Chilo in Clermont County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Assistant Lockmaster’s House
— Chilo: Living and Working with the Ohio River —
Photographed By Craig Doda, January 6, 2021
1. The Assistant Lockmaster's House Marker
This house was the Assistant Lockmaster's or the Engineer's house. Between it and the powerhouse stood an identical house belonging to the Lockmaster. Their close proximity to the powerhouse allowed quick access.
A House with a View
In addition to these brick houses, two 12- story wood frame houses completed the row. These four houses were larger than those on the west. They were also located on a higher elevation. This was an advantage when flood waters rose.
Housing Assignments
Houses were assigned based upon task (as in the lockmaster's house). Seniority also influenced house assignments. For example, if a worker retired or left, his home became available to the family that had been there the longest.
Stories
One lockmaster, a former steamboat captain, had the powerhouse fitted with ornate brass fixtures. The next lockmaster stated, "this is a work station, not a museum” and had the brass torn out. Ralph Lindsey interview
Lockmaster Wayne Buckley fell off the lock wall, but managed to climb one of the dam wickets and call for help. Ralph Lindsey interview
Erected by Clermont County Park District. (Marker Number 2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 38° 47.383′ N, 84° 7.955′ W. Marker is in Chilo, Ohio, in Clermont County. Marker is on County Park Road, 0.3 miles east of Green Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 521 County Park Rd, Felicity OH 45120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Highways (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ohio River: Ever Changing (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chilo Lock and Dam #34 Walking Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); Search Lights (within shouting distance of this marker); The “Rye” Field and Water Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flood of 1937 (within shouting distance of this marker); Chilo Lock & Dam #34 Powerhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Replacing Chilo (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chilo.
Photographed By Craig Doda, January 6, 2021
2. The Assistant Lockmaster's House Marker
Photographed By Craig Doda, January 6, 2021
3. The Assistant Lockmaster's House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 136 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 14, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
