Pelham dam to be demolished

PELHAM, Mass. (WWLP) - A more than century-old landmark in Pelham is being demolished.

The landmark was first built in the early 1800's and proved to be a resource in Pelham by providing power to area mills.

The crumbling dam poses a threat to several species of fish in the Fort River and the drainage system in the area. Bob Carkhuff's family has owned the dam for the last 40 years and says although the demolition is necessary seeing it destroyed is bittersweet. Carkhuff says his business could not fund the cost to repair the dam. The demolition is being paid for by state grant money.

“For a long time when were kids and stuff and even before we owned this place it used to be town swimming pond, every couple of years people will come down and let the water out,” Carkhuff told 22News.

Carkhuff says the project is expected to last four weeks but could be pushed back pending the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.