DescriptionArtifact two is a wood handled wrench that could have been used in many different ways in the construction and maintenance of the canal and its boats. On a canal
barge or ship the wrench could probably have been used as a tool to fix the engine or the boat itself.
In the canal it could have been used by canal engineers to fix the wicket and [miter] gate mechanisms as well as tightening the metal turnbuckles within the [miter] gate doors.
NoteIn 1998, the New Brunswick Free Public Library accepted 31 artifacts that were recovered from the Delaware & Raritan Canal outlet lock and towpath. Currently they are are on permanent display in the Henry Guest House which is on the library grounds. The various artifacts are organized into six different categories: Tools; Pieces of Canal; Milk Bottles; Mule Shoes; Workers Personal Objects; and Bones. As a part of the inventory, each artifact is listed with a label (Item no., Title, Description, and Date Accepted), an expanded description, and a photograph(s). These objects are a portion of the Delaware and Raritan Canal Collection of the NBFPL Archives. The larger collection includes pictures, articles, and documents about the canal and its history. Access is available by appointment at the library.
Organization NameNew Brunswick Free Public Library
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