Historic-Bristol-Day

This years theme of Historic Bristol Day was the importance and history of the Delaware Canal to the town of Bristol. The Canal Works Building located on Beaver Street was opened for touring and entertainment.

Children's activities, a favorite active, were held at Snyder-Girotti Elementary School.

Of course,Radcliffe Street hosted the usual vendors and entertainment. The second annual sailing regatta went on smoothly. We were pleased to host our second annual car show.

As usual, we featured open houses and the famous tea.

Be sure to keep next year's date, Saturday, October18 open for another fun filled Bristol Day.

On Radcliffe Street..

Crafters, Vendors and Entertainment

Sailing Regatta

Tours of Private Homes

Children's Activities

Tea

Walking Tours of the Canal

Brief History of the Delaware Canal

The 60-mile Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath building ear of the early and mid-19th century.

Completed in the early 1830’s and in operation for a century, the canal opened up the anthracite coal riches of the Leigh Valley to markets in Pennsylvania and New York.

Crews heading south from Easton, Pennsylvania knew their journey was almost at its end when the Grundy Clock Tower came into view. This marked one mile to the end of the canal.

Today the beautiful Bristol Lagoon Park marks the spot. The remainder of the canal to this point has been lost to development.

A good portion of Bristol Day is located where the original canal entered the Delaware River. What is now the Mill Street Parking Lot was the terminus of the canal. Canal boats enter from a lock at the end of the lot. There they could download their coal to barges headed south on the Delaware River and turn around for the return trip to Easton.

Mules were an important part of the journey, as they pulled the boats on the long journey. Today, statues, one of which is found in front of the Canal Works, immortalize them.

Open House at Canal Works

or email

Interpretive Bike Tour

Artist's Exhibit

A Special Thank You

Historic Bristol Day could not take place without the help of all our volunteers and supporters.

A special thank you to Arkema, The Bristol Borough Council, and The Grundy Foundation who have generously supported this event throughout the years. Also thank you to the many people and businesses who have financially supported this event. Look for a listing of your names in a future publication.

This year we have been fortunate to have the help and support of the Friends of the Delaware Canal, The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and Landmark Towns.

We also must acknowledge the citizens of Bristol who share their town on this special day.

If you wish to donate to or volunteer your help on the day of the event please contact us

by leaving a message.

Bristol_Day_2013.m4v

This year's Bristol Day was a fun filled day enjoyed by many. We had many activities in several parts of town. Please download our brief slideshow which includes a sampling of the day's events.

If you have difficulty opening it, check it out on our Facebook Page at Bristol Cultural & Historical Foundation

Car Show

We are pleased to announce: The winner of the Joe Sagolla Painting is Mary Nickels. Congratulations and thanks to all who bought a chance.

See you next year!