By: Stan Jordan
This was taken from our collection and the boss blew it up for me, but it is not very clear.
I have stared and looked at it many times and all it tells me is: It could be before, during or after the Civil War. Probably this driver and his mules here on this boat. That was a mostly a flat bottom boat and didn’t draw much water. As I read, the water was generally 3ft. deep.
He is tied up on the north side of the canal anywhere from Harrmann Road to Wentworth Road.
Indiana abolished their share of the canal in 1870, but I understand the factories still produced products from timber until late in 1880’s and 1890’s just using the railroad for transportation. The factories worked until the timber was gone.
The reservoir was not used anymore so the men blew it up in 1887. As the railroad came in 1855 nearly all the businesses moved to the north and the people did also.
The three story building in 1868. The building where the Oasis is in 1870. The Presbyterian Church at 1900.
US 24 was a big part of Antwerp’s progress and history and it was moved out of town because of the traffic. SR 49 is a busy artery and gets busier each year and as the circle moves the railroad is no longer a factor.
Ben told me one time: What goes around, comes around.
See ya!
