Delaware City

Yesterday, I took a trip to Delawere City! It’s an old city created for workers of the C&D Canal, the canal that connects the Delaware River to the Chesapeake. While it’s not as preserved as Historic New Castle (which is one of the oldest still-functioning-while-preserved towns in the US!), it still has its roots in Delaware’s history. I wish I had taken more pictures, and I should have taken a picture of the Welcome Sign, so have one that I found on City Data.

Delaware City rests along the Delaware River and the C&D Canal. After arriving, my family and I noticed two distinct vehicles. One, a company truck, and the second, a horseless carriage!

The company van for the infamous Crabby Dick’s (warning, music!)

I am not sure what type of car this is, but it looks like a horse and buggy with a lawn mower engine instead of the horse.

These people have been waiting a really long time for their Dick crabs.

If this riverfront looks familiar, it’s because this is the Delaware River, same riverfront along Battery Park.

Out on the river is Pea Patch island, home of Fort Delaware. You would catch the ferry in Delaware City to take a cruise to the state park.

I’m told that the small park along the river is also called Battery Park.

The original canal was a 14-mile stretch of locks. The boats would pass through each lock as chambers would fill and drain water, allowing ships to slowly make their way through each segment.

For those interested, you can read the full informational on this lock at Delaware City.

The plaque reads:

THE DIVING BELL MADE IN PHILADELPHIA 1839 FOR THE CHESAPEAKE & DELAWARE CANAL COMPANY. IT WAS USED AS AN AIR CHAMBER FOR WORKMEN TO MAKE UNDERWATER REPAIRS ON THE LOCK GATES, THE CANAL WAS OPENED IN 1829 AND WAS OPERATED UNTIL THE SEA LEVEL CANAL WAS OPENED AT READY POINT IN 1927.

THIS DIVING BELL WAS RESTORED IN 1961 BY THE DELAWARE CITY COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT.

The text reads:

Although the idea of a waterway crossing the upper Delmarva peninsula was suggested in the 1600s, the canal did not become a reality until 1829. Over 2,600 workers, including many Irish immigrant and African-American laborers, dug the canal with picks and shovels for wages of 75¢ a day. When they were done, they had created a 14-mile long ditch that was ten feet deep and sixty feet wide, with four locks to carry ships over high and low waters, shortening the water route between Philadelphia and Baltimore by more than 300 miles.

A photo of the peaceful canal.

Delaware City splits, with one trail walking along the canal (we didn’t go this way) and one with small shops. The Central Hotel is a historic hotel along the river.

The other side of the hotel. I want to go to this restaurant someday.

I like to take pictures of small or unique houses such as this one.

A segment of the sidewalk, showing overgrowth. While a little less maintained than Historic New Castle, the atmosphere gives you a feeling of archaism.

While traveling along the road, I came across an old antique store ran by a nice man named Walt.

He only took credit, and had various little do-dads. While I was there, I found an adorable little fox magnet; it would have been a crime if I didn’t buy it.

Look at that little kit!

Resident blacksmith, his house surrounded by metal workings, sculptures, and tools.

The closest thing to “main street” they have. Many small shops along this fairly empty town.

Attending a local yard sale.

After buying the fox magnet, we stopped at this little store to by ice cream. The statue caught my attention and probably earned them the sale.

Once we were finished walking down main street, I wanted to check the local library, just as I did with Historic New Castle.

It looks like it used to be a school, which is apparent in two places. First place is the front, with hallways similar to a school structure.

Inside, is just a standard (and very large) library.

The second giveaway is the little cafeteria in the side of the reading room.

A book!

I just wanted to show this again (I’m sorry, mobile users!)