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IT ALL STARTED WITH A $10 BILL

Sunday, November 11th at 2 pm is a big day for the Stearns Truss in Delphi. It culminates nearly two years regular M-W-F work by an ingenious volunteer crew This whole project started December 16, 2005 in a Pulaski County Commissioner’s meeting at Winamac. Four Canal Association volunteers were present. An offer to purchased the 78 foot long relic for $10 was met with a stipulation that it must be removed from the Big Monon Ditch in just three months. That winter the weather was cooperative and the volunteers rallied to disassemble and transport all the pieces to Delphi by March 3rd.

CELEBRATE!! Volunteers are ready to present their pride and joy. This bridge is a "one-of-a-kind" lightweight, portable, once rusty, wrought iron span brought from near Medaryville. It is a special lightweight span designed by Wm. Stearns and the last known of its type to exist in the US. The special place where the BIG BLUE BRIDGE spans the canal is in west Delphi behind Pizza Hut / Dairy Queen. It sits over a reconstructed section of the Wabash & Erie Canal.

The last task being completed is the handrail and some touch-up of the beautiful blue paint. The bridge sports another color as well as the blue. All iron that was added for safety, but not part of the original, is painted black. This comprises the safety siderail which is made of angle iron with a similar look as the integrated original handrail thus the added materials are black.

With parking near the bridge a premium on dedication day the participants can enjoy parking downtown Delphi around the Court House and being chauffeured by Brian Stirm and his popular Trolley. Ride to the dedication then back downtown and “Discover Delphi Days” at the participating stores. The Trolley will also travel to Canal Park and the whole circuit every 20 minutes. It runs from 12 noon to 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday (10th and 11th). Take time to enjoy the small town flavor with a visit to this county seat that still looks like it did in the historic canal era.

Take a walk along the trial from the bridge and jaunt south on the towpath to Lock #33 or the Irish Construction Camp -- or go north and arrive by trail in a half mile at the Canal Interpretive Center. The volunteers are developing several sites with relevant canal connections to the 1840s through the mid 1870s. Just west of the Blue Stearns Bridge were Papermills and Delphi’s shipping connections brought goods from the east while local products of salt pork, grain and lime were sent afar on this manmade waterway.

Come to the dedication and visit with the many volunteers that have rallied to this restoration project. Nearly a dozen of the 76 volunteers listed on the program have been as regular as "clockwork" and have keep the pace throughout the last 7 seasons with their M-W-F workdays. Without this dedication and the personal donations and grant support for supplies and materials this would not have happened. Thank the volunteers when you meet them in the reception line spanning this 78 foot long wrought iron bridge.

If you are coming to Delphi on Saturday you have several treats to expect. First the Trolley is running from downtown to the Stearns Truss from 12-4 pm and it is an informal "look-see" of the bridge -- a few volunteers will be present. Second there is another dedication of a downtown historic property's shinny new facade -- the Opera House. The Delphi Preservation Society is cutting a ribbon to highlight to the public this completion at 2 pm on Saturday.

Take some time and exploring the shops and their specials during Discover Delphi Days all weekend. You can park on the Square and board the trolley in front of the Opera House building on either Saturday or Sunday 12-4 pm and ride out to see the bright blue Stearns Truss Bridge.

A HOT DAY FOR VOLUNTEERS DECKING THE IRON BRIDGE

Saturday was a "banner day" for the approximately 45 volunteers working on the Stearns Truss Bridge deck. Three portable sawmills were operating simultaneously -- two on the east end and one on the west end of the 78 foot long iron bridge frame.

Dr. Dan Cassens from Purdue's Department of Forestry / Wood Technology Department was the sawyer for the Wood-Mizer sawmill on the west end. He had an even dozen 17 foot long White Oak logs to cut. These logs were donated by Pike Lumber Company from their Carbon, Indiana plant.

On the east side were the mills cutting the donated Oak from Carroll County. Wood-Mizer Sawmills out of Indianapolis sent representative Matt Biven from Galveston to demonstrate cutting a variety of Red and White Oak and one Walnut log. His mill was brand new and sported the latest in electronic gadgetry to make the job a breeze.

Also on the east was Rollin Graybill and his son from Rockfield with his trusty Wood-Mizer mill that also was used eight years ago on the cutting of deck planks for the Paint Creek "Red" Bridge. This first historic trail bridge is a mile north on the same Canal Towpath. Both rehabilitated bridges are owned by the Canal Association.

The multitude of volunteers that came to break sweat and hammer the planks into their receiving "nail strips" in the deck did so to show support for this yearlong project. This was hard, hot work but the spirit was strong as the volunteers labored through the day. Nails could be driven in the fresh oak but pilot holes were sometimes drilled to prevent bending so many galvanized spike nails.

The Stearns Truss for a hundred years set over Big Monon Ditch in Pulaski County. Nearby was a family that took special interest in the history of this rusty span. It adorned the southeastern skyline from their rural farmstead. Young Brad Nielsen from Medaryville was a Boy Scout 4 years ago. For his Eagle Scout badge he researched and wrote the National Register Listing that was approved.

On Saturday his younger brother Kerry and parents Eric and Pam were at the site in west Delphi working as hard as any other volunteers on the job of decking. The four Nielsens were a strong team that stood out as they tackled the beginning of the deck from the east. Pam seemed to set the pace as she measured each plank and then her husband cut the length. Both brothers were steady in their pace to get the deck pieces down firm. Other volunteers admired the family's teamwork.

Working in the morning was productive but after the free "Ote Meal" lunch provided by the Psi Ote Sorority at noon even the searing heat didn't prevent a more productive accomplishment by late afternoon. At the end of the day only about 15 feet of the middle remained to be finished.

The three sawmills finished about the same time and had accumulated well over the 120 two inch thick planks needed for the deck. Plank widths of 6, 8 and 10 inches were alternated to give the effect of the original deck. These 17 foot long oak planks, especially the 10" widths were quite heavy. Additional shorter boards were cut for trail benches that will be used later.

A special dedication will commemorate the completion of this "one-of-a-kind" wrought iron bridge from Winamac Bridge Company. The date will be set for sometime later this fail for the public to come and enjoy this spirited community volunteer effort.

BRIDGE RESTORATION VOLUNTEERS LEARN A NEW SKILL

With help from a Lansing, Michigan volunteer the local "crew" has been assessing and completing needed restoration work on the Pulaski County #31 iron bridge. Metal restoration expert Vern Mesler led nine Canal Association "regulars" to understand the art of riveting. Long heavy wrought iron beams (chords and posts) have had rust damage in the last century that left many rivits loose or entirely lost from their proper positions.

This is the second time Vern has taught these volunteers skills needed in iron restoration work. Last time in June the focus was on removeing "pack rust" from between the plate members of the massive chords. This was done with the same air impact equipment as the riveting tool used in this process. Other special tools belonging to the local fellows and Layton Whitus from Fowler (another volunteer technician) are being utilized.

Rivets must be heated to a bright cherry red in a hearth or oven beside the work site so that they may be quickly placed in the hole and immediately hammered with a "dempled" (forming) head. A backup wedge must be placed behind the hot rivet to allow hammering the new rivet tight. Too much time taken getting ready to hammer calls for sending the rivet back to be reheated in the hearth so it is really red hot.

Thanks go to the City of Delphi for continuing to provided the large compressor needed to power this hand held impact tool. And thanks go to Dr. James Cooper from Greencastle for his expertise in understanding the significant histroic attributes that this bridge represents. He counciled with the Canal Association 7 years ago when the 1873 Bowstring Arch (also known as the Red Bridge) was restored and placed in Canal Park Annex.

This six ton structure was moved last March by these same volunteers from its place over the Big Monon Ditch southeast of Medaryville. The present worksite is at the back of Canal Park where the bridge now rests in piles of various parts waiting restoration. Final placement of this 76 foot long bridge next year will be over the canal on the VanScoy Towpath Trail behind Dairy Queen in Delphi.

Much work is still ahead on the restoration and re-erection of this last known "one-of-a-kind" Winamac/Stearns truss bridge. More donated money or grants are needed for completing this unique project. If you can help financially or physically please contact the Canal Associaiton 765-564-6297 or admin@canalcenter.org

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Straightening, Heating, Hammering and "Pack Rust" removal

The bridge crew worked recently in Delphi with another volunteer, Vern Mesler from Michigan, on the beginning of restoration for the Winamac/Stearns Bridge. It was a fascinating learning process experiencing "pack rust" removal. Vern has perfected this process from his years of working experience with historic bridges. Many places along the chords the rust had actually expanded the plates and busted rivets. Vern brought his rivet hammer and we provided the heating torch and more volunteers. The City of Delphi provided their big portable air compressor.

Restoration volunteers (from left) Rollin Graybill, Vern Mesler and Ed Gruber

This heating and hammering does an amazing job of driving out the accumulated rust and closes the plate gap from years of weathering of these chords. Altogether about 20 percent of the pack rust removal job was completed in two days so there is much more work yet for the local volunteers.

The Canal Association will purchase a rebuilt rivet hammer so the crew will have this tool to use whenever the city's compressor is available. Besides the hammering for rust removal this pneumatic hand tool will be used for re-riveting to complete the restoration of these original beams produced by the Winamac Bridge Company in 1905.

Each individual composite chord member to be restored is placed about 20 inches off the floor on timber blocks with the mid point higher and anchors in the concrete at each end tightened down to "stress" the metal. This is a method of preventing warping from the heat needed in this pack rust removal process.

Thanks to the Peters-Revington Furniture factory for providing the worksite on their unused huge concrete slab. The location is just offside of the Underhill Towpath Trail back of Canal Park near the new trail tunnel beneath the railroad. With summer heat looming a portable tent will provide shade for the volunteers to work their normal M-W-F morning hours.

Heating carefully to avoid warping of the whole chord member

Flattening with an air hammer removes the rust accumulations

The 1905 Stearns Truss set over Big Monon Ditch in Pulaski County

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A FACELIFT FOR PULASKI BRIDGE #31

The Stearns Truss is removed by cranes from its place over Big Monon Ditch
Photo credit: Logansport Pharos-Tribune

Metal restoration begins for the Winamac Bridge Company's 1905 Stearns Truss iron bridge--a one-of-a-kind structure left in the United States. The rehab work will be performed in Delphi's Canal Park In contracting for this bridge (1905) Pulaski County officials were following a plan that included over a dozen of these unique "pinned together" lightweight conveyances because they wanted to span their newly dredged ditches intruding into the vast natural marsh land. Farmers were eager to clear and drain their newfound ag lands.

Volunteers here in Delphi today are eager to tackle jobs associated with this restoration process but needed a leader with extensive knowledge of dealing with old metal. In quick timing a semi-retired educator Vern Mesler from Calhoun County in central Michigan came forth and he volunteers his time. Vern brings to Delphi unique skills and equipment from years of bridge restoration challenges. He even manages a "bridge park" in his county up north that includes Battle Creek.

Vern Mesler left and Dr. Cooper right

All along the support of an Indiana historian and statewide bridge expert Dr. James Cooper from Greencastle has led Canal volunteers through the process of obtaining this special "one-of-a-kind" bridge. He consulted with the local men while they disassembled the structure and now is supervising the historic restoration process. "Jim" as is known to the local crew is just one of the team as he volunteers his time as well.

A first challenge was to layout all the pieces of the 76 foot bridge on the huge concrete slab behind Peters-Revington Furniture Factory. A dozen sorted piles of like parts illustrates comparative needs for restoration. The pad provides a great workspace and was not being used. The hard surface is so handy to the volunteers and work will transfer back and forth between the Canal Park's maintenance building. The slab is very close to the Underhill Towpath Trail and new RR underpass' tunnel parking lot.

This flat sheet of iron was part of the metal caisson foundation

Vern comes back on June 8-9 to instruct the local crew on his unique methods of dealing with "pack rust" which occurs between riveted panels of this bridge. Some broken rivets are in need of replacement because pack rust acts like "freeze/thaw" bowing action when water gets between the plates. Straightening and flattening these important bridge chord members is part of the restoration process.

Inverted floor beam members show deterioration that must be fixed

Next will be the experience of "padding" the eroded areas of metal on critical pieces. This process involves arc welding to add metal in the depressed rusted) areas and then grinding off the surplus to make the metal meet the original thickness standards and look like newer metal. This job will be learned by volunteers then likely hundreds of hours will be needed to complete this task.

Later this summer the volunteers with help from heavy machinery will be creating the site for this bridge to set over the canal in the lower sections of the trail system. The spot selected for the re-erection is behind Dairy Queen on land owned and operated by the Canal Association and City of Delphi. It will become part of the VanScoy Towpath Trail 300 feet south of Bicycle Bridge Road at the point where the manmade "sidecut" entered the canal itself.

The whole process of restoration and site development will likely take more than a year. Eventually the "raising" of this structure is anticipated to be by "old fashioned methods" under the direction of Vern Mesler. He has had experience with "gin-poles" and wooden framing supports built to handle assembly without using a crane. This effort might become part of a film documentary on historic bridge restoration as Vern directs these techniques.

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NOTE: For the public to enjoy the past efforts of the Canal's volunteer crew's winter work a special unveiling of the Underhill Trail Tunnel and redeveloped section of this popular towpath trail will be Saturday, June 3rd at 11 am in Delphi's Canal Park.

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ONE MORE STEP ACCOMPLISHED

The steady crew of five Canal/Trails volunteers gathered as usual -- this time next to a Classified Forest south of Delphi. The mission was to cut "blocking" for temporary field support of the 1905 iron bridge to be moved later in February. The 6 X 8 and 8 X 8 inch timbers were methodically cut from wind damaged White Ash logs and the sawdust was flying. This effort included volunteer Rollin Graybill with his Woodmizer portable bandsaw.

Steps like this are a necessary before the professional crane crew lifts Pulaski County Bridge #31 off of Big Monon Ditch east of Medaryville. This blocking will be needed as soon as the lift is made and the bridge is swung over the adjacent farm field. Next step is for the lifting cables to be readjusted allowing stability for each side of the century old 76 foot long iron relic. Then disassembly can begin. Ultimately each side will lay flat to the ground.

Old bolts, nuts and unique two inch pins that hold the unique iron structure together have already been dosed with penetrating oil in January. These rusty fasteners must come off with big wrenches and lots of "elbow grease" and often the addition of heat from a torch. The challenge of taking down this 16 foot tall by 17 foot wide frame will take a special elevated man-lift work platform positioned with a long reach forklift. Safety is a must in this operation.

Good news came in the form of a $2,500 check from Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. This check and many other private donations from $10 to $500 dollars have blessed this project since the first word of the pending move was made in December. A special thanks go to all that have contributed and care about the preservation of something as rare as this Winamac/Stearns Truss, a "one-of-a-kind" bridge. Donations are always appreciated.

Finally an important offer came from farmer Tom Flora south of Delphi. He is loaning his semi flatbed trailer for transit. His offer will allow the dismantled pieces to remain on the trailer for extended time during the restoration process. Tom very recently had heart surgery and cannot drive so the volunteers are looking for a donor with a semi tractor that might traverse the 40 mile trip. If anyone cares to offer a semi truck call 765-564-6297.

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ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO !!

A 40 mile trip by Delphi's Canal volunteers netted another step toward the ultimate move of Bridge #31 from Pulaski to Carroll County. Rollin Grabill brought his backhoe and moved the entry piles of soil blocking both ends of the bridge, another volunteer brought his cutting torch, several others worked on painting color coded stripes and even a chain saw helped to remove some latent brush from the site. A test of the "super" penetrating oil with a little heat brought smiles in seeing century old nuts turn off of several husky bolts. Crane contractors Bud and Tim Stahl from Kokomo made a final cruise of the site to measure for the ultimate removal and stated that they would be ready (weather permitting) in two weeks. Their job will be to lift the iron bridge from its place on the Big Monon Ditch and swing it to the northwest into a field for disassembly. Once the Stahl crew has let the sides down flat they will leave and the area. Then volunteers will continue to disassemble the components and load pieces with a fork lift onto a semi truck/flat bed trailer donated by Carroll County farmer Tom Flora. Volunteer labor is keeping the costs lower but donations to the Wabash & Erie Canal are still needed and always appreciated.

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AND THEY SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE

The first move to make the Winamac/Stearns Truss move began January 9th. A crafty crew of volunteers from Delphi proceeded to the historic bridge site northeast of Francesville with tools and an especially good mix of penetrating oil. "Busting the rust" from decades of neglect adding to the hundred year old truss bridge over the Big Monon Ditch was the order of the day.

This same crew of volunteers "busted their brawn" 6 years ago (and many days since) on other unique historic jobs. They were in the front line when the Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Association brought the 1873 Paint Creek Bowstring Arch Bridge from Camden, restored it and placed it over the canal in Delphi. Now today they are beginning another restoration. Step one of perhaps hundreds of steps to completion on this present National Register specimen in Pulaski County.

Armed with a ladder, which they didn't even use, eight very long planks, rope and the special rust-busting oil, they crossed the "floorless" bridge. They lubricated the many pins, bolts and connecting cross members that make up this "one-of-a-kind" iron bridge. Winamac Bridge Company produced dozens of these light weight bridges for use in locations like its present site in the former marshlands of northwestern Indiana.

The ladder wasn't used as there was no sturdy place to stand it. Instead Rollin "Monkey" Graybill just grabbed the iron beam projecting from floor to the top chord, planted his feet on the steeply sloping plate and ascended to the heights. Once on top he worked his way through the length of the top chord and oiled each junction point. Large iron pins hold together the sections. This may allow easier disassembly of components coming back to Delphi. When he got to the north end he climbed down the steep end beam, crossed over to the other side as monkeys might do, an ascended to the other top chord.

Other volunteers Ron, Roy, Bill and Dan prepared access with planks they brought from Ed Gruber's farm to span the 76 foot length from cross beam to beam at the original floor level. Bill worked with a shovel to clean the soil off the unique metal caisson foundation, Ron measured and inventoried the structure's needs, Roy worked on testing the weight of the bridge by slightly lifting one corner of the structure and Dan surveyed the approach for giant crane access through the adjacent fields. All had a "fun day" with an iron monument so unusual and in need of love.

Plans to bring the crane crew next week for a full evaluation of the lift were made. Swinging it into the adjacent field and placing it on solid wooden blocking for disassembly will still be a job to complete before April 1st. That commitment was made to the Pulaski County Commissioners so the ditch brushing and dredging contractors can start work. Winter could unleash her might later but the crew took advantage of this beautiful day in early January.

Short deadlines call for quick action. This is like an "emergency operation" as the Canal Association just learned about bridge availability and almost simultaneously received title to the bridge days before Christmas. Delphi Historic Trails volunteers have wanted another historic bridge crossing for the canal trail called the VanScoy Towpath Trail for several years. This bridge really fits the bill.

MONEY is still an uncertainty but with great optimism the Canal Association has found "friends" in the quick call for donations. Already well over a dozen donors have turned out nearly $1,000 of the 6-7 thousand dollars needed for the first phase of lifting, dismantling and trucking the structure to the safety of Canal Park. More grant potentials are emerging and possibly Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana could provide an "emergency" grant for part of the cost.

Larger more permanent grant funding will be sought for the next phases. This will hopefully place the restored nationally unique Stearns style truss bridge back on its metal caisson (canister type) foundation. Metal was the preferred footer in the early years of bridges over drainage ditches in Pulaski County as several of these spans were moved upstream several miles at least once when the ditch was cut deeper and wider.

ANYONE with an interest in helping to "SAVE THE WINAMAC/STEARNS STYLE TRUSS BRIDGE" is welcome to donate time, material or money to the Wabash & Erie Canal Association, 1030 West Washington Street, Delphi, IN 46923. And thanks to those who have already chosen a way to help.

Return to Top OLD IRON IS BEAUTIFUL!

IF YOU BELIEVE THIS, WE HAVE A BRIDGE TO SELL YOU!

How lucky can we get? After waiting 5 years for a chance at a "one-of-a-kind" historic iron "Stearns Truss" bridge, we have secured such a relic for our Delphi Historic Trails. We can move this unique structure in sections--it's pinned together not riveted and moved once before in 1913. Then we intend to restore its integrity and place it on the VanScoy Towpath Trail over the Wabash & Erie Canal behind Pizza Hut.

Delphi will have a most unusual gem to show off. Now it's rusty, has no floor now and looks unkept--but it's beautiful. Someday it will be as admired as our 1873 Paint Creek bowstring arch "red bridge" in Canal Park Annex completed in October, 1999. People love it!

We need your help. The option came to us late in December. A title to the iron structure was secured from the Pulaski County Commissioners and it was purchased for ten dollars! That is the easy part. Now we have only 90 days this winter to remove it from Big Monon Ditch west of Winamac before clearing and dredging operations begin in the spring.

It's happening too quickly to get a grant for the total job of removal, rehabilitation and placement. So we will initially remove it from the site, truck it to a safe place in Carroll County and plan for its thorough restoration and placement later. Costs for the initial work relate mostly to acquiring services of a crane and trucking contractor and will have to be footed by the Canal Association without a grant.

We could use financial help from anyone willing to donate to "save the Stearns Truss bridge" and keep it from going into the scrap yard. Donations will be devoted to the removal and moving project and may be tax deductible. We are a 501-(c)-(3) non-profit corporation. This year is unique for deductions to ANY public charity.

Congress passed the Katrina Relief bill that caused a one time change in the rules for tax deductions between August 28th and Dec. 31st. This act increased the contribution limit for certain cash gifts from 50% to 100% of the individuals adjusted gross income (consult your tax advisor).

However you value this historic relic you can give of your time, money or just smile and enjoy our ever growing Canal and Trails enhancements here in Delphi. Thank you and have a Happy New Year!

Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc., 1030 West Washington Street, Delphi, IN 46923 www.wabashanderiecanal.org

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A VOLUNTEER'S "HOW TO DO IT" MANUAL

Volunteers make Canal projects possible. At least three mornings per week the "construction crew" will be in Canal Park diligently matching their skills to the varied tasks. They are craftsmen in the true sense and they put unique things together while working behind the scenes and having fun.

Some volunteers work more directly with the public. They meet and greet the visitors and school children during the hours the Interpretive Center is open or for special events. Many of these docents verbalize and illustrate to make the story come to life. Often they will be in canal period clothing.

Many school children come to the canal and tour the Interpretive Center and/or walk the trails. There is realism in these educational experiences for all ages Many sites important to the operation of the Wabash & Erie Canal are visible from the trails. Planning is underway for many additional sites to be interpreted with outdoor interactive exhibits and signage.

Volunteers find limitless activities and enjoy the camaraderie of working together. Come join our "crew" and enjoy donating your time to a worthwhile endeavor. For information call 765-564-6297 or reply to by email admin@canalcenter.org Check the attached file we always have meaningful things to do!

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THE OLD CANAL NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD

Many blessings have come to Delphi's Canal Park since the first of the year. Mild winter weather favored construction progress. Volunteers rallied to make things happen -- and things did get done. Significant accomplishments include: disassembly and moving of Pulaski Bridge #31; draining the canal and making bottom repairs; completion of the "trail tunnel" under the Stone Company's railroad; and the beginning of engineering planning for our "DREAM" -- the canal boat, dock and warehouse.

First, the century old Winamac / Stearns Iron Bridge was readied for moving in January with "oiling of the rusty joints" and preparation for lifting. Then the big "lift" was made on the second day of March. As they say March comes in like a lion or lamb and "lamb" favored the work. Cold, but dry -- and no snow either! It took only three days in the field and that happened smoothly. During disassembly the site looked like a "vulture picking from a carcass" and finally the loading of the entire superstructure on one semi load -- it now sits on the trailer in back of Canal Park awaiting restoration funding.

Next work site was in the south end of Canal Park after the tunnel was put in place. This work involved earthmoving and reshaping of the fabled "turning basin" and a towpath bridge that will allow the boat to circuit the 2,000 foot distance inside the park. All this appears now in a raw graded and unseeded form waiting on the April volunteer's workdays to finish. A small parking area was developed next to the tunnel and even a section of the old elevated earthen towpath is preserved to delight the public.

The diversion of 3 million gallons of beautiful, clear groundwater from the Stone Company was shut off for nine days. After four days it was low enough to facilitate repairs to the bottom of the canal. An earthen fill over an underground city sewer beneath the canal at Washington Street hindered the operation of our pontoon passenger boat. It was "trimmed" in height to allow easier passage and especially needed when the "replica canal boat" project is completed in a couple years.

Engineering work began with a topographic survey of the bottom while the canal water level was low. A crew from Butler, Fairman & Seufert with electronic surveying equipment and their company's "yacht" (a small flat bottom boat) performed the survey of the bottom. Results of this survey will begin the process of the detailed dock planning. This lengthy process of marine and architectural planning will lead up to the construction phase. Donations for this big project are certainly appreciated by the Canal Board.

 

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THE WINAMAC / STEARNS BRIDGE IS NOW IN DELPHI

After three glorious days of work beginning the first of March beside Big Monon Ditch, the removal of the 1905 Pulaski County Bridge #31 is completed and hauled off to Carroll County. A talented crew of professionals and volunteers teamed up to accomplish this job in record time. Disregarding the windy, cold weather but having moments of relief with hot coffee and soup from a "field kitchen" (motor home) the workers enjoyed the challenge.

The two crane crews, Stahl from Kokomo and Schlick from Logansport, provided very professional lifting of this unique "one-of-a-kind" iron structure fastened together with 2 inch diameter by 12 inch long steel pins. Built in Winamac over a century ago this bridge was designed to be moved. And it was moved two miles upstream in 1913 when the ditch was dredged deeper the second time.

This disassembly crew was provided backup support with a giant extendable forklift from One Source Rental in Lafayette and excavation equipment operated by Jack Cohee and Shane Bledsoe from Delphi. Volunteers brought their tools and experience with handling old metal just as they did in 1998-99 with the restoration of the graceful 1873 Bowstring Iron bridge from Camden that now connects two trails along the canal in north Delphi.

County residents, neighboring farmers and the news media came to watch this unusual event. One photographer Arnold Ernest from the Logansport Pharos-Tribune caught the bridge crossways in mid stream (first picture below). The paper then provided a "slide show" of bridge lifting and disassembly on their website. The next three pictures were taken by Dan McCain one of the volunteers.

Pictures illustrate bridge disassembly in Nielsen's crop field north of Indiana 14 east of Medaryville.
Details show the brace bars, big steel pins and chord members that made this structure unique.

Volunteers at work are: Ed Gruber, Bill Draper, Roy Patrick, Rollin Graybill, Blacksmith Ross Brown and bridge historian Jim Cooper from Greencastle. Eric and Pamela Nielsen that live nearby are in the second picture. In the last picture is Tom Flora from south of Delphi who loaned his semi-truck trailer.

For those interested in "moving day" for the Winamac/Stearns truss iron bridge from Pulaski to Delphi--we are looking at the last of February (weather permitting) to early March. This will be covered in another CANAL UPDATE after lifting and disassembly in the field. Thanks to many who have offered verbal and monetary support with this preservation effort. DAN

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TRAIL VOLUNTEERS TO ENJOY FUN AND FITNESS

Delphi Historic Trails volunteers met in the Canal Center last Thursday to discuss and prioritize projects and activities throughout 2006. A hot item was the announcement of "free" Yoga lessons to be given in the Canal Center weekly. These indoor lessons will be offered to the cadre of volunteers free as a reward for those that give of their time to the Canal/Trails efforts. Also high on the list are announcements of new trail walks and talks spaced through the coming seasons. Some are listed as narrated historical walks given by historian Mark Smith and some are physical fitness hikes given by Lois Johnston, RN.

David McCain, a movement educator and movement therapist, has invited the many trails/canal volunteers to attend his weekly Yoga and meditation sessions. They will be given every Thursday late afternoon and initially will begin this week at 5 pm. Yoga will last 1 hour to an hour and 15 minutes depending on center scheduling. McCain has practiced Yoga since 1971 and is a certified Kundalini Yoga instructor.

The class will also integrate other exercises similar to Yoga. Orgone movements are easy to practice and excellent for combating arthritis. The class will teach certain Chi Kung and Tai Chi movements, which are a good way to start the morning. Yoga breath work is energizing and good for combating asthma and other health problems. Relaxation exercises and meditation will also be included. Participants will likely be more comfortable if they bring: 1) a floor covering, such as mat or blanket 2) a pillow and 3) another blanket.

Others in the community are welcome to attend the weekly yoga sessions and offer a donation to the Canal for the space or sign up to become a volunteer. Groups like Psi Iota Xi Sorority of Delphi have all members recognized as volunteers for the "free" lunches they provide on Trails workdays. Other groups like 4-H and Scouts have a history of providing workday efforts focused on improving the Canal and Trails.

In other matters Trails Chairman Dan McCain noted the wintertime uses of the trails this year has been astounding. "Even with the heavy snow in early December there was plenty of evidence that people were walking at least half of the 10 mile Delphi Historic Trail system judging from the footprints on the white covering. It was a blessing that the City's skid loader and operator Dennis Morrow cleared the snow. Thanks to Dennis the 4 foot wide pathway through the snow lasted until the snow melted after Christmas."

Outdoor work efforts during January were extra productive. The project involved five regular volunteers and contractor Jack Cohee installing a pedestrian tunnel under the railroad spur behind the Canal Interpretive Center. This trail underpass on the Underhill Towpath Trail will allow much safer and easier hiking. This metal pipe is midway along the two and a half mile towpath trail beside the old canal. Special thanks go to Delphi Limestone Company officials for their allowance of track removal and for the donation of many tons of stone fill.

TrailMap 3-05.pdf

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The Canal is hit with a "bit of class"

Mabel Moore has much to be proud of including the talents of three of her daughters. Mom and the sisters came to town and Canal Park to practice their horsemanship. The pair of draft horses have become quite capable and steady as they pull the beautiful two seated white carriage through the streets and parks of Delphi.

The team even seemed right at home at the local McDonald's restaurant as they "bellied up" to the order station and waited for everyone's treats to be picked up at the take out window. Marilyn Moore owns these horses and they seem quite obedient even when her two sisters Audrey and Charlene call out commands. You might say they are in training for towing the Replica Canal Boat someday.

Mom in the meantime just loves to ride comfortably in the carriage and let the siblings run the show. This rig was taking visitors to Canal Park on Sunday afternoon rides recently. There will be some other carriage events at Canal Park later this year. Watch for news from the Canal or always call the Canal HOTLINE 765-564-6572 for the next event.

For more information about the team, rides, special events or for hire call Marilyn Moore 765-564-2491

 

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AN OLD FASHIONED CELEBRATION -- Hip-Hip-Hooray!!

National Trails Day in Delphi was honored as the volunteers and Underhill
family presented the latest addition to the trails system. With a giant
"BOOM" of the cannon at the conclusion of the crowd's energetic
HIP-HIP-HOORAY brought a reward to all that had been involved.
People of all ages from 1 to 91 celebrated the official opening of the
Underhill Towpath Trail and Tunnel. This ceremony culminated years of
work by scores of trails volunteers and the Wabash & Erie Canal
Association.

The railroad spur provides transportation for crushed stone produced by
Delphi Limestone Company. Arrangements for approval to install the pipe had to come
from with the Stone Company and Norfolk Southern Railroad. This took an extended period of years. The culmination of negotiations was aided by Mary Ives
a local trail advocate. Lew Davis, Vice President of the Heritage Group
which owns the local quarry was present to cut the ribbon along with the Chamber of
Commerce, Mayor Lee Hoard, the Underhill Family and Dan McCain, Canal Association.

Gerry and Faye Underhill introduced their extended family as they were being
honored. Their gift of land ten years ago included the 0.8 mile long section of watered canal and the historic towpath where the trail was developed. Also honored was Bob Morrow who's family had owned a narrow sliver portion of the towpath nearer to US 421 highway in west Delphi. All this land was donated for the development of this beautiful, pristine section of trail.

The Underhill's sponsored ten benches along the trail running through Canal
Park and on to the southwest where the second tunnel passes beneath the
highway at Dollar General and Pizza Hut. These benches were individually
inscribed with names of deceased family members. Living Underhill family
members and the attendees of the celebration walked the quarter mile from
the Canal Center building to the tunnel for the celebration.

(Photos courtesy of Phil Prescott a biker from Monticello)

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DEDICATION DAY FOR TOWPATH TRAIL TUNNEL

The new 7 ft. by 9 ft "egg shaped" metal tunnel is an inherently strong form

National Trails Day, Saturday, June 3, will be a special day in Delphi. The outdoor event will begin at 11:00 am in Canal Park with a celebration and dedication of the Underhill Towpath Trail and new railroad tunnel. In addition volunteers will be recognized for their tireless hours working on Delphi Historic Trails and at the Canal Interpretive Center. This recognition will conclude at noon with a “free lunch” for these volunteers.

The local Psi Iota Xi Sorority is providing the lunch appropriately called “Ote Meals” at the Canal Park shelter, 11 blocks north of the Court House stoplight on Washington Street. In the last year over one hundred Earth Team Volunteers provided more than 3,800 hours of service. Those volunteers to be honored include scouts, 4-Hers, and workers of all ages. Delphi now hosts a most unique ten-mile trail system.

Those that have volunteered and worked hours totaling one day or more will receive their choice of an Earth Team hat or shirt as a “thank you” complements of the USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service and Carroll County Soil & Water Conservation District. Several organized groups of volunteers will be honored for their efforts.

Following the lunch and recognition program will be a “physical fitness walk” led by Lois Johnston, a Registered Nurse. This is just one of the many walks and narrated history hikes offered by the trails volunteers throughout the year. Check the Canal Hotline for latest information on upcoming events by calling 765-564-6572.

Canal Park also is home to an exciting museum called the Interpretive Center. This dynamic space exhibits many interactive displays very popular with children. The historic transportation museum, created by dedicated volunteer craftsmen who completed the twelve galleries, is free to the public. The Center is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays 1-4 pm. and Saturdays 10-4 pm. Canal Boat (pontoon boat) rides are 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday.

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TUNNEL PROJECT INVOLVED SEVERING THE RAILBED AND INSTALLING A HUGE PIPE

Cohee Construction Co. lifting/moving the metal tunnel to its designated place in January 2006

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DELPHI HISTORIC TRAILS AND CANAL SITES WELCOME BICYCLES

When you come to Delphi in northwest central Indiana you can come with your bicycles and even your pets. The Delphi Historic Trails system now has 10 miles of groomed trails. They are mostly crushed limestone, packed, wide and they lead to some of the most interesting things. A few follow streets to connect parks. Trails have been constructed over a sixteen-year period primarily by volunteers using local products like the fine “screenings” provided by the stone quarry and lots of scenery thanks to the 1850s Wabash & Erie Canal, the Wabash River, Deer Creek and Mother Nature.

Places to start are located conveniently at Trailhead Park along Deer Creek one mile southwest of Delphi on Indiana 25. Another good place to begin a scenic ride is at Canal Park, 11 blocks north of the Court House stoplight on Washington Street. Parking and walking or bicycling along the historic towpath of the mid 19th century Wabash & Erie Canal is both relaxing and interesting.

There are three National Register Sites to visit nearby—the Canal Construction Camp site; Lock #33 and adjacent lockkeeper’s home site; and the 1857 Harley and Hubbard Lime Kiln site. A State Register Site contains the 1873 Paint Creek Bowstring Arch Bridge over the canal. Also two tunnels now connect points of interest between north and south. Many interesting trails and loops in the southern system radiate out from Trailhead Park alongside Indiana 25.

The northern half of the 2.5-mile section of the Canal looks much like the man-made waterway appeared in its heyday of the 1850s. Groundwater pumped from the limestone quarry nearby is diverted into the canal to keep it brim full. Three million gallons of clear water daily comes to the “tumble” at Founders Point. Flow through the full length finally releases the surplus water back into Deer Creek at majestic Sunset Point -- trail's end.

A recent section added for biking is Campbell Ridge Trail with its entrance off of Indiana 25 two tenths of a mile south of Trailhead Park. A parking lot is available to leave your car and the upper half of this trail is bicycle accessible. The payoff for the visitor is to look at the old canal era dam site from high atop a bluff. This structure set at the mouth of Deer Creek where it joins the Wabash River. Lower unmarked hiking paths go down from the bluff to follow the towpath to a "guard lock" site.

Legend has it that the last boat to use this Deer Creek crossing in 1874 destroyed the dam. As the mules were pulling the boat up to the spillway bridge they fell through the rotting footboards. Since they lost their forward momentum the captain could not steer the craft away from the current and crashed into the spillway. The boat, cargo, mules and all were dashed into the Wabash and drowned—thus the end of the canal!

The very newest trail is called the Monon High Bridge Trail. It goes east of Delphi two miles from City Park and then follows a section of the scenic old Monon line. The trail is groomed to within a quarter mile of the fabled High Bridge over Deer Creek. The trails group has not yet obtained the CSX land at the awe inspiring high bridge itself but people often go out for the spectacular views of the deep pristine valley with its high shear slate bluffs.

When you come to Delphi you must allow time to visit the new Canal Interpretive Center in Canal Park, a dozen blocks north of the Court House traffic light. This interactive transportation museum is a marvel with a dozen galleries and set in an old 1850s building built in 2003. Open hours during the travel season are Thursday, Friday and Sunday 1-4 pm and a full day Saturday 10-4. Winter hours are 10-4 on Saturday and 1-4 on Sunday.

A refitted pontoon "Canal Boat" docks in Canal Park and takes on passengers on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. on Sunday every weekend throughout the warm tourists seasons. Nearby are the canal village, towpath and connections to all the trails. For a trails map and much more information look at www.wabashanderiecanal.org

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THE RAILROAD UNDERPASS -- AT LONG LAST

The long awaited trail tunnel under the railroad at the end of Canal Park is completed. The glory will come next with the official dedication on National Trails Day--June 3rd. Contractor Jack Cohee and local volunteers have worked since January on this most important linkage in the 10 miles of Delphi Historic Trails. Now a hiker/biker can go between the unique, watered northern canal section to the beautiful trails historic points and streamside vistas on the lower canal trails.

Construction sequencing had to wait for the Delphi Limestone Company to finish hauling stone filled railcars at the onset of winter. December was too cold and snowy. January was mild and worked well for the big pipe's installation. Non freezing temperatures were needed for proper compaction of the railroad's earthen fill. Recently with good seeding weather and a team of 20 volunteers from Monticello's Wal-Mart the project is completed.

Thanks to the coordinating efforts by Mary Ives, a local trail enthusiast, an important meeting last November started the process. The key was to get all officials and interested parties "on the same page" destined for agreement. The public need for this underpass had been increasing as Delphi's trails become more popular. The corrugated steel "egg shape" 8 foot tall pipe was assembled three years ago by volunteers. The final approval from railroad and quarry officials had to come before work could start.

Praise from the Canal Association goes to the Delphi Limestone Company and Norfolk Southern Railroad officials for allowing this important link to be put in place. It follows history that the need for a towpath level underpass to the railroad grade was necessary. Back in the 1880s the landowners at that time, the Greenup Brothers, had a similar need when their farm was split by the building of the railroad. They had livestock, pasture and personal reasons for this towpath level underpass. Sometime in the past century this underpass was closed and filled.

When the Greenup Brother's right-of-way was bought by the railroad in the late 1870s their deed carried an interesting tidbit of history of this site. The Canal Association now holds title to the land through a gift from Gerry and Fay Underhill 10 years ago. This deed states: "Grantor hereby reserves the right to cross under said railway track with cattle or other stock at the point where said railway track crosses the North bank of the Wabash and Erie Canal and said Company hereby agrees to always have an open and unobstructed crossing for party of that part under its said railway at said point." Interesting now because the passageway is back in operation and if the Canal Association would take horses through (as if towing a canal boat) it would be like looking at a snapshot of history.

Pictures: Volunteers from Monticello's Wal*Mart store in Monticello came to work as a team in completing the raking, seeding and mulching of a sizeable approach to the new railroad underpass on the Underhill Towpath Trail 200 yards southwest of the Canal Interpretive Center.

NEWS NOTE: Thursday, April 13th will be another Volunteer "Callout" for those interested in finding out more about assisting the Canal Association and Delphi's Trails. Come to the Canal Center, 1030 North Washington Street at 7 pm and find the interesting duties you might like to tackle.

It's fun to volunteer! The next big workday is 9 am on Saturday, April 22nd beginning in Canal Park. Free lunch for the volunteers by Psi Iota Xi sorority.

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A BENCH FOR ALL SEASONS

Leaving a lasting memory for someone you love certainly can happen in "canal town." Delphi Historic Trails now encompass ten miles of urban and rural hiking paths. Some are streamside, some are rail-trails and others follow the canal towpath. There are even sidewalk trails connecting to Delphi's parks and there are beautiful bridges too--but all are even more popular because there are many bench rest stations.

The Wabash & Erie Canal Association has a program to mark trails and another program to encourage public participation along the trails. The public can dedicate a memorial bench for $150 or develop a flower bed called "Trail Treasurers." With either program you get a plaque to honor the organization, group, a loved one or the deceased. Even some choice of varied sites is possible by contacting the Canal Association.

Shown in one photograph is Paul Brandenburger at a bench site along Campbell Ridge. At another similar site beside the Monon High Bridge Trail, Paul dedicated a bench to the late Charles Gerard. Charles was a dedicated local historian and loved the high bluffs and creek views from this new rail-trail east of Delphi. That site has a closeby access point directly across County Road 300N south from Sherry Mears' 1850s brick homestead--a part of the Deer Creek Valley Rural Historic District.

White Oak logs donated by Ed Gruber were cut two years ago. Rollin Graybill, sawyer and other volunteers made the thick planks which were then stacked to dry. Recently Dan McCain and Paul Brandenburg worked in Ed's farm shop dressing smooth the oak seats and backs to be installed on new benches. The goal is to have benches placed about every 500 feet for hikers that wish to rest and reflect in the tranquil beauty.

The treated lumber sturdy bench legs are the work of the Delphi High School Shop Class. Other volunteers set the posts in concrete on sites along the trails. The bolting on oak planks for seats and backs makes the bench complete and secure. Anyone wanting to dedicate a trail bench to a loved one or organization might call 765-564-6297 or come to the Canal Interpretive Center on Saturdays 10-4 or Sundays 1-4.

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HIP-HIP-HOORAY FOR EARTH DAY!

Saturday, April 22nd was project W.E.E.D. in Delphi. That is also known as WABASH & ERIE EARTH DAY. The event brought 61 people to work on Delphi Historic Trails. All ages were represented and all were willing to devote a day to grooming and improving parts of this city's extensive, beautiful trail system.

The 9 am gathering at Canal Park included a donut treat from Brosman's IGA and instructions on where to work and what tools might be needed. The Canal has many hand tools available for those hands willing to rake, prune and pickup trash. Dispersal of the teams allowed many of the paths to receive their of spring cleaning.

At noon the troops came back for the traditional "Ote Meal" lunch served by the Psi Ote Sorority. It seems when there is a free lunch more workers will always come to volunteer. Delphi is blessed with many that even come from a distance to participate. One family from Marion, Indiana regularly attends. Another couple trained naturalists from Tipton County came to volunteer. The volunteerism spreads farther each year.

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SIX COUNTY BYWAYS / BIKEWAYS WORKSHOP HELD IN DELPHI

The Canal Center in Delphi was the site where 75 representatives from six county gathered. They came to mutually work toward linking communities and natural / scenic attractions. A Purdue Landscape Architecture class is coordinating these efforts under the direction of Professor Bernie Dahl. The process involved a local meeting in each county and then the full day session called a "charrette."

Enthusiasm prevailed with the representatives from outlying counties: White, Cass, Howard, Clinton, Tippecanoe and Carroll (in the middle). This effort started in Carroll several years ago when the first Tourist Guide was printed. Brian Stirm had obtained permission from the County Commissioners to place colorful roadsigns on the county posts that directed the traveler to scenic and historic spots in the county.

Many of the participants declared that this Central Wabash Greenways charrette was great. One participant David McCain said the attendees "caught the spirit and enthusiasm of the potential for trails all over the 6 county region." Rory Robinson from the National Park Service chaired the charette and he specifically encouraged river trail systems in the many things that participates were to identify and record on maps.

McCain interpreted from Robinson's statements that "streams themselves are to be viewed as trails so to include recreational canoeing as an important use. Another form of surface connecting comes from blacktop BYWAYS that already exist in all counties. The big challenge is to select blacktop low use roads that lead to scenic, historic attractions and are safe and enjoyable for the motorist, bikers and hikers.

Long term and possibly more difficult to establish is a network of hiking / biking trails using abandoned railbeds or other corridors to connect attractions -- example Adams Mill near Cutler, Canal Park in Delphi or routes between towns. More involvement by landowners would be required with this form of transit. Initially the county roadways might be marked for connecting Delphi Historic Trails to Prophetstown State Park.

Charette participants were involved all day and were treated to a meal sponsored by the Monticello / White County Chamber of Commerce. At noon the speaker was Ray Irwin, new Greenways and Bikeways Director at INDOT. Ray was the former trail development director in Indianapolis that left popular marks on the landscape -- one of the most popular is the Monon Trail from Fall Creek past Broadripple and north to Carmel.

The Purdue class is working on a semester project and the outcome will be reported back to these six counties later in April. This spring the Carroll County Tourism group is releasing a revised "tour guide" that will contain already marked byways that take bikers and motorists on backroads to Lockport / Georgetown, Cutler and many points east, west, north and south. Watch for a copy of the new guide in about 6-8 weeks.

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MULTI-COUNTY BYWAYS LINKAGE BEING STUDIED

Delphi Historic Trails volunteers are initiating a project that will explore byways routes through the county that can be followed by bikers, motorists and even long distance hikers. This effort to link with adjoining counties began last December at a meeting in Delphi. Forty-one representatives from six counties attended. This group came to a decision to engage in a plan for inter-county byways linkages.

The first phase is ready to start for Carroll County with a meeting on Thursday, February 23rd at 7 pm. It is open to the public. The session will be held in the Canal Center, 1030 North Washington Street in Delphi. Attendance is encouraged from throughout Carroll County. A goal will be to look at short term and long term byways connections to our neighboring communities. Ultimately these routes to our attractions should be marked.

An example of a desired linkage could be a connection from Delphi to the new Prophetstown State Park via scenic blacktop roads in Carroll and Tippecanoe Counties. Another instance is to link byways with the lakes area where Monticello's Indiana Beach attracts a million visitors each summer. The Canal Interpretive Center and adjoining trails system or County Museum could be some of those local attractions.

Consider the rural beauty of the Adams Mill and nearby Covered Bridge over beautiful Wildcat Creek. Or a leisurely drive along the Wabash River up to Logansport along the Canal Towpath. Some of our county's scenic resources are unusually precious and appreciated by the traveling public. Some of these rural roads are already marked now with colorful signage put there by Brian Stirm as a Carroll County Heritage Tourism initiative.

A Purdue class in Landscape Architecture will be coordinating byways linkages from all six counties in an interactive planning "Charrette" to also be held in the Canal Center on March 9th. The final plan will be the students semester project and ultimately presented to the public in May. If you are interested in working with the County Heritage Tourism group or the Delphi Historic Trails efforts come join in these activities.

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HERE ARE MORE CANAL AND TRAILS BENEFITS

Trail/Canal volunteers are eligible to attend FREE YOGA classes given by David McCain every Thursday afternoon at 5 to 6:15 pm in the Canal Center. If anyone in the public would like to take these classes and are not a volunteer with the Canal they can just leave any size donation to the Canal at the registration box in the lobby or they can become a volunteer. (See attached file for the exercises the Yoga class is currently pursuing).

Trail Hikes and narrated walks are a popular feature each year with canal and trails scheduled events. In 2006 there are several new walks and several repeats. The attached file can be printed out and placed on your bulletin board for reference. Always check the CANAL HOTLINE 564-6572 for event information including late breaking weather/cancellation notices. Join with your neighbors/bring a friend/exercise and have fun!

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CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY AT DELPHI's CANAL

Imagine the excitement of boarding a canal boat and being pulled by mules at the end of a long tow rope as you glide along the Wabash & Erie Canal in Delphi. Because of a recent grant from NCHS in Lafayette, such a scene won’t be left to imagine much longer. NCHS is a non profit medical services corporation that makes capital grants in an eight county region that promotes health and healthy communities.

“Christmas has come early to the Canal,” Wabash & Erie Canal Association president Dan McCain said upon receiving news this week of a $220,000 grant from NCHS. “This grant provides the funds our non-profit organization needed to fulfill our commitment to match the Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana Rural Development Council grants received earlier this year.”

A total of more than $800,000 has been committed to the planning and building of an authentic replica of a canal boat, warehouse, dock and interpretive sites on the mile-long stretch of watered canal through Delphi. After many conceptual planning sessions by the Canal board, the project was made possible by a combination of Indiana Rural Development money released in May, an INDOT Transportation Enhancement award in July and the newest grant from Lafayette's NCHS. In all now it looks like a giant Christmas present.

The long-held dream of a canal boat to give visitors of all ages a true canal experience is now assured. From conceptual drawing to reality will take two to three years, McCain explains. Preliminary engineering planning is starting soon. Historical and conceptual designs must be taken into consideration to truly represent the 1850s canal period. And then construction makes it operational.

“Whenever we can, we have used volunteer labor for the majority of our projects,” McCain said, “ but unfortunately construction of the boat project cannot be done by volunteers because INDOT will require one contractor to bid the entire job of building the complex boat, warehouse and dock. McCain added that the Interpretive Center’s existing galleries were built mostly with volunteer efforts but that was a Wabash Heritage Corridor (DNR) grant source that allowed crediting volunteer’s time.

In addition to the boat itself, an authentic clapboard-sided structure will be built in Canal Park Annex. It will resemble the former Speece Brothers warehouse at Carrollton and will be designed to store the 50- to 60-foot boat when it is not in operation. In the winter, the boat will be hoisted to the second story height, safely out of the ice and water.

Many recreational uses will be made of the boat. “Imagine the thrill of school children touring the historic sites along the mile of canal or a senior citizens’ tour group boarding the boat at the dock,” McCain said. Weekend cruises will be available regularly, and the boat will be available for special occasions, such as weddings or reunions, as well. Delphi officials view this addition to canal-related opportunities as a major asset for the City of Delphi and Carroll County.

Although construction funding is now assured, the Canal association still has work to do. “We still must turn our attention to raising a permanent endowment and prepare for staffing this enterprise and contributions are always welcome,” McCain said.

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The Canal's Rehabilitated "Weed Whacker"

Will wonders never cease! The rehabilitation of the recently purchased 20 year old aquatic weed harvester is complete. Last summer the Canal Association bought a damaged commercial floating weed harvester from a lake association in Wisconsin. Now the volunteer's work to repair this machine is a success. A crafty crew of 4-5 volunteers have worked most M-W-F mornings for the past 6 weeks and at last it was christened on October 26th.

Critical to the restructuring of this mechanical wonder was the replacement of the ailing steel pontoons with a completely different shape aluminum canister from one of the canal's donated pontoon boats last fall. Intriguing manipulation for replacement involved blacksmithing and welding skills of Roy Patrick and other tool and mechanical skills of Ron Dust, Ed Gruber and Bill Draper. Together these active senior minds went to work to create a marvelous aquatic weed harvester.

Dan McCain, who had first seen the damaged unit in Wisconsin in late July, had a chance to operate a similar but new rig. He found ease in operating to remove floating and submerged aquatic vegetation on this northern Wisconsin lake. He also noted how they used a companion tractor and special trailer to unload the material for ultimate disposal. He found this "on land" disposal unit very intriguing -- it had a special web floor that moved forward or backward.

Making note of this metal web in the weed disposal trailer he recently described that unique feature to Dick Grantham, another canal volunteer. Dick said "I have two of those units in my barn." Dan thought he was kidding but upon visiting the Grantham barn he found that Dick was right. The web floor unit had been used on Grantham's farm years ago to haul silage and chopped hay from the field and then discharged and blown into the barn's mow.

Now that the floating harvester has been completed the last challenge is to this arsenal of mechanical aquatic week control rigs will be to construct a trailer with this special floor. The objective is to control or eliminate the unsightly aquatic weed growth on the mile long watered section of Delphi's canal. To complete this job several critical parts are needed. One item to obtain are tires on rims that fit most mobile trailer home axels. If you know of any call 765-564-6297.

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PROGRESS ON THE CANAL "WEED WHACKER"

Work continues on reclaiming the recently purchased aquatic weed harvester. The Wabash & Erie Canal Association in Delphi, Indiana purchased in Wisconsin (at a bargain) a used ailing floating mechanical harvester -- much like a farmer's haymaking machine. The metal bottom that carries the harvester had suffered damage and problems with its pontoon barge. When new this unit cost considerable money and the crafty volunteers at Canal Park believed they could resurrect its utility.

aking important parts from one of the pontoon pleasure boats that were donated to the Canal last fall, these volunteers are carefully stripping down the harvester's old barge and cutting away the damaged portion. With some caucusing of ideas and lots of "elbow grease" these men have begun work from the underneath side of the old floatation section. They cut through the metal walls of the air chambers and removed the failing "foam" that had been applied by the former owner.

After removing the old foam in sections (sometimes with a chain saw) the metal skin was cleaned and painted. Soon the salvaged aluminum (round) pontoons from one of the donated boats will be retrofitted onto the barge and then turned over. Later the mechanical portion of the harvester including the propulsion source (outrigger paddle wheels) will be reinstalled.

To make a trailer to haul and launch this giant "weed whacker" an old frame from a mobile home was secured. The length and width will both be altered and the tandem wheels will remain. It is early yet to predict the full impact of this enterprise but looking at the ingenuity of these volunteers makes one impressed with their skills, knowledge and resourcefulness. Much less than $1,000 will be needed to make this a useful tool -- saving about $20,000 that dealer repairs might have cost.

The one mile section of rewatered Wabash & Erie Canal alongside Canal Park needs removal of the "wads" of algae and water weeds to make it useful for the coming of a "Replica Canal Boat" in a year or two. With some luck this floating "miracle" will be on the historic waterway this fall for a trial run.

Carroll High School Volunteers

On Tuesday, September 20th, 42 students and three teachers arrived in a bus from Carroll High School (near Flora). They had the "day off" because each had already passed the ISTEP comprehensive tests last year. Some were Juniors and some were Seniors. They all worked diligently on that beautiful late summer day. The challenge was to clean and groom trails along the riverside southern sections of Delphi Historic Trails.

At 8:30 am the bus arrived at Trailhead Park from Carroll school. These volunteers who elected to put in their "sweat equity" rather than sit at home were the winners of the day. Their counterparts at High School that had to take the tests were sweating in their own way with pencils and paper. After a 10 minute orientation provided by Dan McCain, Chairman of Delphi Historic Trails, they divided into three groups. Each group had a Carroll teacher to lead and each student had a specific job. Many used rakes to sweep off leaves and sticks from the trail surface, some had pruners to lop off overhanging branches and some "whacked weeds" along side the trails.

Overall the work progressed as the troops took on over two miles of trails to groom. The student volunteers felt good about the accomplishments as they "looked back over their shoulders." For Carroll County it was rewarding to have these scholarly students doing "community service" and leaving a positive mark from their toils.

Dan McCain

WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THEY COME FROM

Ever wonder how a small Midwestern town can attract attention from people all over the world? And do all this without spending a dime for advertising! Well that’s the mark of the Canal Interpretive Center as it has become a tourist attraction and it is uniquely quite successful. Come to the little Hoosier town called Delphi and see for yourself. It’s the “Home of the Wabash & Erie Canal” according to Mayor Lee Hoard.

Sign-in registration sheets show 9,295 individuals registered for a no fee entrance to the museum galleries. There is no total for the patrons that didn’t sign. Registrants came from an impressive 46 states and 26 foreign countries. They came from Rockfield just outside of Delphi to Riverside outside of Los Angeles—South Dakota to Spain—even from Venezuela back to the rural southern Indiana town of Vevay. On July 2, 3 and 4th, 2005—1,196 people registered to see this state-of-the-art historic transportation museum.

People find the canal through others that have discovered this place. Some find it on the Internet or just happen to see articles carried by the print and TV media. They arrive in cars, on bikes, by bus and even in small aircraft—Delphi does have an airport. Surprisingly the best luck of discovering this exciting “hands-on” interpretive experience comes when people attend conferences, meetings, reunions or weddings in the Center.

Now with two full years of operation (July 1, 2003 to July 4, 2005), and a credit to the dozens of Wabash & Erie Canal volunteer docents, there is a feeling of satisfaction and reward. Hard work for 35 years since the Association was formed has netted this very successful enterprise. Black ink is flowing and anticipation is building for the next phase.

There has been a “dream” for the past decade. It is coming alive with the rides now offered on the “canal boat” pontoon operating on the reconstructed mile of water. It travels through Canal Park north to Founders Point. There a diversion of three million gallons of fresh water daily flows free to the canal from Delphi Limestone Company.

But the dream of the true “Replica Boat” will not be completely carried out until the addition of an authentic dock and warehouse for nightly storage is also built. Planning is underway but construction grants for this half million-dollar dream are still being sought.

This endeavor will also require a major donor fundraising effort, as did the Canal Center.

Watch for announcements and progress, as the canal “dream” becomes a reality.

 

Canal Association Receives Grant for Replica Boat

“People say ‘Are you ever going to have a canal boat?’  Well, now we can answer that question with a resounding ‘Yes.’" Dan McCain, President of the Canal Association said after learning from Mayor Lee Hoard (Delphi is the eligible unit of government) that major funding had been approved recently by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

“A historically accurate canal boat replica has been a long-held dream of the Canal Association.  Two years ago a conceptual drawing, appropriately titled ‘our dream’ was produced and has captured the excitement and imagination of all who have seen it—there are even T-shirts in our Gift Shop that feature this concept,” according to Dan. 

“Can you imagine the excitement at a future reception in the Conference Center when the crowd welcomes a wedding party arriving at the dock in the replicated canal boat just outside the building.  Or seeing bus tour groups or school classes filling the seating capacity of approximately fifty persons while traveling the ‘mile’ of restored watered canal.  Then there is the visual and educational enhancement of historic loading and shipping at the Speece Warehouse where the boat can enter the building nightly for protection and be raised above the ice in the winter for storage or repair,” Dan noted.

This package has been funded at a level of $554,900 by INDOT through their federal Transportation Enhancement program.  The new project is in the same category (Historic Transportation Museums) as the funding for completion of the Canal Interpretive Center in 2003.  The endorsement comes from the City of Delphi however all the local match of 20% has to be committed by the Canal Association.

A fund raising campaign will begin this year with efforts focused on corporate foundations, private donations, supportive members and usage fees that can make this become a reality.  Receiving the major funding is “a dream come true.”  The Canal Association has already started a Canal Boat Fund which allows tax-deductible contributions from donors.

Canal Association purchases a used “Algae Harvester” 

The Wabash & Erie Canal Association sought out and located a used “algae harvester” that was owned by the Turtle Lake Association in northwestern Wisconsin.  The 20-year-old floating waterweed harvester needs repair but the promise of success will be a great reward.  It will be capable of removing most of the abundant aquatic growth in Delphi’s mile long watered canal section.  Three million gallons of diverted groundwater comes daily from the Delphi Limestone Company -- what a blessing.

Dan McCain went to look at the unit in late July while on a speaking mission in nearby Minneapolis.  Arrangements were made for the purchase for $3,000 “as is” (a new one would cost nearly $45,000).  Volunteer Roy Patrick (behind the seat in the picture) offered to drive his van and trailer and pick it up two weeks later.  Ed Gruber (left) inspects the operation from beside the driver’s seat.  The intriguing machine all works except for leaking pontoons.

Aquamarine harvester back in Indiana now (setting on Roy's trailer)

 

The two-cylinder motor is nearly new and it drives the hydraulic pump with fluid motors that power the lift, propulsion paddles, sickle bars and chains doing the harvesting.  It has a 4-foot by 4-foot capacity at the "mouth" and after elevating the weed mass above the water it stores the bulk on another moving chain.  Discharged material can be ejected on the towpath banks or into a trailer for hauling.

Repairs mainly include rehabilitating the leaking pontoon “barge” that carries the unit in the water.  Propulsion is by individual side paddle wheels which operate hydraulically with two levers (like driving a bulldozer).  Cutting action is at the entry to the submersible “mouth” with sets of sickle sections much like a farmers hay mower.  The whole unit is about 26 feet long by 9 feet wide and will fit the canal perfectly. 

MAIDEN VOYAGE OF THE "DELPHI"

With a quiet start on Friday June 10th a reconditioned pontoon boat was launched and christened "the DELPHI" at Canal Park. To some people it looks a lot like a Canal Boat. The Wabash & Erie Canal Association's steady and capable volunteer construction crew had completed this makeover. The pontoon hull was received as a gift from Earl Fellinger last fall and was in dire need of refurbishing. Three other pontoon craft were also donated to the Canal late last year and await rehabilitation as well.

Saturday morning the watercraft inspector from the Department of Natural Resources certified the boat as worthy of hauling public passengers. By the end of that afternoon nearly 100 passengers enjoyed a jaunt on the DELPHI through Canal Park. Kids and adults were treated to "free" boat rides as they were enjoying other activities in the park and trails. There is no set fee for rides but just as the "no charge" for the Canal Interpretive Center's museum entry goes, donations are always welcome.

New co-captains were Andy Caugill and Zack Dickman who "learned the ropes" quickly and entertained the passengers on a half dozen circuit rides. Those primary volunteers that modified the original pontoon boat were: Roy Patrick, Ron Dust, Ed Gruber and Bill Draper. Other volunteers helped from time to time and a grant from the Canal Society of Indiana assisted with the material expense. Canal Board President Dan McCain says "thanks to such a dedicated group and the supporting community we look like we have landed in the 1850s at our dock just outside of the Reed Case House."

The DELPHI will be available for passengers on Saturdays at 10 am and 2 pm and Sundays at 2 pm (weather permitting) throughout the summer. When there are too many to ride the 10-15 minute jaunts some will wait at the dock--the capacity is 15 people. Cruises will continue until all have had a chance to ride. The propulsion is a very capable 24 volt electric trolling motor. Experience with a full load has already shown that it will travel at about the same speed as the original horse drawn canal boats in the mid-1800s.

"The DELPHI will serve as a temporary prototype of the "dream" that the Canal Association has had for years," McCain said. "A REPLICA CANAL BOAT that might hold 35-45 passengers is currently being planned. Grant funding to build this more authentic packet boat, a warehouse storage building and bigger dock might come later this year however local matching 'donated' dollars will be necessary to make this a reality. That process of detailed planning and construction could take over two years to complete," he concluded.

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AMUR WHITE "Grass" CARP STOCKED IN THE CANAL

On June 3rd in Canal Park, 250 hybrid "grass carp" were introduced into a familiar habitat. They have a big job ahead. Clear Creek Hatchery from Martinsville brought the live fish and Melinda and Mark Hess helped their grandfather with the stocking. These special fish are transported in tanks with added oxygen to keep them healthy during their trip.

This spring's weather conditions created an unusual abundance of underwater and surface aquatic weed growth. The Wabash & Erie Canal Association within the past few years finished reconstruction and watering this section of canal in Delphi. Trails follow the towpath and interconnect with other parks and streams.

Originally 468 miles long this is the only public accessible portion of the 1850s Wabash & Erie Canal left in Indiana. Rehabilitated and nearly one mile in length it accounts for about 10 surface acres of water and borders Canal Park on both sides of Washington Street north of the Carroll County Court House.

The beautiful source of clean water -- 3 million gallons per day -- comes through the Delphi Limestone Company's diversion pipe at the north end of the canal. It is easy to hike by stone trails to see this water inlet at Founders Point about a quarter mile above the 1873 Paint Creek iron bridge. For a trails map lookup www.wabashanderiecanal.org or come to the Canal Park for information.

The unique canal section may have algae but it doesn't breed mosquitoes (because of the water pH, temperature, etc.). With the soon to be operational Canal Boat (a converted pontoon passenger craft) the Canal Board decided to purchase these expensive specialized aquatic vegetation eating fish. The 250 10-12 inch fish were introduced at two places in the canal.

Because these fish are 'hybrid' they don't reproduce. Only the stocked fish will prevail and even some of them will become older and then die. They will eventually get to 2-3 feet in length and aren't interested in being caught with fishing worms, or artificial bait. This stocking will not interfere with the variety of sport fish already in the canal. "They just want to forage on the one thing we want to control so we hope it will make the water more aesthetically pleasing according to Dan McCain, President of the board.

The Canal Association has started a fund for replacing 25% of these fish each year by creating an "own a fish" program. Special certificates will be available for $10 (what each fish cost) at the Canal all summer. That money will go toward purchasing live fish again next spring. "Owners wanted" -- buy one or a dozen and help improve the canal.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman Awards $57,375 Grant to Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc. for A Canal Boat for Delphi

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman today awarded a $57,375 Rural Development Grant to Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc.. Grant funds will be used to provide funds as part of the community’s continuing program to preserve and interpret the historic Wabash and Erie Canal, a major surface transportation system in Indiana in the early 19th century. This project will focus on the research, market planning, environmental studies, final design and engineering plans for the construction of a reproduction canal boat and necessary support structures.

“What you do as individuals and organizations to improve the quality of life in your communities, is as important as anything state government will do, “said Lt. Governor Skillman. “Today we are giving you resources to further your own economic development efforts. These grants are designed to help Hoosiers develop and support projects that address specific needs in their communities. These awards celebrate the ideas that make Indiana’s charming small towns and cities great.”

The rural development grants come from two funds, the Rural Development Council Fund (RDCF) and the Rural Development Action Fund (RDAF). RDCF monies go to the creation of “regional entities” that promote the improvement of the quality of life in rural Indiana. The RDAF provides grant dollars to entities that work to enhance and assist in improving the economic viability of rural Indiana communities. Grants are awarded through competitive funding rounds. 40 communities are receiving grants for a total of $6.2 million, but as many as 80 communities will benefit from the projects being funded.

For specific project information, contact Dan McCain (mccain@carlnet.org) at 765.564.6297. For overall information about this grant program, contact Sarah Yeager (syeager@ora.in.gov) at 317.234.3418.

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COLORFUL SCENES ADDED TO CANAL CENTER'S LOBBY

The Canal Conference and Interpretive Center in Delphi now hosts two new oil original paintings alongside the two placed in the Grand Lobby late last year. Scenes from the 1832-74 era of the Wabash & Erie Canal are prominently displayed on large colorful canvass midway up the stately high walls. Carroll County artist Terry Lacy has painted each of these beautiful works of art. Three of them were taken from actual photographs and the picture of an arch had to be conceived as no picture exists.

The Canal Center proudly displays these items for the families and organizations that have sponsored these spaces. Nine more spaces are available on opposite walls for the continuum of scenes from Toledo to Evansville. That 468 mile stretch of canal between those two cities comprised the "longest man made waterway in the US" by the time it was completed in 1853.

Specific places, canal structures and historic subjects yet to be painted will be from further away as the first four cover Lafayette to Logansport. Two are Carroll County features: the Speece Brothers Boat and Burnetts Creek Arch. These were sponsored by Delphi Psi Iota Xi Sorority and Ms. John T. (Cathy) Smith respectively. Cathy was Canal Board Secretary in the 1980s

The Lafayette picture is the Henry Sample & Son Warehouse along the canal slip near Chestnut Street and was sponsored by Jim & Frances French, both are longtime canal members and have been officers on the Board. The most recent painting features the Logansport Pivot Bridge over the Canal near 5th and Market. The water in the foreground is now Erie Street. This painting was sponsored by Ms. Elmer (Mary) Johnson of Delphi.

The next painting has already been sponsored by the American Legion Post at Delphi. It will honor longtime member, the late William Kerlin. The scene will contain a flag and be symbolic of the patriotism of the canal era. Kerlin and his wife Evelyn bequeathed money for the Canal Association's efforts to reconstruct a part of our community's past. They set that in motion through their wills.

Scenes had been selected by Historian Tom Castaldi as he has access to numerous photographs and drawings in his personal archive near Fort Wayne. Remaining scenes are now being considered by the Canal Association. Ideas for scenes along the Wabash & Erie beyond Lafayette to the south, or beyond Logansport to the east are being sought. Anyone interested in sponsoring a space should contact one of the Board members or call 765-564-6297. A lobby plaque will display donor and picture information.

12/23/04 - "Delphi's Canal Center Recieves Another Mural"

The latest mural on the lobby walls in the Wabash & Erie Canal Conference & Interpretive Center in Delphi, Indiana is part of a series. Pictured is a Tippecanoe County, Lafayette scene. The water shown is a sidecut or "slip" and the building is a slaughterhouse/warehouse of Henry Sample & Sons. The painting was completed by Terry Lacy and sponsored by Jim & Francie French. Jim was the Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal, Inc. President for 10 years ending in 1998 and Francie is currently the Canal board Secretary.

Soon another mural will begin. This next one is sponsored by past board Secretary Cathy Smith and will depict Lockport, Indiana's Burnetts Creek Arch in operation complete with a wood and stone composite lock plus a canal boat. A third mural will be selected for some patriotic event reminiscent of canal times. It is sponsored by the American Legion Post in memory of local businessman William Kerlin. A fourth sponsored mural is dedicated to the late Elmer Johnson by his wife Mary. No scene has yet been selected.

Now that the pattern is set for murals on the Canal Society of Indiana Lobby's walls in the Center a total of nine paintings will eventually wraparound three of its walls. Pictures from the 1832-74 Wabash & Erie Canal era will geographically move from Evansville, IN on the left to Toledo, OH on the right. 468 miles between these two cities makes this historic waterway the longest man made "ditch" in the northern hemisphere and second longest in the world.

Delphi midway along the canal began to prospered when the canal initially connected to Fort Wayne by 1840. Three years later the Wabash & Erie was completed east to Lake Erie. By 1843 trade was possible using water transportation all the way to New York harbor. Transit required a canal boat on the Wabash and Erie to Toledo then a steamer across Lake Erie then by canal boat again across New York state on the well known Erie Canal and finally a steam ship again down the Hudson River to New York City.

Anyone interested in sponsoring another mural should call 765-564-6297