Near Independence in Cuyahoga County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lock 37

Family Business

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022

1. Lock 37 Marker

Inscription. Canal locks attracted businesses to serve canal boat crews, locals, and farmers. Here at Lock 37 the Vanouceks ran a tavern and general store, and the Alexander family operated a gristmill. A spillway allowed excess water to flow around the lock. The mill used the spillway’s waterpower to grind grain into flour and livestock feed.

Caption
A freight boat leaves Lock 37 in 1863. The Alexander / Wilson Mill is on the left – partially hidden today by trees. The Vanoucek tavern, store, house, and barn are on the right.

Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Ohio and Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 41° 21.402′ N, 81° 35.818′ W. Marker is near Independence, Ohio, in Cuyahoga County. Marker is on Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, on the left when traveling south. Marker located within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Independence OH 44131, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Floods and Repairs (a few steps from this marker); Alexander / Wilson Mill

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Frazee Family (approx. 0.4 miles away); Symbol of Success (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mule Power (approx. 1.3 miles away); Hell's Half Acre (approx. 1.4 miles away); Lock 38 (approx. 1.4 miles away); Valley View Veterans Honor Roll (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022

2. Lock 37 Marker

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022

3. Lock 37 Marker

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022

4. Lock 37

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2022

5. Lock 37

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 16, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.