Not only is this somewhere believed to be along the 35-mile Black River Canal, but time –as place–is also lost to time.  The Canal operated from 1855 to 1925. The lock in the distance to the right is not much of a clue because the Black River Canal had 109 locks.

The barge has no name visible.  The taut towline and ripples from the bow make me think it’s under way.  It appears that someone is standing at the tiller, but a quick movement has blurred details of that person. Would the forward superstructure have been a stable for the draft animals?  

I’m not sure what cargo was in the hold, but the portion of the deck magnified below seems to be in disarray.   I can make out a wooden barrel.  Cargo?  Beyond the barrel, is that a wood-burning cookstove?     To the left, firewood? 

Maybe you have more ideas about this image and the things strewn on the deck.

Details will be available soon, but in October, CSNY will do a study tour of the Black River Canal area.  When sign-ups begin, i’ll share details here.