In 1999, a 36-foot long batteau fragment was found in the Staunton River at the site of Altavista’s old batteau landing. After it was recovered, the fragment was treated with polyvinyl acetate to preserve it and it was stored at the Avoca museum in Altavista. It was not put on display, as the 36-foot length…
Written by Rachel Mahoney and edited by Bill Trout The frayed, rusty remains of a canal packet boat that provide the ghost of a glimpse of Virginia’s historic canal system now sit on display at its own exhibit next to the canal society’s Batteau House – a sight better than the muddy burial grounds it…
Bill Trout and I attended the Fall Festival at Rassawek on October 23 and 24, to represent the VC&NS and educate the public about our mission as well as to solicit new members. The event was very well advertised and over 5000 people came on the first day alone. Because we were located just inside…
The Tiller magazine is a journal of what the canal society does, including special events we attend and accomplishments and milestones of our members. The James River Batteau Festival always provides us with opportunities to document great stories and we have one such story in hand that will be told in the upcoming Tiller. However,…
The River Management Society is holding their annual symposium April 12-15, 2021. It will be all virtual — if you are interested, you can register here: https://www.river-management.org/symposium. Brian Coffield and Roger Nelson of the VC&NS will be featured in a video about the history of the batteau on the James River. **Update: Here is a…
VCNS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Saturday, April 10, 2021 Batteau House 3806 S. Amherst Hwy, Madison Heights, VA All meetings will be outside at the barn – under the covered area 10:00 am: Board of Directors meeting 11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Completing unfinished projects at Batteau House (cleaning and minor maintenance) 5:00 pm – 6:00…
Laura Rann, the volunteer coordinator at the James River State Park, contacted me and asked if I would operate the sweep for the batteau Madison on an important adventure. As I’m not usually inclined to turn down a batteau trip, I said I’d love to help. It turned out that the adventure was to be…