The Springwater Volunteer Bridge

from a story by Gwen Young, Berlin Journal Newspapers

The culmination of several years of hard work and planning finally paid off for a group of residents in the Town of Springwater in Waushara County. The bridge was dedicated and opened to traffic on June 1, 1997.

The group managed to complete the preparation for the development of a covered bridge over the Pine River. The old bridge was in need of replacement, and the perfect choice for the residents was to beautify the area with the erection of authentic Towne Tress Covered Bridge.

This idea came about when Springwater Supervisor, Garth Towne, traveled to Pennsylvania for his daughter Chari's wedding in 1990. In that area of the United States, there are several one-lane covered bridges that are looked upon as a strong heritage point for the residents. Towne saw the pride that the communities have in the old covered bridge design.

A bridge had been needed for the roadway that passed over the Pine River on 24th Street, between County A (Catherine St.) and Portage Road. The Department of Transportation was set at putting in a steel and concrete bridge and the county was going to apply for federal funds.

After the idea for the covered bridge was born, the county was set on taking over the project and getting a covered bridge built for the area. With this idea, the county had to sign off for the Department off Transportation, to relinquish any federal funds that would have been available to build the steel bridge. This funding would have made it impossible to build a covered bridge due to the requirements for the grant.

"We didn't want to abandon the project and then be sorry for it in five, ten or twenty years," replied Everett Eckstein. "We became determined to follow through," he added.

The town board chairman, Everett Eckstein and supervisors, Garth Towne and Norman Hoeft traveled to Fifield, Wisconsin in March 1994 to view a recently completed covered bridge. This Smith Rapids Covered Bridge was built by the Forest Service and is a Towne Lattice Truss Design. This design was patented by Ithiel Towne in 1820. Ithiel is the cousin of Garth Towne's great-grandfather. This design is still visible in over 150 bridges throughout the United States.

Garth Towne was instrumental in the planning of the project and the implementation of it. "This project wouldn't have been possible without the determination and dedication of Garth Towne who is the backbone of the whole idea," stated Everett Eckstein.

With volunteer work and a few special residents who volunteered their talent. the bridge cost a fraction of the amount if it was contracted out.

Several of these volunteers worked feverishly to complete the project. Some of the volunteers include the Town of Springwater Supervisors, Everett Eckstein-chairman, Garth Towne and Norman Hoeft. Other volunteers include Lionel Peck from Gilbert Lake, Norm Suranne, Alden Attoe, both of Springwater, Henry Bell, of Gilbert Lake who did wiring for the project, Larry Anderson who built a press and provided equipment for the work, Steve Slavic and Robert Nass.

Some of the men who worked hard on the project know the significance of the future and heritage. Their ages ranged from 63 to 86.

The press that was build by Larry Anderson is equipped to pull the planks together to force slip rings around the area of the bolts to secure and enforce the joints. The project would not have been possible without this piece of machinery.

The wood used in the bridge is Douglas Fir from Oregon. The planks weighed up to 600 pounds a piece and the total truss for one side of the bridge weighed over five tones. The split rings that are driven into the joints come from a company in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the only known company to still provide these essential piece of the project plans.

The Towne Druss design consists of two trusses that are of lattice design that makeup the sides of the bridge. These trusses then support beams that cross from one to another and supports the traffic. With this design, having the traffic being supported by the wooden bridge itself, makes it an authentic covered wooden bridge.

The sides of the bridge are open for viewing from the inside. They are covered by rough-cut cedar and the roof is a cedar shake roof. These special design choices will help the bridge last longer and will allow for years of service.

The finished bridge is 44' long, 15' wide and 12'6" high. It is a one-lane bridge so courtesy is important. Passenger vehicles only are allowed to travel over the bridge.

Many of the neighbors of the area are very pleased with the idea of preserving the area by making it more beautiful. One such neighbor made a generous contribution toward the project while another is making big plans.

Kermit and Shirley Jorgensen developed a 1/2 acre park on their property next to the bridge. It is complete with a gazebo and landscaped surroundings. Along the Pine River are large willows that add to the beauty of the area.

This private park is open to the public and available for weddings and gatherings. The Jorgensons are doing as much as possible to make sure that anyone can enjoy the exquisite sites available in their own backyard.

A guest book and photo album of the construction and raising of the bridge is available for public viewing in the gazebo.

The Town of Springwater saved the taxpayers over $100,000 that would have been paid had a steel bridge been built. They accepted donations toward the project and appreciated all the volunteer work donated.

photos courtesy of Berlin Journal Newspapers

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