DEATH OF A VALLEY AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE The Tocks Island Dam.

D E AT H O F A VA L L E Y A N D H O P E F O R T H E F U T U R E

The Tocks Island Dam

The Flood of 1955In August of 1955, the Delaware River flooded from lower New York through the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.

Over 78 people were killed and many cities and small towns were devastated.

To ensure that a tragedy like this would never happened again, the government decided to build a dam.

Pictures courtesy of nps.gov

The Tocks Island Dam

Although the idea for the dam had been floating around before 1955, the flood was the catalyst for its construction.

In 1965, The Army Corps of Engineers proposed to construct the dam, flooding many inhabited areas and creating the Tocks Island National Recreation Area.

The project would create a national park, provide hydroelectric power and provide water for New York and Philadelphia.

THE FAMILIES WHO HAD LIVED IN THE DESIGNATED FLOOD AREA FOR

GENERATIONS DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THEIR FAMILY LEGACIES TO BE WASHED

AWAY FOR THE SAKE OF A PARK.

SO… A BATTLE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS BEGAN

There was only one problem…

Why should you remember the dam?

This project has been designed for students to learn about the history of the Walpack Valley, New Jersey and Tocks Island Dam through examining primary sources

After looking at maps and realizing what could have been, viewing films and understanding what should have been, students will develop an understanding and appreciation for the paradox that is the Walpack Valley today

The potential flood areas of the dam

Where will this journey take you?

http://themoderatevoice.com/16812/the-great-old-mine-road-shootout-a-post-that-has-nothing-to-

do-with-iowa/

Click icon to add pictureBefore beginning your research, complete the first two sections of your KWL chart…

History of the Dam

Read the linked article by Neil DeMause and record your answers to the following n a typed document:

http://demause.net/heremagazine/dam.html

Where is the affected area that is discussed in this article? What was the Tocks Island Dam? What were the two major issues affecting residents of the

valley? What government organization was in charge of the project? What was the DVCA? What are three key dates associated with this issue? What are three questions you have about the dam or the

Walpack Valley?

A Historical Perspective

As many photos of towns show progress and development, photos from Walpack show the opposite.

Examine the following photos of Walpack and use your SEA chart to document how development has stopped and deterioration has taken over the area

Series A: Historical Series B: After the Dam

A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words: Use your SEA chart to analyze these photos

Series A: Preserved Series B: Abandoned

Restoration vs. Abandonment

Differing Points of View

As the federal government began to seize property, two sides of the story began to appear

This is an article posted on the National Park Service Website:

http://delawarewatergap.org/TOCKSISLANDDAMPROJECT.aspx

Even today, the National Park Service lauds the service of some: http://www.nps.gov/dewa/historyculture/loader.cfm?csModule=secur

ity/getfile&PageID=146962 While the effects of the land acquisition have left a bitter taste in the

mouths of others: http://www.njherald.com/story/news/0719sweetman-web

David and Goliath

With the loss of property imminent as the Army Corps of Engineers began paying property owners small amounts for their property in the name of eminent domain, a local group began a Grass Roots Movement against the Dam and the eminent domain

The fight lasted for almost a decade, and has split communities ever since. There are some who fought literally until the day they died… and their fight continues on.

ASSIGNMENT: Journal You are a landowner in Walpack, New Jersey in 1978. Do you

sell your land to the government for a low price and move on, or do you use your own money to fight and try to save your home?

The outcome…

The dam project was cancelled in the late 1970’s for several reasons… The Grass Roots organization called the DVCA went to

congress and protested the unfair land acquisition Geological studies showed the bedrock under the river

could not support the dam. The government could not fund the $60-$70 million

needed for the dam due to financial constraints due to the Vietnam War.

The dam project was still “on the table” until it was finally cancelled after several reviews in 2002

The lasting effects…

Over 80% of the homes in the potential flood zone were taken through eminent domain.

Several townships needed to merge due to low population

Shells of historic homes stand in a decrepit state, abandoned for the dam that never was

But… There is now a beautiful national park for

everyone to enjoy

The Legacy of the fight

Cy Harker, one of the few holdouts from the dam project, fought vehemently to save his idyllic 100 acre farm. He died on his tractor at the age of 93, but his legacy stands as one of symbols of the fight against the dam and eminent domain.

Watch this short clip from the movie “Ghost Waters” that gives insight on Cy’s life and fight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YCuTX7aRts&playnext=1&list=PL3C91EF037C4097BE

Ghost Waters

In 2008, filmmaker Nick Patrick created a documentary entitled “Ghost Waters”, which focuses on the struggle of those who fought against the dam as well as the historical integrity that was compromised as a part of the project

http://www.ghostwaters.com/trailer.html

The fight continues on…

In 2008, The Hull family bought Cy Harker’s farm. Brothers Matt and Aaron had helped Cy till the land for many years.

In the deed to the land, Harker states that at no time may the federal government posses any of the farm through purchase or eminent domain.

However, a new fight has begun…

Federal Government vs. Hull

The federal government has filed suit against the Hulls for placing gates on the road that runs through their historic property.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nj/Press/files/pdffiles/2009/Hull%20Complaint%2003-23-09.pdf

The government claims that the road is actually The Old Mine Road, the oldest road in the US.

The case almost reached a settlement, but is now back in litigation.

The local area is again divided due to conflict between government attempts to gain property and the rights of the landowner

Conclusion

The Ill-fated Tocks Island Dam project caused many to lose their homes, but has now preserved thousands of acres in their natural state

The locales affected by the project are still divided over the project, but the paradox lies in the fact that those who have lost homes still visit the area to enjoy it’s beauty...which would have been destroyed and developed if not for the project.

Your final assignment

You have completed a KWL chart, SEA chart and journal.

Additionally, you have watched video and studied maps and legal documents

Write a one page response to the facts presented stating your opinion on the outcome of the Tocks Island Dam project. Is Walpack a better place today as a result of the failed dam?