Elgin and Area Heritage Society

The Rideau King steams through the Nicholson’s lock channel on its way South to Kingston. Note the sides of the channel – the left appears to be man-made stacked stone whereas the right appears more natural. Do the sawhorses on the small dock suggest repairs of some sort are in the works, or are they […]

There is much contrast in this intriguing photo of the Rideau Queen heading North towards Ottawa. The calm waters around the Queen, the turbulence within the Hogs Back Lock #2, the lumber piled on shore, the trickle of water to the right, the narrow path snaking beside the canal, and no people. What do you […]

At Edmonds Lock, looking North towards Old Sly Lockstation we get just a glimpse of a lock gate with the two crabs (what do you think they are?) in clear view. On the upper right we see water rushing over the top of the low dam. Low dams were utilized at Edmonds and very few […]

Imagine trying to walk the precarious planks on the top of the Chaffeys Lock grist mill flume as water spews from every crack and crevice! This picture, taken in 1899 looking South towards Kingston, captures the mill, built by John Chaffey in 1872, which appears to be in a state of disrepair, perhaps vulnerable to […]

What on earth gnawed such a giant hole in the side of the mill at Kingston Mills? Could it have been an accident, faulty contruction, age stress? Will the weakened structure succumb to the torrent of water raging over the rocks beside it? Will it just become more rubble as seen in the foreground? So […]

What is about to enter the recently filled lock? Looking South at Kingston Mills the North lock gate is open, see just a sliver of the gate on the lower right, which begs the question what is about to enter: a pleasure craft, a barge, perhaps the Rideau King? Who is the figure on the […]

A lone workman struggles with the tiller trying to keep the vessel true in the lock. Something can be seen spilling through the door on the left, what do you think the barge is carrying?

Come aboard for a summer cruise at the Red Brick School and experience the Historic Rideau Canal presented by the Elgin and Area Heritage Society. A multi-panel display of photographs has been designed by EAHS partner Glen Russell, with the assistance of Ken Watson. The display of remastered photos, many of which are by Clifford […]