CONGRATULATIONS WABASH COUNTY!
The Wabash River Heritage Corridor River Road markers are up in Wabash and so are the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail directional signs.
Thanks Wabash for promoting River Road and Towpath Trail...way to go!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
See New Towpath Signs in Wabash County!
CONGRATULATIONS WABASH COUNTY!
The Wabash River Heritage Corridor River Road markers are up in Wabash and so are the Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail directional signs.
Thanks Wabash for promoting River Road and Towpath Trail...way to go!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Autumn Meeting Announcement
Autumn Meeting:
Wabash Erie Canal Interpretative Center - Delphi, Indiana
September 9, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.
Now that Summer vacations are behind us we'll be taking a look at the progress made since we last met and the challenges we face going forward. Here are some of what will be discussed:
1. Purdue Agriculture School Class' final project presented at our May 6, 2009, meeting. The class' took on the task of assisting in fulfilling the vision of a towpath trail extending over and celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal. Although the original canal stretched 468 miles from Lake Erie to Evansville on the Ohio River, a portion was selected for the study. Specifically the area between Logansport and Lafayette was chosen to observe the typical scenarios that might be encountered when attempting to design a towpath trail. Also, the study served to identify the several opportunities that could be exploited. A booklet was produced to identify the benefits of creating trails, taking a deeper look at the history and current status of the canal route, and offering ideas and solutions to problems that might be encountered.
2. Questionnaire - To assist the Group's endeavor to fulfill its vision of reconnecting communities along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath by developing a trial along the entire length of the historic route, a "Wabash Erie Canal Corridor Assessment" form was designed by Rory Robertson of National Parks. The 10-questions printed on two sides of one sheet is intended to gather information needed to assist communities interested in adaptively reuse of the canal. Bob Schmidt of the Canal Society of Indiana (CSI) has prepared a mailing list to send the questionnaire. names include WRHC Commissioners, County Historians, CSI members, Community trail officials. County and city commissioners are yet to be added. Who and how the replies will be tallied will be determined.
3. Towpath Directional Signs: Wabash County placed an order for the 6-inches by 18-inches directional signs for posting along the towpath line in Wabash County.
Communications with Historic Forks of the Wabash director have begun to discuss how the directional signs might be adapted with a proposed marker project grant.
4. Adjourn before the 1:00 pm meeting of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commissioners meeting to be held in the same facility.
***
Purdue University Landscape Architecture class (from left to right) Michael Sibik, Ashley Dawson, Tom Fellagy and Associate Professor Bernie Dahl. A large format 21-page "Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail concept was the result of the class project.
Wabash Erie Canal Interpretative Center - Delphi, Indiana
September 9, 2009 - 10:30 a.m.
Now that Summer vacations are behind us we'll be taking a look at the progress made since we last met and the challenges we face going forward. Here are some of what will be discussed:
1. Purdue Agriculture School Class' final project presented at our May 6, 2009, meeting. The class' took on the task of assisting in fulfilling the vision of a towpath trail extending over and celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal. Although the original canal stretched 468 miles from Lake Erie to Evansville on the Ohio River, a portion was selected for the study. Specifically the area between Logansport and Lafayette was chosen to observe the typical scenarios that might be encountered when attempting to design a towpath trail. Also, the study served to identify the several opportunities that could be exploited. A booklet was produced to identify the benefits of creating trails, taking a deeper look at the history and current status of the canal route, and offering ideas and solutions to problems that might be encountered.
2. Questionnaire - To assist the Group's endeavor to fulfill its vision of reconnecting communities along the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath by developing a trial along the entire length of the historic route, a "Wabash Erie Canal Corridor Assessment" form was designed by Rory Robertson of National Parks. The 10-questions printed on two sides of one sheet is intended to gather information needed to assist communities interested in adaptively reuse of the canal. Bob Schmidt of the Canal Society of Indiana (CSI) has prepared a mailing list to send the questionnaire. names include WRHC Commissioners, County Historians, CSI members, Community trail officials. County and city commissioners are yet to be added. Who and how the replies will be tallied will be determined.
3. Towpath Directional Signs: Wabash County placed an order for the 6-inches by 18-inches directional signs for posting along the towpath line in Wabash County.
Communications with Historic Forks of the Wabash director have begun to discuss how the directional signs might be adapted with a proposed marker project grant.
4. Adjourn before the 1:00 pm meeting of the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commissioners meeting to be held in the same facility.
***
Purdue University Landscape Architecture class (from left to right) Michael Sibik, Ashley Dawson, Tom Fellagy and Associate Professor Bernie Dahl. A large format 21-page "Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail concept was the result of the class project.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Purdue Architecture Students' Study WECTT
Purdue University Landscape Architecture Students' Study
Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Wednesday May 6, 2009 - Delphi, Ind. A presentation was made at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center as a final project of the Landscape Architecture students to assist the Wabash Heritage Corridor Commission in fulfilling the vision of a towpath trail extending over and celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal.
In the report the students noted, "Recognizing the success that has been seen in Delphi, where a trail and other features observe the canal's history have already been implemented, we would like to assist in jumpstarting similar projects across the state and help communities recognize the benefits of supporting the Wabash and Erie Canal towpath trail."
The original canal stretched 468 miles from Lake Erie to the Ohio River at Evansville in southern Indiana. The canal's life may have been short lived but the waterway was still very influential in shaping Indiana history and became an important part of U.S. trade and shipping routes. The students reported that "much of the canal and its history has been lost or depleted over the years, but we are hoping to bring back some of that history by promoting an interactive trail which would span the state."
A visual presentation covered the Benefits of Trails, History, Existing Conditions, Map & Alternate Bike Route, Typical Trail, Aqueduct No. 5 Trailhead Design in Logansport, Streetscape Design, Burnett's Creek Arch Design, Conceptual Design Ideas, Funding Opportunities. A copy of the report will be posted on this site when it becomes formatted and available.
Tom Castaldi
Wabash & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Wednesday May 6, 2009 - Delphi, Ind. A presentation was made at the Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretative Center as a final project of the Landscape Architecture students to assist the Wabash Heritage Corridor Commission in fulfilling the vision of a towpath trail extending over and celebrating the history of the Wabash & Erie Canal.
In the report the students noted, "Recognizing the success that has been seen in Delphi, where a trail and other features observe the canal's history have already been implemented, we would like to assist in jumpstarting similar projects across the state and help communities recognize the benefits of supporting the Wabash and Erie Canal towpath trail."
The original canal stretched 468 miles from Lake Erie to the Ohio River at Evansville in southern Indiana. The canal's life may have been short lived but the waterway was still very influential in shaping Indiana history and became an important part of U.S. trade and shipping routes. The students reported that "much of the canal and its history has been lost or depleted over the years, but we are hoping to bring back some of that history by promoting an interactive trail which would span the state."
A visual presentation covered the Benefits of Trails, History, Existing Conditions, Map & Alternate Bike Route, Typical Trail, Aqueduct No. 5 Trailhead Design in Logansport, Streetscape Design, Burnett's Creek Arch Design, Conceptual Design Ideas, Funding Opportunities. A copy of the report will be posted on this site when it becomes formatted and available.
Tom Castaldi
Historic Wabash and Erie Canal Map at FW History Center
Fort Wayne History Center Receives Donation of Historic Wabash and Erie Canal Map
The Canal Society of Indiana recently donated a rare blueprint-map of the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Fort Wayne History Center’s collection.
Todd Maxell Pelfrey, executive director of the History Center, stated, “We are delighted to receive such rare glimpse of history from one of the most adventurous and optimistic chapters of Fort Wayne’s past, that of the Wabash and Erie Canal. For many generations the canal has intrigued our community and this artifact provides singularly precise information about its route through the city. We look forward to sharing this impressive map with the public through a future expansion of our permanent exhibition galleries.”
Tom Fortman of Larwill, Ind. first found the 37-foot long canal blueprint-map hidden away in an old cabinet given to him when he worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad many years ago. He later gave the map to the CSI, who is now donating it to the History Center. Tom and his wife Kay joined the CSI in presenting the blueprint-map to the History Center on May 5.
The map shows the Canal running through Fort Wayne and is significant because it provides details of Moots Lock number three of the Wabash and Erie Canal. CSI previously did not know the exact location of the lock, but guessed it to be buried under the railroad tracks near Glasgow Avenue. The blueprint-map shows that the lock is actually buried under the tracks almost a block east of Glasgow Avenue near the end of Grant Street and Deister Machine Company, Inc.
This donation supplements the History Center’s Wabash and Erie Canal map collection, which includes “an original drawing, eight-foot long, of the route from New Haven to Fort Wayne and details of owners along the route,” according to Walter Font, History Center curator.
For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882.
The Canal Society of Indiana recently donated a rare blueprint-map of the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Fort Wayne History Center’s collection.
Todd Maxell Pelfrey, executive director of the History Center, stated, “We are delighted to receive such rare glimpse of history from one of the most adventurous and optimistic chapters of Fort Wayne’s past, that of the Wabash and Erie Canal. For many generations the canal has intrigued our community and this artifact provides singularly precise information about its route through the city. We look forward to sharing this impressive map with the public through a future expansion of our permanent exhibition galleries.”
Tom Fortman of Larwill, Ind. first found the 37-foot long canal blueprint-map hidden away in an old cabinet given to him when he worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad many years ago. He later gave the map to the CSI, who is now donating it to the History Center. Tom and his wife Kay joined the CSI in presenting the blueprint-map to the History Center on May 5.
The map shows the Canal running through Fort Wayne and is significant because it provides details of Moots Lock number three of the Wabash and Erie Canal. CSI previously did not know the exact location of the lock, but guessed it to be buried under the railroad tracks near Glasgow Avenue. The blueprint-map shows that the lock is actually buried under the tracks almost a block east of Glasgow Avenue near the end of Grant Street and Deister Machine Company, Inc.
This donation supplements the History Center’s Wabash and Erie Canal map collection, which includes “an original drawing, eight-foot long, of the route from New Haven to Fort Wayne and details of owners along the route,” according to Walter Font, History Center curator.
For more information, contact the History Center at (260) 426-2882.
Friday, April 24, 2009
A Concept Plan Unveiled for the Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Presented by Purdue University Landscape Architecture Program
Students from a Purdue University Landscape Architecture class took on the challenge of examining how to deal with the concerns of producing a trail to connect communities already-completed-trailways. After much field and classroom study under the direction of Bernie Dahl, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, the students prepared ideas and will present the Canal Towpath Trail Concept Plan on Wednesday, May 6th at 1 pm at the Wabash Erie Canal Interpretive Center in Delphi, Indiana.
You're invited to join us and hear about the possibilities of the vision.
Tom Castaldi
WECTT Chair
Students from a Purdue University Landscape Architecture class took on the challenge of examining how to deal with the concerns of producing a trail to connect communities already-completed-trailways. After much field and classroom study under the direction of Bernie Dahl, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, the students prepared ideas and will present the Canal Towpath Trail Concept Plan on Wednesday, May 6th at 1 pm at the Wabash Erie Canal Interpretive Center in Delphi, Indiana.
You're invited to join us and hear about the possibilities of the vision.
Tom Castaldi
WECTT Chair
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Next Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Meeting: Wednesday, March 25th, 1:30 p.m. at Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN
Please join us on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, for the next exciting Wabash Erie Canal Towpath Trail meeting. It will take place in the Honeywell Center at 1:30 p.m. in Wabash, Indiana.
Our Agenda:
Now is the time to get involved and help shape the future of the Towpath Trail for the enjoyment, study, pride and satisfaction of generations to come.
Purdue University Landscape Architecture Class: Presentation and an unveiling of a Concept Plan for addressing the Towpath Trail.
Questionnaire Review or the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor as an Assessment: What answers it seeks; who best can provide the answers; how it's responses will be analyzed and be recorded.
Further, a Trail Ride, River and Roam Workbook/Manual, an inventory and assessment publication is another of the products that could include data gained from the questionnaire project.
Trail Study. Progress to date on a Purdue University Landscape Architecture Program study for a design manual to include an inventory of necessary work, design of a typical trail head, and other pertinent factors that may be helpful when taking the project forward.
Corridor Markers/Signs. An update on Wabash River Heritage Corridor "Community" markers; Wabash River Heritage Corridor "Trail" markers; Wabash River Heritage Corridor "River Road" markers.
Wabash Erie Towpath Trail directional signs and arrows. Source and costs for the signs; and Counties' progress for mounting signs.
Other business that may come to the meeting.
Tom Castaldi
Wabash Erie Canal Trail Moderator
Our Agenda:
Now is the time to get involved and help shape the future of the Towpath Trail for the enjoyment, study, pride and satisfaction of generations to come.
Purdue University Landscape Architecture Class: Presentation and an unveiling of a Concept Plan for addressing the Towpath Trail.
Questionnaire Review or the Wabash Erie Canal Corridor as an Assessment: What answers it seeks; who best can provide the answers; how it's responses will be analyzed and be recorded.
Further, a Trail Ride, River and Roam Workbook/Manual, an inventory and assessment publication is another of the products that could include data gained from the questionnaire project.
Trail Study. Progress to date on a Purdue University Landscape Architecture Program study for a design manual to include an inventory of necessary work, design of a typical trail head, and other pertinent factors that may be helpful when taking the project forward.
Corridor Markers/Signs. An update on Wabash River Heritage Corridor "Community" markers; Wabash River Heritage Corridor "Trail" markers; Wabash River Heritage Corridor "River Road" markers.
Wabash Erie Towpath Trail directional signs and arrows. Source and costs for the signs; and Counties' progress for mounting signs.
Other business that may come to the meeting.
Tom Castaldi
Wabash Erie Canal Trail Moderator
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