Blackwells Mills Canal House & Bridgetenders Garden
Built circa 1830, Blackwells Mills Canal House, bordering the historic Delaware and Raritan Canal in Somerset, became home to generations of bridge tenders, whose job it was to open the swing bridges when canal boats came through. In 1970, following the death of the last resident bridge tender, a group of interested citizens formed the Blackwells Mills Canal House Association, leased the house from the State and restored the structure. Today, Canal House opens its doors to the public and hosts educational as well as recreational events.
Have you ever wondered what it was like to live, work and raise a family here? Then you might enjoy a short biography of Sandor Fekete, a local legend who was the last bridge tender to live at Blackwells Mills. He was a hard-working man who left an indelible mark on the property, creating what would evolve into the lovely garden that exists today.
One of the loveliest views of the Canal House and the Bridgetenders hut is from the towpath. The hut, which is not original to the site, was once the railroad ticket office at Voorhees Station. Some years before Sandor’s arrival, it was brought to Blackwells Mills to replace the original hut. Today, it serves as a potting and gardening shed.
The front porch is shaded in summer, with lovely views of the D&R Canal and the Bridgetenders Garden across the street. No wonder it's a favorite of cyclists and walkers, who can often be found resting here!
With a summer storm approaching, a spotlight seems to be shining on the bridge, house and hut.
A small but inviting and lush spot, the Bridgetenders Garden bursts into bloom from spring through autumn. From a bench at the rear of the plot, visitors can sit, relax, enjoy the beauty and watch the placid waters of the D&R Canal flow by.
A side view of the house in winter. The original bridge tender's hut, with red curtains in the window, can be seen here. During a period of renovation, it was moved from its original location across the street and converted to a storage shed.
On the left, is the outhouse - a very necessary feature for a house without indoor plumbing for many years! In August, 2011, along with the porch deck (pictured) and picnic tables, Hurricane Irene tore the outhouse from its base and carried it downstream, where it lodged, submerged for weeks. Efforts to retrieve the heavy, water-logged structure destroyed it.
In autumn, colors are splendid on the canal and the house shines against the backdrop of fiery foliage!
The outhouse and a partial view of the D&R Canal. Please click on the image for a link to the Association's Facebook page.
