Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Annual Picnic/Monthly Business Meeting

Historic Poole Forge, Narvon, PA

Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 12:00pm

 

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 1:18pm, after our annual picnic lunch at Historic Poole Forge with 46 attendees.  Bob welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. No guests or new members were present.  He stated the August Meeting Minutes were available for review and he will ask for approval later in the meeting.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 368 members for 2023-2024 with one new member, Joseph Pitonak from South Hampton, PA.

 

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS: 

Steve Wolfhope – On their travels through NY, Steve and Gloria saw Munson Bridge and reported it was in bad shape; Newfield Bridge; and the new Cannon Bridge (built in 2022, in the middle of “no-where”). 

 

Joe McCarthy – (1) Joe reported on Knox Bridge and the damage caused by a tree falling across the middle of the bridge, breaking all pieces and the 175 year-old rafters down to the Burr Truss.  His Company is doing the repairs.  The bridge was built around 1851 at a cost of $853; now, bridge builders are paid about $700/day by law.  Joe will complete the lumber work by early October, and then roof shingles and painting can be done.  (2) Joe also reported that the lumber is on the way for Rudolph and Arthur Bridge; his workers will start building the bridge in his “shop” over the winter.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS: 

President Bob Kuether – Bob reported that Frank and Pam Mailey drove him and Judy to run the Safari route again.    

 

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – (1) Jim and Gloria, along with Frank and Pam Mailey visited Keller’s Bridge and noted it had been painted, but could use a 2nd coat. They also saw Zook’s Mill, Pinetown, Hunsecker’s Mill, and Bitzer’s Mill Bridge (appears to have been repaired but is still closed to traffic). (2) Jim and Gloria spent a few days vacationing in Canada and saw the West Montrose Bridge (in sad condition, but is slated for full rehabilitation next year) and York Road Park Bridge, both in Ontario. They also saw the newest covered bridge in New York State, Cannon Bridge. (3) Jim shared that Babb’s Bridge in Maine was damaged when an overweight truck fell through the flooring. The truck was 6 times over the weight limit. (4) Lastly, South Perkasie Bridge in Bucks County is scheduled for rehabilitation next year and should

be completed by August.

 

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Ray contacted representatives about Bogert’s Bridge again; they are still working on the plans for rehab.  He also reported Schlicher’s Bridge was hit about a month ago.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

 

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam Mailey shared that caution should be exercised when driving on the upcoming Safari; they saw a lot of wildlife including deer and basset hound on roads.

 

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Not present.

 

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

 

Historian Fred Moll – (1) Fred and Shirley took a vacation and visited the following bridges in Iowa:

Knoxville-Marysville Bridge (in nice condition); Owens Bridge (nice reflection of the bridge in the lake); Hammond Bridge (one end of the bridge at its portal had a complete drop off into the creek, the land was completely removed and major work was going to be done to this side).  They did not get to see Wilcox Game Preserve Bridge due to the gated road and “No Trespassing/Trespassers Wil Be Prosecuted” signs, and active cameras. (2) On Labor Day, Fred and Shirley attended a two hour concert by the New Ringgold Band at the base of Wertz’s Red Bridge at the Heritage Center in Berks County. (3) On Sunday, October 20th, Fred will be giving a program on “The Restoration of the Dreibelbis Covered Bridge” at the Kutztown Historical Society at 1:00pm; all are invited to attend.

 

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Fall Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, October 6th.

 

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) Michael Chorazy is doing well with rehab, but will not make it to the Safari. (2) Christine Weaver had spinal fusion surgery on August 30th and is doing well with her recovery. (3) Frank Mailey will have stents put in his carotid/neck artery and heart on Wednesday, due to re-blockage. (4) Member Anthony Walczak, father of Tom Walczak, passed away on September 5th at the age of 94.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Safari 2024 is September 14th-15th with 44 signed up. Bob Kuether gave some additional information.

 

Painting a Bridge - Bob stated it is too late to paint a bridge this year.  We may be able to consider painting South Perkasie next year since rehab is to be completed by August 2025.

NEW BUSINESS:

Safari 2025 – Bob asked for suggestions of where to go on Safari, which would be out-of-state.  West Virginia and Indiana were suggested.  We will need volunteer(s) to lead the Safari.

 

Bloomsburg Covered Bridge and Arts Festival is October 3rd-6th. Bob Kuether reported the Country Store will have a stand at the Festival and set-up on Wednesday October 2nd. See Bob/Judy to volunteer.

 

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Tim Cohen showed a plate with a picture of Knox Bridge.  (2) Betty Miller shared a picture book by Michael Gadomski. (3)  Sara Beth Kohut’s book “Crossing Under Cover”, with Speakman Bridge on the front, is still available to purchase.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The August 2024 minutes were approved as presented.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia PA.  The Program will be “Our Society’s Year in Review” by President Bob Kuether. 

 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:00pm.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, September 29, 2024