History of Lehigh Canal (Walnutport) -
The Lehigh Canal was built by Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co. The canal's main purpose was to transport coal downriver from the coal mines of northeastern Pennsylvania, and bring goods upriver from the ports of Philadelphia and New York. Measuring 46 miles in length, the Lehigh Canal Started just above Mauch Chunk, (present day Jim Thorpe) and continued south t
o Easton where it joined the Delaware Canal. Construction of the canal was all done by hand using pick axes and shovels. To compensate for the difference in elevation from start to finish, 52 locks were incorporated into the canal's design. The Canal open for operations in 1829 the canal was in operation until 1942 when it was severely damaged by a flood, which ended its 113 years of use. During the canal era, the town of Walnutport was used as a boat repair center and a stopping point for the boat crews. For the next 10 years the canal was neglected, and as a result it was void of water and over grown with weeds, brush and young trees. By 1952 much of the canal was empty and neglected and breached in many places. At that time, a group of civic minded sportsman & young fishermen decided to restore the waterway to improve their fishing by building a dam on the canal. In 1953 restoration work began with the help of Blue Ridge Rod & Gun Club, led by its secretary Earl F. Snyder, many volunteers’ and area contractors who volunteered their time and equipment, 3 ½ miles of canal were restored by 1955. In August of 1955, hurricane Diane destroyed what had been restored. The restoration work was begun again, and in 1985 water was restored to the southernmost level. In 1982, the ‘Walnutport Canal Association’ was formed to continue the restoration and to maintain the canal and towpath. The Association has planted trees, established picnic areas, a nature trail, and constructed a pavilion & heritage center. The canal is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvanian Fish & Boat Commission. People of all ages year round enjoy walking, fishing, hiking, biking, jogging, bird watching & cross country skiing. Or just reading a book by the canal. Once again another hurricane in August 2011, Hurricane Irene severely damaged to Kelchner’s Lock #23 located next to the locktenders house. After 2 years of waiting due to bureaucracy and timing the restoration was started & completed in the fall of 2013. Today, once again we have a beautiful restored lock. The Canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Delaware & Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor. The restored Walnutport section of the Lehigh Canal is 4½ miles long, beginning at Lehigh Gap and ending at Bertsch Creek, just below Walnutport. Kelchner's Lockhouse -
The Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company built the Locktender's House at Lock #23 in Walnutport c. 1828. The house is one of only two original stone lock houses remaining on the Lehigh Canal and is named after Frank Kelchner, the last active, full time locktender who lived there. Located at 309 Lehigh Street, the structure is a modest 2½ story stone building, complete with a basement. There are three fireplaces that were used for heating and cooking. One of the unique features is the closet staircase that leads from floor to floor. The Locktender's House has been completely restored to its original look and is furnished with items form the early days of the canal. Attached to the Locktender's House is a small museum which houses 19th and early 20th century photos and artifacts. The Locktender's House is open for guided tours by appointment & open during the Canal Festival in October. To schedule a group or individual tour at another time, call Marilyn Kaul at (610) 767-5817. "If you are looking for more information about Walnutport Canal Association, please visit http://walnutportcanalassociation.tripod.com/index.html
