C&D Canal Excavation - Mid-Thirties

Here’s an east view of the South Side excavation that widened the canal in the 1930s. In the distance you can see the pump house, the smoke stack, and other buildings. An older citizen told me that, at the time this widening was done, the Corps of Engineers wanted to remove these buildings. Certain citizens, however, made certain that the historic site was preserved and maintained as a museum. At right on the Causeway is the Masonic Hall, which was moved farther south because of the excavation. It was also turned 180 degrees to face the north. It was razed in the late 30s.

Tugboat and Old Pond

Old Canal with Tugboat and Pond

This is a steam tugboat heading west, approaching Chesapeake City. At left was a pond (part of Broad Creek) that ran up close to Birdy Battersby’s family house on East Canal Street. Morrison Watson told me a story about this pond that ran up to a bit beyond Bethel. He said that when he was a boy he lived in the town of Bethel, and he said that one time he had to row his skiff down this pond to North Chesapeake City to pick up a piece of furniture and row it back to Bethel.

Ericsson Line Steamer in Old Canal

The steamer, Penn, is seen here headed east in the “deep cut” (Summit area). Notice all the people assembled on the boat, evidence that these steamers were very popular. At right, on the north side, is the towpath, on which mules would pull barges and other vessels through the canal. It’s interesting to see how narrow the canal was in 1910; you could throw a stone across it.

1949 View of the Rt. 213 Bridge from the Ferry

Here’s a west view of the completed bridge from the deck of the Gotham ferry. At left are Ralph Rees’ granary and several other buildings. Back Creek is in the distance with the extension of Schaefer’s wharf at right.

1950 Aerial View

1950 Aerial View of New Bridge with Divided Roadway of Old Lift Bridge at Left

I like this 1950 aerial view of Chesapeake City because it shows where the lift bridge used to cross from Lock Street to George Street. Many old buildings and streets can be seen, including Schaefer’s Restaurant, the Bayard House, the Shipwatch Inn, the old elementary/high school, etc. Notice City Dock (Rees’ Wharf) at far left. That area is now known as Pell Gardens.