Volunteers rediscover old Lock E-56
Story and photo by Stephanie Knarr

In the early evening of July 3, volunteers gathered at Dry Dock Road, between Lyons and Newark, to unearth an abandoned lock known as E-56. This lock discovery was part of a community service project led by Americorps. The goal is to service their community while restoring a part of Wayne County's history.

Many used their Independence Day to assist others with learning the importance of keeping our past alive.

Shown are Mark DeCracker, Americorps Director Laura Burghdorf, Eric Taft, Chris Harra and Roy Belcher.

Burghdorf was pleased with the number of volunteers who came on the long holiday to help clear away brush and mow a walking path along the Erie Canal.

Some volunteers were so persistent with the project that they revisited the work site on Saturday, to continue their plan. An early morning start made great headway to being able to clearly see the lock and their hard work from the parallel road of Route 31.

Mark DeCracker, a leader of the Erie Restoration Project, is hoping to be able to create a spur off the projected bike trail that to run past the old lock, so people can see the simple, magnificent structure.

E-56 is a lock that has the potential to become an operable structure. Much of the lock is intact as well as has the components to have it watered once again. There is growing excitement regarding tourism and historic preservation of the Erie Canal.

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