The Assistant Lockmaster’s House

The Assistant Lockmaster's House served as the assistant lockmaster's or the engineer's house, while an identical house between it and the powerhouse belonged to the lockmaster, and their close proximity to the powerhouse allowed quick access. Along with these brick houses, two 12-story wood frame houses completed the row; all four were larger than those on the west and stood at a higher elevation, an advantage when flood waters rose. Houses were assigned based on task, as with the lockmaster's house, and seniority also influenced assignments, so when a worker retired or left, his home became available to the family that had been there the longest. One lockmaster, a former steamboat captain, had the powerhouse fitted with ornate brass fixtures, but the next lockmaster declared that it was a work station, not a museum, and had the brass torn out. Lockmaster Wayne Buckley also once fell off the lock wall but managed to climb one of the dam wickets and call for help.

Chilo, Ohio · United States