FRANK DENZLER
Republican Staff Writer
Thanks in large part to a number of individuals, with financial backing from the Rush County Community Foundation, an 1881 covered bridge that at one time spanned Mud Creek in the rural community of Homer has been dismantled and will be rebuilt.
The bridge was built by Archibald M. Kennedy and Sons and is distinctive in the fact that it is the only Kennedy Bridge built in Rush County at that time that did not have a Burr Arch. The 65-foot long structure was built with native poplar and boasted a King Post design.
Nine years after its completition storm waters rose and the bridge inadvertently was moved from its foundation and came to rest where it has remained since, on property now owned by Steve and Susan Houston.
Throughout the years, the bridge served as a pole barn and housed farm equipment — until recently.
During May a group of individuals dismantled the structure and relocated it to the current 67-acre home of the Pioneer Engineers Club of Indiana, commonly known as Caldwell Pioneer Acres, located four miles south of Rushville.
During recent weeks the bridge was dismantled and will be rebuilt on the steam engine show grounds. The bridge will span a ravine that connects the tractor display area and the saw mill.
The bridge will enhance the historical theme of the venue and allow for and improve visitor traffic during the annual running of the event.
During a recent weekend, Porter, Houston, Dave Coon and others were found removing the tin roof on the structure and starting the relocation process.
“Surprisingly, for a structure that is more than 100 years old it is in relatively good shape, although some of the siding and the roof will need to be replaced along with some of the foundation. We have some work to do but we, hopefully, will have it up or nearly so by this year’s steam show,” Marc Houston said.
As the bridge was disassembled each piece was labeled, while an inventory of necessary replacement pieces was noted.
Through volunteer work it is anticipated that roughly 80 percent of the cost for the project will be done at no charge to the organization.
The Pioneers Engineers Club of Indiana is a family orientated not-for-profit organization that incorporated 52 years ago, in 1957.
This year will mark the 62 year of what is now a four-day event.
What has become known locally as the “steam show” provides various demonstrations of steam engine use and is home to a large flea market area. It is basically a working museum in action.
Many families are in their second or even third generation of involvement in the annual event and many participants come from neighboring states just to be a part of the festivities.
This fall will mark the second year the event will be held at its new permanent location in the 3700 block of South CR 200W.
Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.
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