D & H Canal Park at Lock 31 – Winter 2025-26

by Sally Talaga, Canal Park Committee Secretary, sltalaga@gmail.com

Daniels’ Farmhouse exterior repairs are complete. In addition, the grade and underground drainage outside the north wall now slopes away from the building and groundcover tops it off. A very sturdy bench has also been added in that area. Besides providing additional seating, it’s a barrier to prevent tripping off the sidewalk now that the grade has changed. All plaster has been repaired except the kitchen’s. Kitchen repairs are now on going and will definitely be done by early spring.

In keeping with the building’s original architecture, all window sashes of the main house have been replaced with 12 over 12 on the first floor and 12 over 8 on the second floor. And a recycled wooden door will soon replace the circa 1950s steel door on the road side.

Passersby, especially now after dark, see the house with candles glowing in the windows as a symbol of warmth, comfort, and festive spirit. And in this particular year, a rebirth after a very unfortunate and costly accident on September 14, 2024.

U-Pick/We Cut Christmas Tree Sale on December 6th was a success again this year.

Canal Park Committee will resume its meetings on January 11^th at 9 AM via ZOOM at which time 2026’s calendar of events will need to be decided upon and more. If enough volunteers step forward before them, it will include opening the Canal Store in the house’s kitchen, tentatively on Saturdays from noon to 4PM from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekends; guided house tours the same Saturdays at 2PM; and “Tea at the Tavern” the same Saturdays at 3PM. Items relating to the county’s history and the D&H canal, including a new kit to make a working lock model with canal boat (see below), and light refreshment will be sold in the Canal Store. New volunteer storekeepers will work along side experienced ones. So, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about our canal and this historical site, while helping the public to do the same. Please contact Sally at the above address if you want to join our committee, learn more about volunteering, or to sign up for a four-hour shift, at least three Saturday afternoons in 2026.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time during this past year!