will begin at 9:00 am in Cadwalader Park and
proceed into the heart of the city. Highlights along the way will include an aqueduct, three canal house, the Perdicaris
Place waste gates and channel, views of the State House dome and even wooded countryside. Interested participants
should contact the Watch at 609 924-2683 for further information and details.
Visit the Port Mercer Bridge Tender's House: At one time many canal company houses dotted the landscape along
the main route from Bordentown to New Brunswick. Today precious few remain. Under the care of the Lawrence
Historical Society the Port Mercer Canal House located at 4378 Quakerbridge Road in Lawrence Township has been
lovingly maintained. Come to this rare open house, learn about the canal's past from the D&R Canal State Park's
Historian and experience the 19th century first-hand. The house will be open from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Registration is not
required.
Winter's Walk in the Woods: Discover the beauty of the winter season by taking a 2 mile walk with the Naturalist of
the D&R Canal State Park in the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site. As the group walks through the fields and forest the naturalist will be pointing out some winter wildflowers, insects homes and tracks (if conditions allow)The program will begin at
the Park Office located in Somerset at 625 Canal Road, Franklin Township at 1:00 pm. All ages are invited.
Walk the Path to Five Mile Lock: Enjoy a brisk winter morning walk along the canal towpath with the D&R's
Historian. We'll meet at the Demott Lane Footbridge off Easton Avenue at 10:30 am and head north toward Five Mile
Lock for a 3 mile round trip tour along the historic towpath. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and learn a bit
about the D&R!
Groundhog Day Celebration: Children are invited to the D&R Canal State Park Blackwells Mills office located in
Somerset at 625 Canal Road, Franklin Township to learn all about Groundhog’s Day. The group will make a craft and
learn about different folklore regarding weather predictions. The program will begin at 1:00 pm and ages 4-10 are invited.
Space will be limited so call early to reserve your spot!
Visit the Port Mercer Bridge Tender's House: At one time many canal company houses dotted the landscape along
Feb. 9:
the main route from Bordentown to New Brunswick. Today precious few remain. Under the care of the Lawrence
Historical Society the Port Mercer Canal House located at 4378 Quakerbridge Road in Lawrence Township has been
lovingly maintained. Come to this rare open house, learn about the canal's past from the D&R Canal State Park's
Historian and experience the 19th century first-hand. The house will be open from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Registration is not
required.
Feb. 15: Winter Weeds and Trees: Join the Naturalist at the Bull's Island Recreational Area (off Route 29 in Hunterdon County)
to learn how to identify trees and plants in the season without leaves. The group will learn the characteristics that are
important in winter identification and then test their new skills by taking a walk around the Island. Program will begin at
1:00 pm and the group will meet in the NEW park office.
Feb. 1:
Feb. 23: Walk the Path to Titusville: Enjoy crisp Winter morning walk along the Feeder Canal with the D&R's Historian. We'll
meet at the Washington Crossing State Park parking lot located directly off Route 29 at 10:30 a.m. for a 3 mile round
trip walk. The group will head north to the historic town of Titusville. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and
learn a bit about the D&R.
Feb. 23: 5th Annual Fred Brown Memorial Walk: This annual walk co-sponsored by the D&R Canal Watch and the
Canal Society of NJ will begin at 10:00 am with the group meeting at the VanWickle house (The Meadows Foundation
headquarters) along the D&R at the end of Demott Avenue. Participants will be shuttled to the restored outlet locks at
Boyd Park in New Brunswick where the walk will commence along the canal back toward Demott Lane. Interested participants should contact The Watch at (609)924-2683 for further information and details.
The Story of the D & R Canal: Date, time and place to be announced ~ check the Park website for updated information. In March the D & R Canal State Park's Historian will honor St. Patty’s Day by offering a PowerPoint presentation about the
history of the canal. Both historic and modern photographs will be included to illuminate the waterway's past and present life.
Come join us for this hour-long afternoon program. Contact the Somerset Park Office at (732) 873-3050 for details. Registration
will not be required.
Mar. 1:
Skins of Skulls of NJ: The Naturalist will have a few of her animals pelts, skulls, antlers and mounts for you to see (and
some you can touch) while she gives a short presentation on the different types of animals that call NJ home. Program is
from 1-2:00 pm at the D&R Canal State Park Blackwells Mills office office located in Somerset at 625 Canal Road,
Franklin Township. All ages are welcome. Space will be limited so call early to reserve your spot.
Mar. 9:
Visit the Port Mercer Bridge Tender's House: At one time many canal company houses dotted the landscape along
the main route from Bordentown to New Brunswick. Today precious few remain. Under the care of the Lawrence
Historical Society the Port Mercer Canal House located at 4378 Quakerbridge Road in Lawrence Township has been
lovingly maintained. Come to this rare open house, learn about the canal's past from the D&R Canal State Park's
Historian and experience the 19th century first-hand. The house will be open from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. Registration is not
required.
Mar. 15: Beginner's Compass: Learn the basics of orienteering at the Bull's Island Recreational Area (off Route 29 in Hunterdon
County) by learning the parts of the compass, how to use it and then try putting your new skills to a test with a short
compass course in the Day Use Area. Program will be 1-2:30 pm. Ages 9 and up are invited.
Mar. 29: Change of the Seasons: The Spring season has begun, so get outside and enjoy the season of rebirth. The Naturalist
will be hiking through the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site in search of some early signs of Spring. We will meet at 1:00 pm at
the D&R Canal State Park Blackwells Mills office office located in Somerset at 625 Canal Road, Franklin Township. All
ages are welcome and make sure you wear appropriate shoes (it may be muddy!!)
Mar. 30: Bike the Path to Griggstown: Spring Fever is in the air so dust off that bicycle, pump-up the tires and join the D&R’s
Historian for the first park bike ride along the canal in 2003! Bring your own bicycle and meet in the parking lot of the
Blackwells Mills Park Office on Canal Road in Somerset (625 Canal Rd) at 10:30 am. Be prepared for a leisurely 8½ mile
ride that will take us to the Griggstown lock and back. Come enjoy the park, burn a few calories and learn a bit about
the D&R!
Newly
Newly Completed
Completed Eagle
Eagle Scout
Scout Projects
Projects To
To Benefit
Benefit Park
Park
Scouts have been hard at work in the D & R Canal State Park for the last few months working on and completing projects that will earn them the coveted Eagle badge. Thanks to Kristof Ladny of Troop 63 in the Mercer
District, visitors to the Kingston area can be informed about upcoming programs, sponsoring
organizations and other useful Park related information and regulations at his professionally
designed and hand-built kiosk. The spacious, two-door, wood bulletin board is meant to accommodate a sizable amount of materials. The kiosk is a much needed addition to this heavily used
section of the Park and has already been put to good use. A hearty thank you is
extended to Kristof - he is to be commended for a job well done!
Likewise a newly installed floating boat dock located at the Millstone
Aqueduct area in Plainsboro Township has also proved to be a useful
addition to the Park and has been well received by both boaters and fishermen alike. This scout project was the work of Colin Smith
from Troop 63 in Hamilton Square who designed, constructed
and installed the dock (with the help of several fellow scouts and a few
adults) . Colin’s well-planned and professionally executed service project
will not only help earn him eagle ranking but be enjoyed by all boating and outdoor enthusiasts who frequent the D&R.
Another job well done! Our congratulations and thanks also go out to Colin!
Park Benches Are A Welcome
Addition to the D&R!
Thanks to the generous donations of two
park patrons, visitors to the D&R
Canal State Park now have two
new places to sit, relax and enjoy
the scenery. New benches have
been purchased, donated and
installed in two locations at the
Park - Princeton and Lambertville.
Regulars, newcomer, individuals and organizations alike
are similarly encouraged to help make the D&R Canal
State Park a more pleasant experience for everyone. A
sturdy professional park bench complete with a personalized plague and installation can be had for the cost of
$500. This purchase will not only last for decades, be
enjoyed by the public and help to support and beautify
the Park but it is also considered to be a tax deductible
donation! If you, or your company, are interested in
making such a donation to the D&R Canal State Park
then please contact the main office at 732.873.3050
and arrangements can be made with the Park
Superintendent. Our sincere thanks are extended to all
those who help to improve the D&R experience for
everyone.
Signs & Benches
The D&R Canal Watch has been
hard at work on a soon-to-be completed wayside
sign project that is expected to be installed along
the canal’s towpath in the Spring/Summer of 2003.
Thanks to an educational grant from the 1999
Recreational Trails Program and the dedicated
work of of the Watch, the public can expect to see
several new informative signs detailing the workings of
the D&R’s locks and spillways. The signs will be installed alongside both the feeder and main canal’s surviving locks and spillways. They will be a welcome addition to the Park as the information, drawings and photographs provided will help visitors
understand the purpose - and the functioning - of these integral elements of canal engineering.
And, true to its mission to help enhance the Park by donating
needed items, the Watch has purchased six new benches that
are to be installed along the canal’s towpath. Their
dedication to the improvement of the Park as well
as the preservation and dissemination of the canal’s
history is sorely needed and greatly appreciated!
To learn more about the D&R Canal Watch visit
their website at: http://www.canalwatch.org/
National Canal Park (continued from page 1)
Besides nature, hiking, biking, horseback riding,
picnicking, musical programs, golfing, fishing, canoeing,
kayaking, sledding and cross-country skiing that the
park has to offer, there is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic
Railroad between Cleveland and Canton, the Hale Farm
and Village, the President James A. Garfield Historic
Site, the Blossom Music Center and the Porthouse
Theatre. These and many other attractions make up
CanalWay Ohio, a 110-mile heritage greenway which
includes the national park, the CanalWay Ohio National
Scenic Byway between Cleveland and Dover/New
Philadelphia and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
A detailed foldout map costing only $3.00 lists 35 sites
in this corridor with descriptions of each one.
Today, special events and programs throughout
the year draw visitors to this extraordinary piece of
America. Check www.canalwayohio.com or call 330657-2982. For CVNP information, check
www.rps.gov/cuva or www.dayinthevalley.com. Or,
call 1-800-445-9667 and ask for the CVNP "Schedule
of Events" quarterly newsletter. The address of
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is 15610 Vaughn Road,
Brecksville, Ohio 44141 at 216-524-1497. At Exit 180
(Akron) from Interstate 80, a handy list of motels may
be obtained from the Ohio Turnpike tollbooth and
there is one hotel within the park called the Inn at
Brandywine Falls at 330-467-1812.
Art in Park: Winter Session
2003 To Begin in January
After a brief hiatus this fall, Amy Grau - art instructor
extrodinaire - has returned to the D & R Canal State
Park drawing pad in hand and anxious to resume the
FREE Art in the Park series. Winter Session 2003 will
begin in January! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to
discover and hone your artistic and creative abilities.
All potential participants are advised to contact the
Park Office at 732.873.3050 for program details and
availability. Class size will be limited so contact the
Park early to reserve your place!
Prallsville Mill ~Stockton, NJ by Amy Grau, 1999
NJ Division of Parks and Forestry
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
625 Canal Road
Somerset, New Jersey 08873
Printing of The Milepost is sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb