The Canal Room was the former Town Planner’s Office and Highway Superintendent. The focal point in the room is a large diorama of the canal (1828-1848) which depicts the center of town (known as Bristol Basin). It has Whiting’s General Store, the tavern, bridges, a packet (passenger) boat and a freighter. The buildings shown were actually present during canal days. There is also a big canal tin horn which was sounded when boats were coming into the basin or to warn of low bridges. Bills of lading, time schedules, books, maps and more can be found in the collection.

A section of the diorama.

Diorama of the Farmington Canal in Plainville Connecticut.