This early photo of the Delaware & Hudson Canal near Tryon Street in Honesdale demonstrates why it took seven to 10 days for a boat to travel to Rondout (Kingston) on the Hudson River after being loaded with anthracite coal from Northeastern Pennsylvania to market in New York City. Construction of the canal involved major engineering feats and led to the development of new technologies. The canal remained a profitable private operation for most of its existence but was abandoned in the early 20th century. Much of it was subsequently drained and filled, but fragments remain in New York and Pennsylvania in use as parks and historic sites. The history of the Delaware & Hudson Canal will be celebrated at the Wayne County Historical Society’s Lock 31 Canal Park on Saturday, August 18 (see page 17).

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale, PA. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.