Posted by David Sharps (68.36.92.169) on March 18, 2002 at 17:45:21:
Back in 1989 through 1992, The Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge #79 was docked in both
Hoboken (Erie Lackawana Plaza) and Jersey City (Liberty State Park).
Hudreds of people came to theHudson Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge for our programs
in education, culture and the arts.
The Barge was unable to secure a home in New Jersey and is now docked in Red Hook,
Brooklyn and is enjoying great
success in providing use and enjoyment of the waterfront.
However, the Barge is in trouble
and I am appealing to the people of Hudson County to help us out. With the
waters of the NY Harbor becoming cleaner, shipworms have reappeared and are attacking the
88 year old barge. The NY State Canal Corporation has donated use of their Waterford, NY
drydock for our use this summer. A tugboat captain has offered to get us 140 miles up there.
It is now my challenge to raise close to $200,000 to pay for the professional shipwrights,
and materials required to replace the shipworm damage and protect the hull with a sheathing
in order that the Barge can continue our operations for future generations.
If you can help or are interested in more information visit
www.waterfrontmuseum.org or call 718 624 4719.
Look for our NY TIMES feature article in the Metro Section next Tuesday.
All my best to the Museum's friends in Hudson County!
David Sharps, President
Waterfront Museum