HAWLEY, PA — The Wayne County Historical Society has added a new canal boat, albeit a stationary one, to the D&H Canal Park at Lock 31, which is located just west of Hawley on Route 6. The society officially opened the boat pavilion on June 17. 

The pavilion is encompassed by a wraparound wooden structure that features a detailed, near-to-size replica of a canal boat that would have made its way through the canal in the mid-1800s. The pavilion and boat structure, 100 feet long and 16 feet wide, was constructed according to local building codes by mostly volunteer work.

The structure was named in honor of the late Clinton H. Leet, whose vision was instrumental in acquiring the property and the subsequent ongoing development, including the restoration of the interior of the 1827 Daniels farmhouse. Leet, a businessman from Honesdale and trustee at the historical society at the time, first proposed the idea for the Towpath to Trails project to the board of trustees in 1995. Leet is also credited for initiating the Stourbridge Line train excursions in 1979. 

The park opened in 2013. Leet attended the first Canal Festival on August 24 of that year; he died at age 91 on November 17, 2013.

A brief ceremony at 6 p.m. featured remarks by U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright and Richard Leet, nephew of Clinton Leet. At the conclusion of the remarks, a plaque was unveiled, revealing that the canal boat replica was named the Clinton Leet in his honor.

A sold-out, catered dinner prepared by Chef Alan Kehoe was served to guests in the pavilion, followed by music and a slide show. 

The pavilion portion of the project was begun in 2020 with financial help through grants from the PA Department of Economic Development,  the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Wayne County Commissioners. The canal boat replica has received monies from the Friends of the Canal Park, Wayne County Historical Society members and public donations.

Carol Dunn, the director of the Wayne County Historical Society, said the society acquired the property in 2001 and it has taken a lot of work to bring it back to its present condition. “If you own the canal, you can do what you want with it, but here it’s protected. It’s the only place in the state of Pennsylvania with public access to the D&H Canal corridor. Visitors have access to mostly level and manicured trails across the property and along the Lackawaxen River,” she said.

Future plans include erecting a barn on the existing foundation footprint showcasing agriculture as it was in the mid-1800s.

The boat pavilion is available for public use; make reservations by calling 570/253-3240. Rental information and forms are also available online at www.WayneHistoryPA.com

The 10th Annual Canal Festival will be held at the Lock 31 D&H Canal Park on Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Users of the trail system and those wishing to support the work of the Wayne County Historical Society can make donations at www.WayneHistoryPA.com or by visiting the museum at 810 Main St. in Honesdale.