h e r i t a g e p a r k w a y. o r g
We have inherited the past;
we can create the future.
- John Muir
Our Historic Waterway
Historic Map of the “Wiskonsin & Neenah or Fox Rivers – Circa 1839
We are dedicated to
• Celebrating our rivers
• Telling their stories
• Preserving the rivers for
future generations
We Facilitate Many Projects
Heritage Paddles
Aquatic Habitat Template
Oral Histories
Hmong River Use Study
Creating a Water Trail
• 280-mile long National
Recreation Trail
• Facilitate $650,000 in
improvements for landings,
portages, safety concerns,
and signage
• Develop longest accessible
water trail in the country
An Accessible River Provides Access for:
1. Individuals with long‐term disabilities
2. Those with short‐term disabilities due to injury
3. Those who need a little extra help
4. Anyone who does not want to get wet feet!
EZ Dock Launch in Neenah
Telling Our Stories
Rescuing & Restoring History
Improve the condition of the valuable historic lock tender houses in a way that is respectful and consistent with its history
Make the building available to the public for their education and enjoyment
House a living interpretive display that tells the story of the history of the locks and Parkway themes
Rescuing & Restoring History
The Lock Houses
• Provide a comfortable lodging facility along the river
• Visitors can experience the history and culture of the waterway while spending quality time in iconic buildings along its route.
Authentic period experience!
Just like Grandma’s house
1930’s period of significance
Our First House: Little Chute
• 200+ hours of volunteer
labor
• On a tight budget, raising
money as we go
• Great community support
• In need of many things
Little Chute Guard Lock Keeper’s House
Winter 2009
Winter 2014
Discoveries
Original maple floors Paneling and plastic tile As found , spring 2014
Washed out back
entry ceiling
Washed out back entry floor
Entire second floor suspended ceilings and paneling
Original plaster to be retained and restored
The good stuff
Front entry door in original color and hardware
Beaded fir porch ceiling and pine casings in perfect condition
1st
floor, wallpaper and painted original woodwork
Dining room with original wainscot and 60’s carpet over hard maple floors
Asbestos Abatement Co.
Asbestos wrap in basement
Electrical panel with fuses and old wiring
Landing balusters kicked out but on hand
Built‐in claw foot tub
to be reused
More maple floor upstairs
Floor restoration by hand
by volunteers
Reliable volunteer saving the maple floor
Objects found in basement Ancient kitchen table
An original maple door, under that red paint
New old front door with digital lock
Also, note the security shutters.
New hot water boiler
New waste with floor drain, cleanouts and new concrete.
Restoring original wood sash
Color sample submitted
for approval
Six light and two light restored wood sash
9 windows almost done!
Incoming: doors!
C O N N E C T I N G U S A L L