CSNJ May Meeting

Friday – May 21, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. – Refreshments at 7:10

Morris County Cultural Center – 300 Mendham Road, Morris Township

TOURING THE MORRIS CANAL
 IN ROXBURY TOWNSHIP

Presented by:  Richard Cramond,
Roxbury Township Historic Advisory Committee,
Roxbury Township Historical Society, Roxbury Historic Trust

 

Roxbury Township contained an extensive length of the Morris Canal, which included five inclined planes, more planes than any other single municipality along the overall canal.  It also had one lift lock and one guard lock, in addition to the feeder which connected Lake Hopatcong and the main canal.  With its large size and the many historic canal features that remain, Roxbury offers many attractions that are part of the Morris Canal Greenway.  Five historic communities – Port Morris, Landing, Shippenport, Ledgewood (Drakesville) and Kenvil (McKainsville) were located along the canal in Roxbury, many of which featured canal stores or mills that were commercially related to the canal.  One of the best-preserved Morris Canal planes is located within Canal Park in Ledgewood; one of the very best-preserved Morris Canal stores is the King Store, also in Ledgewood.  A few years ago the Canal Society and Roxbury Township partnered to preserve the historic Riggs property, containing part of the site of Lock 1 East and a portion of the Riggs farm.  Tonight’s presentation will feature the many historic Morris Canal sites in Roxbury Township and also the new photographic and camera exhibit currently being presented at the historic King Homestead in Ledgewood.  Many of the featured views in the exhibit have never been seen before by the general public!

Richard Cramond is a member of the Canal Society and a dedicated worker on the Society’s Morris Canal Greenway Committee.  His extensive activities with preservation efforts in the Township, and on the Greenway in particular, have been extremely important to promoting the Greenway concept and preservation of the Morris Canal.

Directions to the Morris County Cultural Center

From the Morristown Green, turn right onto Washington St (County Route 510, formerly NJ Route 24). Travel 3.5 miles west toward Chester. Pass the roads to the Delbarton School and Lewis Morris County Park on the left. After the curve and long white picket fence, look for a sign for the MUA on the right, pointing toward the driveway, which is marked by a street light and lighted directional sign. Make a sharp left turn and drive uphill to a Spanish-style stucco building at the top. Parking is in the lot to the left at the top of the hill. Once inside the main entrance hall of the Cultural Center, the auditorium is to the left. Restrooms are upstairs, with elevator access.

From Route 287 South, take Exit 35, Madison Ave. Turn right at the top of the ramp onto Madison Ave (Route 124). Bear right at the next light onto South Street, continue straight through a series of traffic lights and around the Morristown Green. Turn right onto Washington St. (County Route 510, formerly Route 24). Continue as described above.

From Route 287 North, take Exit 35, South Street/Madison Ave. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto South St, continue straight through several lights and travel around the Morristown Green. Turn right onto Washington St, (County Route 510, formerly Route 24). Continue as described above.