One of the first locks built on the I & M Canal, Lock 1 was operating at the turn of the century when this photograph was taken. All the limestone for the lock was quarried locally, as well as the hydraulic cement used for mortar.
Locks act as dams and are necessary on a canal to maintain the proper depth of water for boats, and to overcome changes in ground elevation. To "lock through", an approaching boat would enter the lock chamber. Gates would then be closed and the water level raised or lowered by valves. The boat would then pass out of the chamber to another water level or change in elevation.
In the late 1800s, Lock also provided water power fo the Adelmann & Marx Tannery by a bypass channel which allowed a 10-foot fall of water to power a water wheel.
This view shows the shelter, on the right, for the lock tender who operated the lock by hand with a wood3n balance beam. In the distance can be seen the Public Landing and warehouses, with towpath on the left.
Comments 0 comments