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Calendar of Events |
Become A Member
What It Was...
Canal House is a picturesque old home of honest masonry and stone, bordering the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal at Blackwells Mills in Franklin Township. Built in the 1830s (as was the canal), it was home for generations of bridge tenders, whose job it was to open the swing bridge when canal boats came through. When the last occupant died, a group of interested residents formed the Blackwells Mills Canal House Association, leased the house from the State (owners of the building) and began to restore the historic structure. Canal House lives again and serve the community in new ways.
What It Is Today...
Today Canal House opens its doors to the public and plays host to several events such as craft and antique shows, art exhibits, flea markets, plant sales, holiday events, children's programs, nature walks, community clinics in canoeing, fishing, cooking, furniture repair and much more! It also serves as a museum and library of canal history.
Calendar of Events for 2010
Listed below are upcoming events you will enjoy from
January 2010 through January 2011:
NOTE: The Blackwells Mills Canal House is located in the Franklin Township section of Somerset at the intersection of Blackwells Mills Road and Canal Road. (598 Canal Road, Somerset)
| Jan 1, 2010: |
NEW YEAR'S DAY OPEN HOUSE ~ Our long time tradition continues! The door is open wide for the New Year celebration. Greet old friends and make new ones. Savor homemade refreshments.
HOURS: Friday ~ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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| February 13: |
A VALENTINE PARTY for all ages. All ages are invited. Join us beside the fireplace to view vintage greeting cards from private collections. Supplies will be provided for visitors to create their own cards for 2010! A fun afternoon for all! FREE
HOURS: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Mar. 13: |
CANAL HISTORY The story of the D & R Canal will be presented by the State Park historian Vicki Chirco. Historic and modern photographs will be included to illuminate the waterway's past and present life. The hour long program begins at 2:00 p.m.
OPEN HOUSE HOURS: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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| April 17 & 18: |
WATERCOLOR ART SALE by Watercolorists Unlimited. This popular event returns with a wide selection of art. Find a treasure for your home or a gift for family and friends.
HOURS: Saturday ~ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday ~ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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May 8: |
MARKET DAY SALE: A shopper's delight! Come find perennial and annual plants for your garden or spring flowers for Mother's Day. Featuring freshly dug perennial and annual plants for sale. Two garden experts will be present to answer your questions on the correct care of items purchased. DONATIONS PARTICULARLY FROM YOUR GARDEN, ATTIC OR KITCHEN ARE WELCOME! To donate, please call (732) 297-5548 two weeks in advance.
HOURS: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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| June 12: |
PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW AND SALE: Photographs for exhibit and sale by local photographers. The theme will be varied but predominately familiar scenes of the locale.
HOURS: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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July 10 -11: |
THE DRAGONFLY ART COLLECTIVE:
Will exhibit and sell fine arts and crafts by local women artists. On display will be hand crafted jewelry, watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, fiber arts, film and digital photography, ceramics and more.
HOURS: Saturday ~ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday ~ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Aug. 22: |
ICE CREAM & BLUEGRASS MUSIC:
You are in for a treat of ice cream from Confectionately Yours and live music by the
Six Mile Run Bluegrass Band. A perfect summer afternoon!
HOURS: Sunday ~ 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Sept. 11 & 12: |
AUTUMN HOUSE TOUR: Enjoy the onset of the fall season and experience the charm of the bridge tenders homestead. Learn about the lives and customs of the families who lived along the canal when it was in operation. See a fine exhibit of early lighting.
HOURS: Saturday ~ 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday ~ 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Oct. 9: |
FALL FROLIC FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS:
Come join us for the fun! Halloween pumpkins to decorate and "Unbei" the Canal House Magician will amaze you with
magic tricks and animal gift balloons to take home. An autumn day to remember!
HOURS: Saturday ~ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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| Nov. 13-14 |
ART EXHIBIT & SALE: Landmarks and scenery of the area will be displayed. Paintings by artist Barbara Della Peruta and artwork from the collection of Biff Heins.
HOURS: Saturday ~ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday ~ 11 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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December 11: |
CHRISTMAS OF YESTERYEAR: An old fashioned holiday awaits you at the historic canal house. Boughs of holly to see, sleigh bells to hear and Santa arrives by canoe at 1:00 p.m. for a visit and photo session. Happy Holidays to all!
HOURS: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
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| Jan 1, 2011: |
NEW YEAR'S DAY OPEN HOUSE: Our long time tradition continues! The door is open wide for the New Year celebration. Greet old friends and make new ones.
HOURS: Saturday, January 1st ~ 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Why not sign up as a member of the Blackwells Mills Canal House Association and get in on the fun? Your membership will help to preserve this small part of the Delaware and Raritan Canal's important past! Why not help polish this historic old gem to the lustre it deserves and make sure it continues to serve its mission of education and be a source of community pride. If you are interested, please click the link below to access a copy of our membership form which can be downloaded or printed and then sent to the Canal House Association. If you have any questions about our group or becoming a member, please call either of the following telephone numbers to obtain further information:
732.257.4557
732.297.5548
Blackwells Mills Canal House Association Membership Form
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