HCHC Preservation Commission discusses bridges

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Henry County Heritage Center. Attending were Commissioners Chad Brousseau, Johanna Crawford, Joel Garretson, Caroline Lehman, Judy Rawson, Cathy Schriener, Mary Savage, and Pat White.

The agenda, September minutes, and treasurer's report were approved. Topics for discussion included the community's effort to save the 1876 Oakland Mills Bridge and an upcoming fundraising meeting on Oct. 26 at the Heritage Center. Ideas, concepts, and formatting for a Henry County Historic Adventure Guide were discussed.

The Commission signed a memo of understanding that will require the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway to write a history of railroads in Henry County to offset the future loss of the bridge over the Skunk River in Rome which is expected to be replaced in the near future. The existing railroad bridge is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places but is impractical to preserve it. The railroad history document will be complete with historical photographs and made available to the public.

The meeting was adjourned with the next meeting set for Nov. 20 at the Henry County Courthouse.