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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Preserve Oakland Mills Bridge Fundraiser
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The last fundraiser of the year will be held Sept. 20. A Fun Day has been planned by the Preserve Oakland Mills group. The day begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to gather on the south shore of the river.
Lulu’s Dam-Grill opens at 11. There will be live music from 5-8 p.m. and activities from 3-7 p.m. Registration for the Horseshoe Tournament begins at noon. The tournament is double elimination.
Games, face painting and a bounce house will be available for the kids. A 50/50 Drawing and prizes will go along with Coal Haus Pizza and Wesley Chapel serving food. An extra special treat with be Bridge Tours.
The Oakland Mills Bridge was built in 1876 by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company for Henry County, Iowa. It spans the Skunk River and was converted to a pedestrian bridge in the 1970s. It is part of the Oakland Mills State park. Dedicated locals are working to repair and preserve it.
Key Historical Points:
- 1876:The structure was built by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company, based in Leavenworth, Kansas.
- Design :It features a rare, combination design with different types of Pratt truss spans and pin-connected steel components, supported by a stone and timber substructure.
- Original Use: The bridge originally carried Hickory Road across the Skunk River near Oakland Mills in Henry County.
- Conversion to Pedestrian Use: In the 1970s, the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic and became a pedestrian bridge, integrated into Oakland Mills State Park.
- National Register of Historic Places: It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 due to its historical and architectural significance.
- Preservation Efforts: The bridge has been the subject of disrepair and vandalism over time.
Residents of Henry County are looking forward to the day when the bridge will open and one can sit on the bridge, have lunch and overlook the river again. Attend the Fun Day and help the Preserve Oakland Mills Bridge organization.
