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Old Lock #60 LbNA #22533

Owner:Beaver People
Plant date:Apr 18, 2006
Location:
City:Macedon
County:Wayne
State:New York
Boxes:1
Found by: AceInER
Last found:Aug 25, 2022
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Apr 18, 2006
Checked on 3/26/10
OLD LOCK # 60

“LOW BRIDGE, EVERYBODY DOWN,
LOW BRIDGE WE’RE COMING TO A TOWN.”

The Erie Canal travels through many towns in upstate NY. The Old Lock #60 was part of the original canal system. Governor Dewitt Clinton championed building this canal nearly two centuries ago. Many folks thought he was crazy and called it “Clinton’s Ditch”. But it proved to be a major route in moving people and goods across America to the unexplored western lands. When the canal was updated and re-routed, this old lock was no longer needed and has since become a historical landmark. It is located between Palmyra and Macedon on the north shore of the canal. You can also find old lock #60 by hiking or biking the towpath trail. Directions for this letterbox will guide you to the area via the towpath trail.
The village of Macedon is situated at the intersection of routes 31 and 350. Once you have found Macedon, head north on route 350. You will immediately cross a bridge over the Erie Canal. A parking area on the west side of the road, (on your left as you travel north) is a parking area for towpath users. Walk from the parking lot towards the canal. To your right is a working modern lock. Take a moment to look at it . Maybe you will be lucky and there will be boats passing through.
Turn to your left onto the canal pathway and pass under the bridge, heading east. You will soon pass under overhead pipelines and may hear the hiss of plastic pellets being transported from rail cars on your left, to the plastic factory on your right on the other side of the canal.
After a short hike the path crosses O’Neil Road next to a one lane iron bridge (for those desiring a shorter hike, there is a small parking area on the corner of O’Neil and Quaker Road). It is not necessary to cross this road. There is a grassy path that goes under the bridge. On the other side of the bridge is a sign for Old Lock 60 and the path splits. Take the right hand path along the canal (You can take the other route coming back). About 15 minutes down this path you will break into the open space of Old Lock 60 park. It is dominated by a large electrical tower.
Take a moment to read the blue and yellow state sign erected here.
“ Erie Lock 60; Through these hallowed chambers passed untold thousands. Built in 1821 as Clinton’s Ditch #71. In 1841 enlarged to lock #60. 1884 doubled; 1888 lengthened. Macedon Lock #60 Historic Site”.
Reflect on how it must have been nearly two centuries ago when mule drawn packet boats plied these locks and pioneers followed this water route to the wild country to the west.
With your back toward the sign and the canal, walk forward to your right (East) toward the open end of the lock, dominated by the stump of a large willow tree. Behind the tree stump in the lock opening is a small weathered wooden sign. Walk along the left hand wall of the second lock for about 45 paces to a point where the lock wall rounds inward a bit. Note the massive stones of which the lock is built and imagine what effort and ingenuity it took to cut and move them. Search the walls carefully. Three levels up, about chest high look for an opening just big enough to contain our letterbox. There is a small rock partially blocking the opening. You have found what you are looking for.
Spend a little more time enjoying the area and then take the right hand, grassy branch of the trail back (under the power lines).

Note: for folks with handicaps there is a small pull off road right at the park on Quaker Road.
The park is also accessible by BOAT from the canal. Look for a beige/tan T dock right near the State sign and the electrical tower.

The Beaver People
pshaw43@rochester.rr.com