WHITE MILLS, PA — Wayne County Historical Society has a vision. A vision to make the early days along the D&H Canal come to life. And a vision to connect newcomers and old-comers through the vibrant history of the D&H Canal Park at Lock 31, located along U.S. Route 6, just east of Hawley.

And come to life it did at the ninth annual canal festival on Saturday, August 20.

On any given day, the park is a year-round welcoming place with several miles of flat walking trails that lead along the towpath, where animals once pulled boats laden with anthracite coal to markets along the Hudson River. The historic lock house has been stabilized and refurbished on the outside and is in the process of interior restoration. Several rooms on the first floor were open for visitors, and volunteers from the Wayne County Historical Society were there to answer questions and handle sales of souvenirs.

The lock itself is one of only a few remaining of the original 108 that are open to the public. The locks were a system of stones and gates which allowed the boats to traverse the differences in elevation by blocking off the water in the canal and either raising or lowering the water level, enabling the canal boats to pass through.

There was much to see and do at the event, from a Civil War reenactors’ camp, to a blacksmith working his magic with iron and a forge, to a couple of gentlemen who were working with animal skins and making flint arrowheads. An archaeological dig was taking place, and an old, intact earthenware bottle, manufactured around 1910 by Johannes Brunnen, came out of the excavation early in the day. The bottle once contained mineral water.

Frank LittleBear and the Red Visions Native American Dance Team, dressed in traditional clothing, performed for visitors. There were several acoustic bands playing traditional folk music, and refreshments were available. There were also guided history-walks offered as well as a guided walk through the woods on the property. Five authors whose works relate to Wayne County history or its natural resources were there to talk about their research, and offer personalized signatures for would-be purchasers of their books.

Conservation organizations were well represented. The groups offered information to attendees, and you could even get a hands-on introduction to fly fishing presented by the local Trout Unlimited group. A popular exhibit was the fully functional, steam-powered scale model of the Stourbridge Lion. Although not fired up due to liability issues, it would be of interest to anyone fascinated by the history of railroading—Honesdale is the birthplace of the railroad in the United States.

Traditional music was an important part of Canal Festival this past weekend.

Dave Matsinko played traditional music.

The products of a blacksmith's work.

The blacksmith's work was critically important. Anything metal had passed through the hands of a smith.

Outdoor skills were demonstrated at Canal Festival.

The 143rd NY Volunteer Infantry, Civil War reenactors, were present at the Canal Festival.

Frank LittleBear and the Red Visions dance team performed at Canal Festival this past weekend.

Canal Festival was about entertainment and education too. Here, a member of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology talks about what awaits a researcher underground.

A line of fishing rods await anglers.

Steam trains carried materials to the Eastern Seaboard.

An interpreter explains the importance of the railroad in area history.

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