Hide Article Text (OCR)
the new Claypool Hotel.LAST OF THE OLD BRIDGEIT MIST BE TORN DOWN TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW OSE. ».■Sentimental Traditions Clinic to the Aged Structure—Other Municipal Affairs. »Those pioneers who want to have a last look at the old White river wooden bridge while it is still entire have but a few days for their last visit, for the stays and supports of the west span will be attacked by workmen Monday or Tuesday to clear the way for the west abutment for the new bridge. Yesterday George W. Fife Co., who have contracts for the abutments, launched their derrick float and by the middle of next week will begin the wet excavation work. Preliminary to this thewest span of the old bridge must go.. The old bridge Is one of the few pioneerlandmarks. It has been in mind constantly for many years because of the inevitable necessity of tearing it away and the obstinate resistance to its despoliation. It has stood as a monument to the fidelitywith which the pioneers builded, and. although long since condemned, being sagged and tremulous, its services have not been forgotten by the fast passing generation ofmen who used It, and they have rallied repeatedly to preserve it. However, it Is nolonger possible to retain it. even as a picturesque feature of the river.The old bridge was built by William Wernweg and Walter Blake and cost 118,-000. It was begun in 1831 and was first usedin 1834. It was an important part of the National road, which was then being built from Cumberland. Md., to St. I^ouis. For over fifty years it was used for all the traffic along the National road, and most of the time was the only means of crossing the river. When the new iron bridge running at an angle with it was built It gradually passed Into disuse, and many years ago was condemned and closed up. Since then it has passed through several critical periods and by the irony of fate survived its modern rival, which collapsed and fell into the river heneath It.The necessity for its demolition comes from the survey for the spans for the new steel bridge which is being built by the county. The plan calls for the location of the west abutment so that it passes the W'eat end of the old bridge.There have been many sentimental suggestions as to the disposition of the timbers of this revered institution, but the one most readily approved by the less sympathetic generation Is to have a portion of it removed to one of the parks and rebuilt in exact similitude of the old structure. Therehas been no official action so far in reference to the disposition of the bridge, but various recommendations will doubtless be now pressed.Special Connell Meeting.
Newspaper Details
The Indianapolis Journal
Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Sat, Jun 07, 1902
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
