Lynchburg Covered Bridge
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Post-Millennial Renovation
The Lynchburg Covered Bridge is a historical covered bridge that spans the east fork of the Little Miami River in Lynchburg, Ohio. It has the distinction of being the only such bridge in the state of Ohio that spans two counties, Highland and Clinton.[citation needed] It, also, has the distinction, following a recent repair and restoration project, of being the only such covered bridge in North America to have been converted to a pseudo-suspension infrastructure. The bridgewas built in 1870 in the long truss style.
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[edit] History Of The Lynchburg Covered Bridge
[edit] 1869
On October 11, 1869, a Notice to Contractors was posted by the Highland County Auditor's Office called for sealed bids for the construction of the Lynchburg Covered Bridge. The only stipulations on the project were that it had to be completed in two phases. The first phase, which included bridge's masonry, was to be completed by no later than August 1, 1870. The second phase, which included all carpentry and any remaining masonry, was the be completed by no later than September 1, 1870.
[edit] 1870
The Lynchburg Covered Bridge was constructed for a cost of $3138.66 by local bridge builder John C. Gregg of Hillsboro, who built many bridged in the area. Highland County and Clinton County worked jointly on the project.
In December of 1870, the Highland County Commissioners settled with John C. Gregg for the construction of the Lynchburg Covered Bridge and its abutments.
[edit] 1963
Claude W. West, Highland County Engineer, announced plans to demolish the bridge. A community-wide debate arose over the wisdom and necessity of destroying the local landmark. In July 1963, Ruth Crampton, a staunch supporter for the preservation of the bridge, began a letter writing campaign.
Ruth Crampton contacted State Representative William W. Harsha concerning the "impending destruction of the covered bridge." Regretfully, he was unable to intervene in the matter. So, she contacted the Ohio Historical Society, who contacted the Ohio Covered Bridge Committee. The OCBC was able to contact the Ohio Governor, James A. Rhodes, who agreed to assist in saving the historic landmark. Ultimately, the state had no jurisdiction in the matter, since the bridge did not exist on a state highway.
Finally, Ruth Cramption petitioned the Highland County Board of Commissioners one last time. Following a meeting, in which overwhelming support was demonstrated by the community, they agreed to allow the bridge to remain in place.
[edit] 1969
A new bridge was constructed over the Little Miami River, allowing access to Lynchburg from Clinton County. The Lynchburg Covered Bridge was retired from active service and closed to traffic. Clinton County relinquished rights to the bridge from that point forward.
[edit] 1974
The Lynchburg Covered Bridge sustained severe storm damage when high winds blew most of the roof into the Little Miami River in March 1974.
On July 19, 1974, Highland Enterprise Lumber donated $1478.99 worth of supplies to repair the historic bridge.
[edit] 1975
The Lynchburg Historic Society for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks launched a fund raising campaign, which raised $6000 to repair the aging landmark.
Miriam F. Wood of the Ohio Historic Bridge Society submitted the application to have the Lynchburg Covered Bridge designated as an historic landmark.
[edit] 1976
On March 16, 1976, the Lynchburg Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
A volunteer crew began a major renovation and restoration project.
[edit] 1980
With the destruction of the Barrets' Mill Covered Bridge, which was built in 1866, the Lynchburg Covered Bridge became the only remaining covered bridge in Highland County.
[edit] 1988
The Community Improvement Corporation began fund raising efforts to restore and renovate the bridge and create a village park in the surrounding area. To raise money for this project, the group sponsored the first annual Lynchburg Covered Bridge Festival.
[edit] 1989
The CIC completed its fundraising efforts and created the community covered bridge park, which is named the Ruth Crampton Memorial Park in recognition of Mrs. Crampton's tireless efforts on behalf of the landmark.
[edit] 1993
Vandals set fire to the covered bridge, severely damaging the roof and the trusses.
[edit] 2003
Concerned members of the Lynchburg community rallied together to raise money for the bridges next major renovation. They formed the "Save Our Bridge" Committee under the leadership of Bob Pittser. Together they raised over $47,000, enough to fund the most recent, and most comprehensive, restoration and renovation to the bridge.
