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From the Gowanda PennySaver News "Reflections" series compiled by Mary Pankow. issue date - June 24, 2001

c. 1883

Main Street bridge - Crossing the Cattaraugus Creek in Gowanda has proven to be a challenge throughout the years. In 1820, a Mr. Barto builds the first bridge that features a center abutment supporting two 50-foot spans. A flood the following spring washes it downstream. in 1826, the Legislature authorizes the building of a bridge crossing the creek at "Lodi". Phineas Spencer, Ralph Plumb and Benjamin Waterman are appointed commissioners to see the project through to completion. Ahaz Allen and Edwin Farnsworth are contracted to erect the structure. Architects Brown, Sturdevant and Marvin; and master mechanics Henry Classon and Sylvanus Parkinson assist in the initiative. At a cost of $1,200, the covered wooden bridge features stone abutments on each side and two archways, painted white, protruding from the center arch. The shingled, pine clapboarded structure stands until the Great Fire of 1856 roars through it. Another, almost duplicate, bridge is built, the following year. In 1861, a flood washes it out and it lands downstream near Gowanda Union School. Temporary bridges are victims of the raging Cattaraugus in 1861. On Oct. 11, rain carries one of the temporaries off and ferry boats are again in use. On Nov. 13 of that year, another bridge is swept away. Monroe Whitcomb, John Woodward and two Native Americans, while crossing the creek in a boat, are tossed into the water as their boat is capsized. The boat shatters and Woodward is killed when his head stikes a bridge piling. In 1862, a better designed, permanent covered wooden bridge is erected on strengthened abutments. Spanning 147 feet, and a total 163 feet in length, the new bridge, built by Edwin P. and George Dailey and completed on Oct. 1, costs $1,800. (Photo courtesy of the Gowanda Area Historical Society.)