Historic Bridge Presentation Free to Public

Historic Bridges of Michigan and Elsewhere is giving a presentation on historic bridges on July 1, 2007 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Ypsilanti District Library in Ypsilanti, Michigan, alongside a presentation by Vern Mesler, Project Manager of Historic Bridge Park. Vern's presentation will cover the art of truss bridge fabrication, and Nathan Holth will be covering historic bridges in general. The presentation will be the first public presentation of this website's new Introduction to Historic Bridges presentation, which replaces the older Introduction to Historic Truss Bridges presentation. The event is free and open to the public.

Union County Dedicates Covered Bridges

Dignitaries of Union and adjacent counties cut the ribbon to officially open the relocated Pottersburg (Upper Darby) covered bridge. This occasion also dedicated the two new covered bridges located nearby, the Scenic Byway and North Lewisburg multi-use trail.

OHBA Members Attend Dedication

Several OHBA members were present for the opening including Miriam Wood and president, David Simmons shown talking with John Smolen (CB designer) and Doug Christian (CE, Miami County and our November OHBA speaker).

The Howard Bridge is Lost!

Photo: 2004 rj

On Monday June 11th the historic 1872 iron truss Howard Bridge over the Kokosing River in Knox county was torn down! (see video) Mt. Vernon's mayor Richard Mavis had proposed saving the bridge by moving it to Foundation Park in that city but he could not convince the City Council to approve their portion of the funding. This is a sad day for Ohio "bridgers". We hope the $12,000 saved is well spent!

The status of the Mill Road Bowstring bridge that was also to be moved is uncertain.

Howard Bridge in Knox County in Danger of Collapse

Photo: 2004 rj
The spring high waters have apparently damaged the center pier holding the remaining span of the Howard Bridge and it is in danger of collapse. We have word that Mt. Vernon is considering moving the bridge to Foundation Park to save it. This is an old (1872) double intersect Pratt bridge on the NRHP and should be saved if possible.

Mill Creek Suspension Bridge Getting a Face-Lift

Photo: Jeremy Clevenger
The "Cinderella Bridge" will receive a major rehabilitation starting today. It's located in Mill Creek park in Youngstown, OH and is an ornate example of a link suspension bridge built in 1895 by a local company. Read about it here.

Don Prusha's Covered Bridge Update

Don Prusha started building this bridge at the beginning of summer 2006. He sent me these photos to show work has now progressed to the point where the trusses are supporting the bridge. Laminated arches are to be added to the trusses (like a Burr arch). He hopes to have the roof on by the end of the summer. His equipment is a vintage 1952 8N Ford.