[IndianaTrails] CANAL UPDATE -- The beginning of boat construction

[Canal Center]

OUR FIRST RELICA BOAT WON'T EVEN FLOAT

 

For the first time in over a century Delphi's Canal Park will sport the
likeness of a life-size canal boat.  Only challenge is this this one won't
float.  Plans were drawn by our museum designer Len Mysliwiec, and already
the volunteer crew has rallied to begin constructing a "look alike" full
scale model of a canal boat.  This "on land" playground version should
provide lots of entertainment for children and adults as well and it will be
outdoors 365 days per year.

 

The life size creation constructed with weatherproof wood and featuring many
intreguing crawl space cavities and playground attractions for kids will
adorn the "basin" area in front of the Canal Center.  It won't be over water
but will be level with a slightly elevated sidewalk to give the impression
that it is tied up next to a dock.  Access will be by a "gang plank" to the
deck level while the starboard side will allow a child's slide and chain
ladder for kids to exit into the dry basin.

 

Conceptual interactive designs are being prepared for nine individually
unique sites along the Towpath Trail section plus the historic canal
crossing site at Carrollton Bridge north of Delphi.  This playground boat
becomes part of the second site that has been inaugurated with special
exhibitry.  The first site gained an old historic railroad baggage building
6 weeks ago when it was transported from near Rockfield and placed near the
old Monon crossing at the back of Canal Park.

 

The M-W-F volunteer "regulars" have been ready for the challenge of buiding
this lifesize boat model since the completion of their last big constuction
project (the restoration of the Stearns Truss iron bridge).  This building
work now is being done inside Ed Gruber's barn that offers a wood stove to
take off the chill on these frosty winter mornings.  Twenty foot sections
are being framed and then these sections will be transported to Canal Park
for final assembly later this spring.

 

Cedar was chosen for the sides of the boat as it will weather and retain its
rustic looks for many years.  Sixteen foot long rough sawn 1 X 8 boards are
being fastened to the struts of the frame and the surface "skin" has to bend
to conform to the shape of the bow.  Inside this bow is a double deck with a
"hatch" that will give kids a hide and seek effect while discovering how
these historic barges were built and used on the Wabash & Erie Canal in the
heyday of the 1840s and 50s.

 

This playground attraction will come a year before the operational Replica
Boat--the one that will float and carry up to 35 passengers for a mile long
trip on our reconstructed waterway.  The tedious planning for this million
dollar enterprise is almost complete.  Biding is expected to be announced by
INDOT early this summer.  Completion of this project with its realistic
protective warehouse (inside storage at waterlevel) plus the grand dock will
come in late spring 2009.  This floating boat will be built by a marine
contractor, likely out of state.

 

Much of the money for this federal grant has been secured but time is
nearing when the Canal Assoc. must remit the 20% match to start the
construction contract.  Donor support for this and many unique interactive
displays and graphic panels is now being sought.  A fundraising campaign
titled "THE TOTAL CANAL EXPERIENCE" is being launched.  Exclusive donor
"naming" of various sized exhibits and graphics present an opportunity that
contributors will have for a selected display they like.  

 

For further information on any of the trailside interpretive items or for
general support of the match needed for the operational replica boat ask for
a prospectus via email  admin at canalcenter.org 

 

Note:  We are needing a source of 2 or 3 inch thick by 14 inch wide cedar,
poplar or other suitable weatherproof material for use on the gunwale above
the deck.  Various lengths of these boards could be used but a total of
about 150 lineal feet are needed.  Perhaps some good salvage material from a
barn or outbuilding might be located.

 

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