Return to Reflections index page

From the Gowanda PennySaver News "Reflections" series compiled by Mary Pankow. issue date - July 01, 2001

Main Street bridge - The wooden covered bridge spans Cattaraugus Creek in Gowanda until 1889, when it is declared unsafe. An iron bridge is designed and Groton Bridge and Manufacturing Company builds the replacement structure. The new bridge is 153 feet in length and costs $7,796. The total cost of the project is $13,000 when removal of the old bridge and abutments is factored in. The iron bridge serves residents and motorists well until 1961. In May of that year, the bridge is closed when it noticeably sags after a heavy truck crosses it. Traffic is then rerouted to Aldrich Street. Eventually, the iron bridge reopens, but on a limited use basis. No trucks are allowed on it at all. On July 31, 1962, the bridge bids a final farewell as Harm Stelzer and Mayor Norman Hogle are the last to go over it riding in a 1902 Oldsmobile. (Photo courtesy of the Gowanda Area Historical Society.)