Blackwells Mills Canal House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridge Tender's house, Blackwells Mills
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Part of | Delaware and Raritan Canal (ID73001105) |
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| Designated CP | May 11, 1973 |
The Blackwells Mills Canal House is a special old building located in Franklin Township, New Jersey. You can find it right by the Delaware and Raritan Canal. This house has a cool history connected to the canal and the people who worked there.
Contents
History of the Canal House
The Blackwells Mills Canal House was built around the 1830s. This was about the same time the Delaware and Raritan Canal was being built. The house was made for the person who worked as a "bridge tender."
What did a Bridge Tender do?
A bridge tender had a very important job. They were in charge of a special type of bridge called a swing bridge. When a boat needed to pass through the canal, the bridge tender would turn the bridge. This would open a path for the boat. Once the boat was through, they would turn the bridge back. This allowed cars and people to cross the canal again. It was a busy job, making sure both boats and road traffic could move smoothly!
The Canal Changes Over Time
In 1932, the canal stopped being used for boats. Because of this, the swing bridges were taken apart. The Canal House and the canal itself were then given to the state of New Jersey.
Later, in 1971, a group called the Blackwells Mills Canal House Association was formed. They decided to lease the house from the state. Their goal was to fix it up and turn it into a place for the community. Today, it serves as a community center, a museum, and even a library!
The Delaware and Raritan Canal also became very important. It was named a state and national historic site. Now, it is even a New Jersey State Park, which means it's protected and enjoyed by many people. The Blackwells Mills Canal House Association still takes care of the house today.
Meet Sandor Fekete: The Last Bridge Tender
Sandor Fekete (1879-1970) was the very last bridge tender to work at the Blackwells Mills Canal House. He was born in Hungary. He traveled all the way from Antwerp, Belgium to New York City. Then, he joined the Hungarian community in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Sandor's Career on the Canal
Sandor Fekete started his career doing hard work. He laid bricks and broke rocks along the Delaware and Raritan Canal. He was good at his job and soon got promoted. He became a supervisor for the work boats that helped repair the canal.
Later, he was promoted again to be a foreman. This meant he was in charge of a team of twenty-eight workers! In 1916, he got another promotion. He became a locktender in Griggstown, New Jersey. His son, Sandor Fekete II, also worked as a bridge tender.
