July 8, Chaffey's Locks

In about 1820, Samuel Chaffey settled at this location and built an impressive mill complex that included a mill dam, distillery, carding mill, sawmill and a grist mill.  After Samuel Chaffey died of malaria in 1827, colonel By purchased the mill complex from his widow and removed it to make way for the canal works.
A stone one-story defensible lockmaster’s house was built sometime between 1844 and 1847.  Its purpose was to protect the lock station from American attack as well as providing accommodation for the lockmaster’s family.  In the latter part of the 19^th century, a frame second story was added to the house.  The building continued to be used as a residence until 1964.  Today it is a museum operated by the Chaffey’s Lock.
We had intentions to travel to Jones Falls, but we were running behind and decided to stop at Chaffey's Locks.  The park offered electricity, a beautiful park setting, the sounds of a rushing water fall and a museum. Perfect, a great place for me to catch up on my blog.  It was nice to be tied up to the lock wall because we had a rain storm move through! What’s new!

In about 1820, Samuel Chaffey settled at this location and built an impressive mill complex that included a mill dam, distillery, carding mill, sawmill and a grist mill.  After Samuel Chaffey died of malaria in 1827, colonel by purchased the mill complex from his widow and removed it to make way for the canal works.
A stone-one story defensible lockmaster’s house was built sometime between 1844 and 1847.  Its purpose was to protect the lock station from American attack as well as providing accommodation for the lockmaster’s family.  The building continued to be used as a residence until 1964, today it is a museum.

Entering the Narrows Lock which separates the Big Rideau Lake and Upper Rideau Lake.

Chaffey's falls

 

Wandering the grounds I found an old outhouse.  Yes it was a one hole complete with old newspapers for wipes.

Old Lockmaster house that is now a museum

                                                  

Old still from the distillery that was once here.  I wonder how much whiskey it has made in its day?

Loop Dreams parked at Chaffey's lock wall next to the falls.