Tuesday, August 18, 2009
From Transportation Corridor to Scenic Byway
When the "Ribbon of Life: The Delaware and Raritan Canal at 175" photo exhibit reaches Prallsville Mill on August 30, it will have a new component. A video presentation of current and historic pictures will be a part of the exhibit. Local photographer Ted Settle has photographed historic and natural aspects of the D&R Canal from Bulls Island to Trenton and from Bordentown to New Brunswick. His photos will be exhibited alongside historic views of the canal. View a preview here:
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Dine Out For The Canal
Dine Out for the Canal is a fundraiser arranged by the D&R Canal Watch in celebratio of the canal’s 175th anniversary. The event enables participants to show their support for the park by simply eating out! On two Tuesday and Thursday evenings this summer, twelve generous restaurants in towns along the D&R Canal will donate 15% of the meal cost directly to the park. Simply bring a “Dine Out” coupon to one of the participating restaurants on the specified dates and help the canal while enjoying a great meal!
June 16 & 25 and July 7 & 23
Bell’s Tavern, Lambertville, NJ
Eno Terra, Kingston, NJ
Erini, Ewing, NJ
It’s Nutts, Titusville, NJ
Pauline’s Anna Rose Restaurant, West Trenton, NJ
Rocky Hill Inn, Rocky Hill, NJ
South Side Grille, South Bound Brook, NJ
June 25 and July 23
Lambertville Station, Lambertville, NJ
July 7
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Kingston, NJ
Hamilton Grill Room, Lambertville, NJ
Meil’s Restaurant, Stockton, NJ
Stockton Inn, Stockton, NJ
For more information download the event flyer here
Access and Print your coupons here
June 16 & 25 and July 7 & 23
Bell’s Tavern, Lambertville, NJ
Eno Terra, Kingston, NJ
Erini, Ewing, NJ
It’s Nutts, Titusville, NJ
Pauline’s Anna Rose Restaurant, West Trenton, NJ
Rocky Hill Inn, Rocky Hill, NJ
South Side Grille, South Bound Brook, NJ
June 25 and July 23
Lambertville Station, Lambertville, NJ
July 7
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse, Kingston, NJ
Hamilton Grill Room, Lambertville, NJ
Meil’s Restaurant, Stockton, NJ
Stockton Inn, Stockton, NJ
For more information download the event flyer here
Access and Print your coupons here
“Ribbon of Life: Delaware & Raritan Canal at 175”
This year, the Delaware & Raritan Canal will celebrate its 175th anniversary. To celebrate, the D&R Greenway Land Trust, in partnership with the D&R Canal Commission and the Delaware River Mill Society, has curated an exhibition entitled “Ribbon of Life: Delaware & Raritan Canal at 175.” The exhibit includes historic images selected from the archives of the D&R Canal Commission and contemporary artwork depicting canal images. The historical exhibition includes sections depicting hand-colored photographic views of the towns and places of interest along the canal between 1871 and 1924, as well as a photographic collection of canal boats. Interspersed through the exhibition is contemporary canal artwork composed by regional artists who have been inspired by the canal’s beauty.
The exhibit is on display at the Johnson Education Center, located at 1 Preservation Place (off Rosedale Road near Princeton), from May 18, 2009 to August 14, 2009. Beginning August 30, the exhibit will be on display at the Prallsville Mills in Stockton, NJ through September 30. Please contact the Delaware Mill Society at 609/397.3586 for hours and further information.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
BIRDING THE SEASONS ON THE D & R CANAL
So what is a “Big Day” anyway? It is ONE big fun day of birding with a little extra challenge. For our purpose, we plan to do an inventory of all bird species seen along the canal on ONE day and see what we come up with. We hope to cover the entire length of the main canal, feeder and adjacent park lands. We will need volunteers to help lead field trips that day and to participate in different segments along the Canal.
There will also be other field trips through the seasons with dates to be announced so make sure to keep checking the park website for updates. Please look for an upcoming trip in late February/early March.
Please join us !!!
175 Years & Counting: Delaware & Raritan Canal, 1834 -2009
On June 25, 1834 the Delaware and Raritan Canal was officially opened for public use. After a journey of several days that began in Bordentown, Governor Peter Vroom and entourage arrived via mule-drawn canal boat in New Brunswick to a 24-gun salute and parade. The group enjoyed a grand dinner that evening to celebrate the opening of this highly anticipated modern transportation system. It was expected that the new waterway would be a boon to the state's economy by providing new business, commerce and transportation opportunities. In April of 1834, a few months prior to the June ceremony, the Hunterdon Democrat published these enthusiastic words regarding the nearly completed D & R Canal:
Those who are partial to this mode of traveling cannot fail to be pleased with this route. The scenery from Lambertville to Trenton is striking and beautiful with a fine view of the Delaware River, and passing through a fertile and well-improved region of country. The appearance of the whole country through which the Feeder runs is truly imposing, and a great part of it romantic and beautiful. The whole of this magnif- icent work will soon be completed; its enterprising and liberal advocates will be remembered with pride by Jerseymen, especially those who were mainly instrumental in its accomplishments will stand conspicuous, and will be ever regarded as benefactors in their country.
Clearly, 19th century New Jerseyans appreciated the visionaries responsible for the canal project and welcomed this newaddition to their state. Then, as now, the D & R Canal was valued. Today of course the D & R is no longer a working transportation canal. Instead it has successfully transitioned to become a beloved park, recreation destination, water supply and historic site. To the 21st-century visitor and regular park user, it is no less appreciated. Our yearly visitation numbers stand as a testament to the canal’s continued favor as the D & R Canal State Park is among the state's most heavily used parks.
This year will mark a Delaware and Raritan Canal milestone. It will be the 175th anniversary of the waterway's opening! A celebration of that landmark is in order. A committee has been formed and its members are currently busy planning a year-long canal commemoration the details of which can be followed throughout the year on the park website. While opportunities to learn about the waterway’s history and contribution to the state will be offered, it is the committee’s goal to showcase everything the D & R Canal State Park has to offer. Visitors will have a plethora of programming options and events from which to choose from hiking, biking, boating, birding and horseback riding to guided history and nature walks, art/photography shows, lectures, family picnics, camping/outdoor equipment expo and concerts.
To start the year off, the Delaware River Mill Society will host “175 Year Celebration of the D & R Canal Art Show” from January 19th to the 31st. The show will be open to the public daily from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. This artistic look at the canal will be mounted in the historic Prallsville Mills in Stockton and will feature contemporary artist's impressions and renderings of the waterway today. The show will include paintings, drawings, photographs and three dimensional work inspired by the historic sites and natures beauty along the feeder and main-stem canal. For those who want to showcase their D & R artwork or photography should contact the Delaware River Mill Society at (609) 397-3586 for full submission details.
In addition to this kickoff art show and the usual programming offerings, there will be several unique happenings offered during the course of the year. In the spring park users will have an opportunity to show their support of the canal by taking part in an ambitious task - Hands Along the Canal. This bold undertaking will attempt to line thousands of hand-holding park users along the historic towpath from Landing Lane to Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. Sponsored by the East Coast Greenway, Hands Along the Canal is scheduled to take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 9th. Those of you who love and use the D & R should make sure to mark your calendars, pick a favored location and plan to be a part of this historic show of support for the park. Keep checking www.dandrcanal.com for updates and event details.
Also in May canal aficionados, park users and all others will have an opportunity to meet the authors who have been inspired to research and write about the canal era and the D & R. The Canal Authors Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, May 16th in Griggstown from 12:00 to 3:00 pm (exact location still to be determined). This will be a chance to meet and speak with eleven canal authors including William McKelvey, Paul Muldoon (Pulitzer Prize winning poet), Richard Veit, Marie Murphy Duess, Linda Barth, Jeanette Muser and others. Lee Sullivan Hill and Linda Barth will read excerpts from the children’s books, the Riverside Band will be on hand to provide their brand of bluegrass inspired music and attendees will have the opportunity to view several videos about the D & R including the NJN production produced by Cliff Crawford. So get those canal books off their shelves and plan to get them autographed in person!
These are but a few of the programs and special events that are planned for this milestone year so make sure to keep checking the park website for additions and updates throughout the year. This extended programming calendar and special events could not be accomplished without the assistance of the many friends groups and organizations that dedicate themselves to the
preservation and support of the D & R Canal State Park. Our staff is (as always) happy and grateful for their continued commitment and support!
We look forward to an active and exciting year as we mark the canal’s 175th anniversary. We encourage everyone to help us celebrate. Come show your support for this treasured New Jersey historic site and surviving icon of the canal era!
Those who are partial to this mode of traveling cannot fail to be pleased with this route. The scenery from Lambertville to Trenton is striking and beautiful with a fine view of the Delaware River, and passing through a fertile and well-improved region of country. The appearance of the whole country through which the Feeder runs is truly imposing, and a great part of it romantic and beautiful. The whole of this magnif- icent work will soon be completed; its enterprising and liberal advocates will be remembered with pride by Jerseymen, especially those who were mainly instrumental in its accomplishments will stand conspicuous, and will be ever regarded as benefactors in their country.
Clearly, 19th century New Jerseyans appreciated the visionaries responsible for the canal project and welcomed this newaddition to their state. Then, as now, the D & R Canal was valued. Today of course the D & R is no longer a working transportation canal. Instead it has successfully transitioned to become a beloved park, recreation destination, water supply and historic site. To the 21st-century visitor and regular park user, it is no less appreciated. Our yearly visitation numbers stand as a testament to the canal’s continued favor as the D & R Canal State Park is among the state's most heavily used parks.
This year will mark a Delaware and Raritan Canal milestone. It will be the 175th anniversary of the waterway's opening! A celebration of that landmark is in order. A committee has been formed and its members are currently busy planning a year-long canal commemoration the details of which can be followed throughout the year on the park website. While opportunities to learn about the waterway’s history and contribution to the state will be offered, it is the committee’s goal to showcase everything the D & R Canal State Park has to offer. Visitors will have a plethora of programming options and events from which to choose from hiking, biking, boating, birding and horseback riding to guided history and nature walks, art/photography shows, lectures, family picnics, camping/outdoor equipment expo and concerts.
To start the year off, the Delaware River Mill Society will host “175 Year Celebration of the D & R Canal Art Show” from January 19th to the 31st. The show will be open to the public daily from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. This artistic look at the canal will be mounted in the historic Prallsville Mills in Stockton and will feature contemporary artist's impressions and renderings of the waterway today. The show will include paintings, drawings, photographs and three dimensional work inspired by the historic sites and natures beauty along the feeder and main-stem canal. For those who want to showcase their D & R artwork or photography should contact the Delaware River Mill Society at (609) 397-3586 for full submission details.
In addition to this kickoff art show and the usual programming offerings, there will be several unique happenings offered during the course of the year. In the spring park users will have an opportunity to show their support of the canal by taking part in an ambitious task - Hands Along the Canal. This bold undertaking will attempt to line thousands of hand-holding park users along the historic towpath from Landing Lane to Trenton’s Cadwalader Park. Sponsored by the East Coast Greenway, Hands Along the Canal is scheduled to take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 9th. Those of you who love and use the D & R should make sure to mark your calendars, pick a favored location and plan to be a part of this historic show of support for the park. Keep checking www.dandrcanal.com for updates and event details.
Also in May canal aficionados, park users and all others will have an opportunity to meet the authors who have been inspired to research and write about the canal era and the D & R. The Canal Authors Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, May 16th in Griggstown from 12:00 to 3:00 pm (exact location still to be determined). This will be a chance to meet and speak with eleven canal authors including William McKelvey, Paul Muldoon (Pulitzer Prize winning poet), Richard Veit, Marie Murphy Duess, Linda Barth, Jeanette Muser and others. Lee Sullivan Hill and Linda Barth will read excerpts from the children’s books, the Riverside Band will be on hand to provide their brand of bluegrass inspired music and attendees will have the opportunity to view several videos about the D & R including the NJN production produced by Cliff Crawford. So get those canal books off their shelves and plan to get them autographed in person!
These are but a few of the programs and special events that are planned for this milestone year so make sure to keep checking the park website for additions and updates throughout the year. This extended programming calendar and special events could not be accomplished without the assistance of the many friends groups and organizations that dedicate themselves to the
preservation and support of the D & R Canal State Park. Our staff is (as always) happy and grateful for their continued commitment and support!
We look forward to an active and exciting year as we mark the canal’s 175th anniversary. We encourage everyone to help us celebrate. Come show your support for this treasured New Jersey historic site and surviving icon of the canal era!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
