The Erie & Barge Canals

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Along the Erie Canal

Along the south side of the Erie Canal
View of canal near Frears (Canandaigua Road) Bridge. This photo is facing west, towards Wayneport Road

Erie Canal Locks 60 & 61

A diagram of Lock 60 drawn by Jay Harding
Lock 60 is located along Quaker Road between ONeill and Walworth Roads. The remains of this lock are being maintained as an historical site and they are an excellent opportunity to study the construction of a lock built from stone. The coordinates are 43.0702, -77.2824.
Lock 61 on the enlarged Erie was located just east of present Route 350. A short section of the Erie and the remains of this lock are being used as part of the spillway around Lock 30. The coordinates are 43.0716, -77.2980.

Building the Barge Canal

Teams of oxen owned by local farmers were hired to help with the construction work.
Teams of oxen owned by local farmers were hired to help with the construction work.
Teams of oxen owned by local farmers were hired to help with the construction work.
This photo was taken just south of the current location of the Macedon Fire Department and Lock 30, facing north/north-east. St. Patrick's Cemetery is in the left background (note the evergreens, some of which are still there today, and the gravestones). Quaker Rd and the railroad run across the photo in the background. The bridge in the center of the photo is the Railroad St. bridge (no longer there) over the Barge Canal. This would be just west of the current Route 350 bridge.
A steam powered dragline excavating for the Barge Canal.

Recent Events on the Canal in Macedon

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Corning Glass Museum’s GlassBarge passing through Macedon

The GlassBarge passing the Mid Lakes marina heading east.

The Corning Museum of Glass had a touring glass making demostration known as the GlassBarge. It toured all over New York State on the Erie Canal. On August 27, 2018 it passed through Macedon on it’s way to Palmyra. Click images to enlarge. The GlassBarge passing under the Canandaigua Road…

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Quaker/O’Neil Bridge Converted to Pedestrian Use

On June 1, 2017 the bridge that carried Quaker/O’neil Road over the canal was converted to pedestrian use only. It was built in 1914 and no longer was capable of handling vehicular traffic. As a pedestrian bridge, it is used as part of the Erie Canalway Trail to allow people…

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Genesee Brewery Fermentation Tanks in Macedon

Three tanks passing Mid-Lakes Marina.

In late May, 2017 twelve fermentation tanks bound for the Genesee Brewery passed through Macedon on the Canal. Click images to enlarge. Back to recent events. The first six tanks on two barges arriving from the east. Hundreds of people came out to watch the historic event. The first barge…

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RG&E Transformers Arriving in Macedon

The transformers on the barge after their arrival at Lock 30.

In late October, 2015 two transformers arrived in Macedon on the Canal. Click images to enlarge. Back to recent events. The second transformer being unloaded using a special transporter. Each axle automatically raises and lowers itself to keep the load level. The man in the yellow vest is controlling the…

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