Bridge news 1868-1939
2024.01.12
Tracks dates and technical improvements.
NewspapersTransportation: highway and road infrastructureTransportation: bridges
Winthers, Sally
Digital data in CatalogIt
Bridge, Swing and Causeway 1902/Drawbridge 1870 or 1868
Text written by Kit Lane for the 2009 Summertime exhibit Crossing the Bridge There was a bridge across the Kalamazoo River near the foot of Mary Street built in the 1840s. It was a partially a floating bridge with a center section elevated to permit the passage of small boats, but which could also be opened to permit larger vessels. However, it was rapidly and poorly built and boats kept knocking it until one day in 1857 when it collapsed. According to a contemporary account “a wagon and oxen and two ladies floated gracefully along until the driver (who chanced to be on the body of the bridge) could hastily summon aid to the rescue.” It was not rebuilt and a chain ferry was put into service at that point. A more permanent bridge was constructed in 1868 just west of the present bridge with a draw, and later a swing span to allow boats to go upriver to the Douglas Basket Factory . The present bridge was built in 1938 to convey the Blue Star Memorial Highway over the river and has been improved and widened several times. The structure is the site of the annual Labor Day bridge walk. The walk was inspired by a similar event which takes place on the five mile long Mackinac Bridge which links Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula. The Kalamazoo River bridge walk occurs early Labor Day morning with as much pomp as can be mustered. The .09? mile length of the bridge, includes a stop for refreshment in mid-walk and a certificate of completion issued to those who go the entire distance.
03/04/2024
03/30/2024