H&H Lock 22 Traditional Cache
Massquerade: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
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This is the second in my planned series of Geocaches along the old Hampshire & Hampden Canal. The cache will be located next to the rock wall that used to be the Eastern side of lock #22. This is the only evidence of a rock lined lock remaining on the canal. The cache (small deli container) is located off of College Highway (RT.10) in Southampton. There is easy parking across the street, but use caution crossing the busy street.
Hampshire & Hampden Canal 1829-1847
Most people have no idea that history runs through their cities and towns, sometimes even through their backyard. This is why I am starting a new series of Geochaches along the length of the Hampshire and Hampden Canal. I will start with spots in my home town of Southampton and hopefully move North, South and even West in the near future. Most don’t know there was a canal that ran from New Haven Harbor in Long Island Sound to the Connecticut River in Northampton, MA.
A little history:
The Hampshire & Hampden Canal ran 31 miles from the north end of the Farmington Canal in Southwick, MA to the Connecticut River upstream of Elwell Island in Northampton, MA.
The Farmington Canal ran 56 miles from New Haven Harbor, CT to West Suffield CT just South of the Mass. Border.
In the early 1800s Canal travel was considered easier than river travel because there were no rocks, rapids or waterfalls. Construction on the Hampden and Hampshire Canal started in 1826. The H&H Canal opened for business in 1829 but only as far north as Westfield. After overcoming many problems the canal was fully operational in July of 1835. Canal specifications were; 24 ft. wide at the bottom; 34 ft. wide at the surface; water depth about 6 ft. and animal tow paths 10 ft wide along one or both sides. This Allowed flat bottom boats up to 74 feet long and 11 feet wide to carry all sorts of supplies from New Haven to Northampton in as little as 24 hrs. Pleasure boats carried from 150 to 250 people. The passenger fare from Northampton to New Haven was $3.75, including meals. Boats were pulled by draft animals along tow paths that ran along the sides of the canal sometimes up to 4 mph. (the canal speed limit). A series of locks (usually 80 ft. long, 14 ft. wide and an elevation change of 10 ft.) allowed the canal to overcome the elevation differences along its route. The Farmington Canal and its 28 locks raised the canal to 220 feet above sea level in Southwick where it met the H&H Canal, but the H&H Canal had 32 locks of its own to raise and lower its level along its path to Northampton. The highest portion of the canal was in the area of “Summit Lock Rd.” in Westfield at 232 ft. above sea level. The canal route was a series of locks, culverts (to channel brooks and streams under the canal), and aquaducts (to bridge the canal over larger rivers like the Westfield River). These areas and other spots where the canal is still very visible is where my Geocaches will be placed.
Unfortunately because of all the adversity both the Farmington and Hampshire & Hampden Canal Companies were forced to declare bankruptcy and in 1836. The companies were reorganized as the New Haven and Northampton Canal Company. Between 1838 and 1847 the canal operated with some good years and some bad years. Constant repairs from damage caused by nature and vandalism took its toll on the canal and on the finances of the company. The final demise of the canal was that railroads cost less to build, operate and maintain. The New Haven and Northampton Canal Company was chartered as a railroad and began laying rails along parts of the canal beds and tow-paths.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ab uvag. Gbb rnfl abj gung gur gbja pyrnerq gur nern.
Treasures
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