Duke Energy supports Canal interpretive efforts

Sketch of the Mule Barn, one of the planned outdoor exhibits along the canal

Carroll County Wabash & Erie Canal Association received the first major donation to its new fund-raising campaign Tuesday night.

Pat More, Duke Energy business relations manager, presented a check for $30,000 from the company's Midwest foundation to Canal President Dan Mc- Cain at the organization's 33rd Annual Meeting held at the Canal Center in Delphi.

The new fund-raising effort is called The Total Canal Experience. It includes the operational canal boat that is being built and an array of outdoor exhibits to be installed along the three-mile stretch of the 1800s canal that passes through Delphi. The Canal Association is dedicated to preserving the canal and educating the public about its history.

Duke Energy is being recognized as the sponsor of the Mule Barn, one of the major outdoor exhibits. The Mule Barn will house the towing animals that will pull the boat as it takes visitors on tours of the canal. The boat is expected to be in operation by early summer of 2009.

"We were very impressed with the award-winning Interpretive Center's museum and the plans for outdoor exhibits," More said. "This is a project that preserves local heritage and promotes tourism and economic development."

The Mule Barn will be representative of those placed at relay stations along the canal so tired animals could be exchanged for fresh ones.

Besides the work animals, visitors will see displays in an adjoining "tack room" and a video on how to harness a mule. Like the rest of the exhibits being planned, it will provide a learning experience for all ages. The horses already pull a vintage carriage for rides around Canal Park on weekends and at festivals.