Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA

Sunday, June 1, 2025

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 1:58pm, welcomed attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

WELCOME GUESTS AND NEW MEMBERS: New member Richard Toland from West Chester. Guests were Robyn Ward, Tony Iannaretti Jr. from the Bucks County Historical Society and his wife Linda, Sheila Miller and Donna Rowland.

MAY MEETING MINUTES: At the back table for review; later approved as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 346 members for 2024-2025. There was one new member, John J. Boron from Lafayette Hill, PA.

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Scott Bomboy – Scott thanked members who went to the Bucks County Covered Bridge Day yesterday; there were about 60 attendees, including Bucks County Commissioner. Exhibits were set-up in the barn at Tohickon Family Campground at Sheard’s Mill Bridge.

Joe McCarthy – (1) Joe reported Rudolph and Arthur Bridge is on target to put the trusses together; steel beams will be installed next week. Joe invited all to his Open House at Lancaster County Timber Frames, Inc. on June 7^th from 9:00am-3:00pm, to see the newly built trusses. (2) Rainwater is badly rotting beams on Bucher’s Mill Bridge. Lancaster County owns the Bridge and E. Cocalico Township owns the road; they are not in agreement about repairs. (3) Joe was contacted about repairs at Neff’s Mill Bridge after it was damaged by a Penske Truck. In 2012, this was his 1^st bridge repair (damaged by a bread truck). (4) Joe’s bid for repairs at Bogert’s Bridge was not accepted.

Tim McLaughlin – Tim/Connie went to a breakfast on Hayes Clark Bridge in Chester County. They also attended the 175^th Anniversary Celebration at Sheeder-Hall Bridge. They saw other bridges in Bucks, Chester, and Juniata Counties and Myers Stover Mill which is 4 floors. They noted that Speakman Bridge has some broken boards.

Sara Beth Kohut – Sara Beth saw many bridges in Bedford and Somerset Counties, noting that paint is peeling badly on Dr. Knisley Bridge.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob is awaiting approval from Perry County to paint Rice Bridge/ apply fire retardant (tentative Aug 23^rd). Bob and Jim Smedley will present “Covered Bridges of Lancaster County: Past and Present” on June 4^th at TOA Lititz Clubhouse.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – Jim thanked Scott Bomboy for the nice event at Sheard’s Mill Bridge; said the bridge looked good. The 8 bridge models on display were unique in that you could lift the roof to see the truss work inside. Jim reported Old Keefer’s Mill Bridge, Montour County is closed; inspectors found deteriorated truss members.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Ray also thanked Scott Bomboy for the festivities at Sheard’s Mill Bridge and enjoyed the bridge models displayed.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony shared a Lancaster News article about Neff’s Mill Bridge’s destruction. He thanked all for the well wishes for Karen after her fall and surgery.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – On June 2nd, Pam will present “PA’s Covered Bridges” at her church’s Senior Luncheon. Pam and Frank also enjoyed the event at Sheard’s Mill.

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – No report.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report

Historian Fred Moll – The additional work has not been done since the wall was repaired at Kutz’s Mill Bridge. Fred also reported Arnold Milton Graton died, a well-known bridge builder from NH. Fred met him at Wertz’s Red Bridge in 1982 and credited him with saving this bridge. Although Arnold couldn’t work on the bridge due to other commitments, he gave explicit instructions on how to save the bridge.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS/PUBLICATIONS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Summer Edition of PA Crossings Newsletter is extended to June 8^th and should be received June 14^th-15^th. The next Edition of Wooden Covered Spans will be mailed with the October issue of PA Crossings.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: Elaine Reiter, life member #94, died April 14^th; Arnold Milton Graton, age 87, died May 6^th; Michael Soroka, former member/Joyce’s father, died Feb 7th.

OLD BUSINESS:

Sheeder-Hall Bridge Ceremony – Sara Beth Kohut reported the 175^th Anniversary celebration was yesterday with 13 members present. There were postcards and magnets of the bridge at the back table.

Sheard’s Mill Bridge - Gloria Smedley reported Country Store sales of $170 at this event.

NEW BUSINESS:

National Historic Register Signs – Gloria Smedley reported she received 1 sign for Hassenplug Bridge. Once the 2^nd sign is received, she will contact the representatives to schedule installation; then the anniversary celebration can be scheduled.

Safari Update – Jim Smedley shared that more information and the T-shirt order form will be in the June, PA Crossings Newsletter. Thanks to Connie McLaughlin who designed the shirt and patch. There are about 45 people registered to attend.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Bob has pictures of covered bridges that are no longer standing, at the back table; free to members yourself. Also, 2026 calendars were for sale.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, East York. See Judy for a fundraiser ticket.

PROGRAM: “Elk Creek Watershed Covered Bridges: Past & Present” by Sara Beth Kohut.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:35pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, June 18, 2025.