I have a question. About a mile north of Martha, on Martha's Pond, there is an old ruin, high on a hill above the pond. Can anyone tell me what it was? It doesn't seem all that old, mid 1900's maybe. Follow the road north of Martha, bear left to go towards the rtiver, and you come to it. If you are paddling the Oswego, it's about half way into the pond, on your left. All you see from the river is the sandy beach, but walk up the road a little and you can't miss it. I'm also curious about the wooden bridge just south of the pond, near Martha. How old is it?
Ruins north of Martha
- Thread starter 4WheelPaddle
- Start date
That's the cranberry bog pumping station. Used to pump water from the Oswego into the bogs nearby. You can kind of trace the canal back from that structure into the woods.
And unless I've guessed wrong that pond it's on is actually an inlet off the river that was excavated out to get the water to the intake.
... and during the peak of the summer months, that's beach landing at the bottom is loaded with boaters taking a rest.
That bridge was there in 1973 when I first visited, and the 1931 aerial show the road crossing so there was a bridge there at least since then. The bridge there today is the same one as in 1973; however, it has been damaged by flooding and portions replaced over the years. I have photo's of the damage.
When they added to the Batona Trail, that was the beginning of the end for it. They are trying to keep cars off that portion of it I suspect. And if when that bridge goes I doubt it will be replaced.
Guy
You're right about that being a rest stop , i've always stopped there on my trips down the Oswego. It's a beautiful spot, good pickerel fishing to
Wow, thanks everbody. Great forum.
I imagined it being used to load something into the river. This makes more sense. I just recently noticed the old canal. Any idea when this was abandoned?
It's not really a pond, more like a wide spot on the river with a lot of islands. Cool place to paddle.
The bridge was blocked off when I was there a couple weeks ago, and looks like it will stay that way. They tried awhile back, but it was torn out. (Wasn't my son!)
I imagined it being used to load something into the river. This makes more sense. I just recently noticed the old canal. Any idea when this was abandoned?
It's not really a pond, more like a wide spot on the river with a lot of islands. Cool place to paddle.
The bridge was blocked off when I was there a couple weeks ago, and looks like it will stay that way. They tried awhile back, but it was torn out. (Wasn't my son!)
Lets narrow it down. Here it is in 1963. It appears it is just being built since there is no canal.
In 1970 the canal is there.
So it was not in operation long since I suspect by 1970 is was not in operation. It either did not work or the state shut them down.
Guy
In 1970 the canal is there.
So it was not in operation long since I suspect by 1970 is was not in operation. It either did not work or the state shut them down.
Guy