Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting and Holiday Dinner

Sunday, December 8, 2024

The TBCBSP’s Annual Holiday Dinner was held at Yoder’s Restaurant/Buffet in New Holland, starting at 11:30am; 64 people attended for the brunch buffet followed by the monthly meeting.

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 1:00pm, and led the Pledge of Allegiance. New members, Janice and Tom Sebastian and Jen Weaver and daughter Christie were present.

NOVEMBER MEETING MINUTES: Bob Kuether noted copies of the November Meeting Minutes were at the side table for review; these were approved later in the meeting, as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 270 members for 2024-2025, with 2 new members, Richard Schmick from Mechanicsburg and Penny Brensinger from Breinigsville, PA.

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Jim Smedley – Tom Walczak called Jim and wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Tom attended the Waterford Bridge re-opening ceremony on November 15^th.

Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie saw some Chester County bridges including visiting the site for the rebuilding of the new Rudolph and Arthur Bridge. They also attended the Waterford Bridge Ceremony in Erie, saw McGees Mill Bridge and noted a small bridge at the entrance of Jefferson County Fairgrounds. They visited Sherman Bridge in Erie County and shared that the floor is deteriorating, boards are kicked out, vegetation on the sides was cleaned up and the roof looked good. Also saw Harpersfield Bridge in Ashtebula, OH noting it is a huge, stunning bridge. Other bridges visited were Bank’s, Mercer’s Mill, Linton Stevens and Glen Hope. They also helped to decorate Poole Forge Bridge for Christmas.

Joe McCarthy – Joe is planning to have an Open House at Timber Framers to view the trusses for Rudolph and Arthur, when built (date TBD). He is still waiting for notice that bids can be submitted for Bogert’s and Perkasie Bridge repairs. Joe said there were many good comments on Facebook about his repairs to Knox Bridge. He was also asked to repair an uncovered, wooden-truss bridge on the Rail Trail, about a mile from Knox Bridge.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – The Counties will not allow the Society to paint Jack’s Mountain or Aline Bridges due to insurance issues. He also shared that Union County is not planning a celebration for the 200^th Anniversary of Hassenplug; Bob said TBSCSP will plan a ceremony.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – No report.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Ray thanked everyone for the cards and well wishes after his fall in September. Ray said the Coordinator for repairs to Bogert’s advised him that construction bids will open in April 2025; also that they are still working on Schlicher’s Bridge.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Frank and Pam decorated the gazebo at Poole Forge with Jim and Gloria Smedley; they put on double the garland and lights than other years.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Pam wished everyone Merry Christmas, Happy New Year.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – Judy reported the November bake sale netted $210.

Historian Fred Moll – Fred wished all Happy Holidays!

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Winter Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is Sunday, February 2, 2025.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: Bob Kane died on Nov. 20^th (member of TBCBSP and NSPCB).

OLD BUSINESS:

Un-decorating at Poole Forge – Bob Kuether shared that the decorations will be removed from the bridge and gazebo on Saturday January 11^th, starting at 10:00am.

Easter Egg Sales – Pam Mailey said this will be our Fundraiser at March and April 2025 meetings.

NEW BUSINESS:

Heritage Award – On November 25^th, the Historical Society of Perry County presented this award to Jim Smedley and Judy Kuether for the TBCBSP’s financial support for repairs to Red Bridge (Liverpool) and purchasing a bench with plaque that recognized our contribution.

Covered Bridge Donations – Bob Kuether noted that the wooden covered bridge on the table is for donations toward the Preservation Fund.

Website – Jim Smedley updated all bridge photos on the website and added McCracken Bridge.

Safari 2025 – Jim and Gloria Smedley will lead the 2025 Safari. They plan to go to WV in January to find a motel and drive a route. The likely date for Safari is September 20-22, and may be 2½ days. The February Newsletter will have more information.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Tina Chandler shared that Walmart has popcorn tins with covered bridges and Goods Store has covered bridge puzzles.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Columbia. There will be a silent auction for books and models. The Program will be “The Restoration of Dreibelbis Station Covered Bridge”, by Fred Moll.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 1:45pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, January 15, 2025