Deck view, 1988
This photo by Wayne Kizziar shows the damaged bridge deck in 1988
BH Photo #100508
My grandpa said he saw it almost halfway up the trusses once in the 60s. The fire department gave him $200 to cut a log off it cuz nobody else would do it said he was 22.
Patrick feller. Im not sure. Just a old photo one of my freinds grand parents had
That is a great picture of the bridge in a flood. Though faded, the color is still there in the print. Do you have any idea what film was used for the 1923 photo?
I certainly remember that concrete tower. As a kid I never knew what it was. I crossed the old bridge, that washed away, back about 1949. The water was so high that it was sloshing over the floor as we crossed. My dad waited a long time before we attempted to cross. I was about 5. I remember he said, "It could go at any time". The water was roaring as it ran under and around the bridge. It was only one lane wide. Well it held on long enough for us to cross. Apparently it lasted many more years. As we crossed that old tower was on the right side of the car. They had markings on it to tell how deep the river was. I can't remember how deep it was but it was easily up to the upper light colored area. I know it was deeper than I'd ever seen it either then or any time after that. I know I was really scared. I never forgot it. Just thought you'd like to know a little about the old bridge. On a clear night, you could hear the bridge timbers rattle ten miles away at our house when a vehicle crossed it, Of course, that was a long time ago.
I grew up not more than 2 miles from this bridge at the corner of Old Military and Hwy 270 across from the Rockport Methodist Church. I learned how to drive going across this bridge and seeing the runners on the deck brought back memories of fearing for my life! The boards they laid for the runners would split lengthwise and as the sun heated them up, the boards would curl and pull the nails out. So, not only did you fear driving off the bridge (it was SO narrow) you feared puncturing a tire.
My grandfather, Vernon Lancaster, worked for the water company and was responsible for the pumps housed in the silos. Small world!
I wish I had a dime for every time I have crossed the old bridge. I'd be wealthy. I recently was able to cross the new bridge while in the area visiting and it was so much better than the old one.
The "silo in creek" housed the in-take machinery for Rockport/Malverns original water system . If you look closely at some of the pictures you will see a small castle like structure as well. This served as the control room for the water intake system. Both used to be accessible by small walkways from the old bridge. Both structures are made of concrete and are on the national register of historic places.
this is off topic ...
But why in the heck is there a cilo in the middle of the creek?
wow, this was a beautiful bridge, i am so sorry to see it gone..... thanks for the photos wayne so we can remember this lost bridge
This is a memory of mine come to life. I lived there. If you look real close you can see a structure between the silos. There is a small house there. It belonged to my God mother, Lela Donley. If you look over to the right you can see where we lived.