Earlier this year, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine visited old Lock and Dam 27 on the Ohio River in Lawrence County, Ohio, to talk about his plan for water-related recreation projects. That was in May. In the seven months since we've not heard a lot about whatever plans he has for this spot, which happens to be one of my favorites along the entire Ohio River.
My big question is what happens here at Dam 27. It's a nice, peaceful spot that could use a few improvements. It's one of the few riverside esplanades left from the old dams, and one of the few of those that is a public park.
Specifically, I wonder about the concrete that formed the lock walls and guidewall at the old dam. The locks opened to river traffic in 1923, making this concrete more than a century old. As it has worn away, you can see how it was made in layers. It's an interesting site for industrial archaeologists, if that's what you call people like me who like to expore old workplaces and imagine how people earned their livings there.
By modern standards, some sections aren't safe to walk on, although that doesn't stop fishermen or curious people. I do ask myself what parts of the old concrete will be kept visible and what parts will be covered up. I guess we will see soon.
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