Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting and Fundraiser

Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, York, PA

Sunday, July 6, 2025

President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:00pm after all enjoyed lunch at Hoss’s. He welcomed attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

MEETING MINUTES: The June Meeting Minutes were available for review and approved later in the meeting as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 349 members for 2024-2025. There was one new life member, Gail Russell (#114).

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Joe McCarthy – (1) Joe reported he received the drawings for the repairs at South Perkasie Bridge. (2) Joe gave up on pursuing repairs at Bartram’s Bridge. (3) Joe learned that Kintersburg Bridge is getting close to starting the rehab. (4) Sam Wagner Bridge went to the lowest bidder for repairs (not Joe); wood at one end is rotted. (5) Joe bid with Lobar for Bogert’s Bridge, but it went to another bidder who had lowest bid (this is their 1^st bridge project). (6) Joe is waiting for the engineering report of damages for Neff’s Mill and Pine Grove Bridges. (7) A new cedar shake roof is being put on Glen Hope Bridge; Joe submitted a bid to do some work too. (8) Joe reported deck boards are ½ done at Rudolph and Arthur. Trusses will be installed August 5^th-6^th; go to the west-side of the bridge to watch. (9) Lancaster County is working with the Amish for repairs to Bucher’s Mill Bridge.

Sara Beth Kohut – Sara Beth visited the following bridges: (1) Pine Grove (undergoing some rehab); (2) Speakman #1 (looks nice); Glen Hope (reported preservation project work for new cedar shake roof, replacing some damaged side boards, repointing abutments; Joe called in for rot issues; (4) Linton Stevens (work similar to Glen Hope is planned for 2026; has trees growing out of moss on roof); (5) Gilpin’s Falls in MD (sign noted restriction of 5,000 lbs or no more than 25 people).

Tim McLaughlin – Tim/Connie saw the following bridges: Willow’s, Landis Mill (huge beehive at one end), Neff’s Mill (disappointing to see the damage), Kurtz’s Mill, Jackson’s Sawmill Bridge, and Mercer’s Mill. Connie reported that the parking area at Speakman #1 Bridge has been fenced off, so you can only park along the road.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – Bob has not visited any bridges.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – Jim and Gloria visited 11 bridges in northern Lancaster County to see if they had damage from the recent rainstorms. They saw evidence of a lot of flooding in the fields at the bridges. There was some damage to the horizontal siding boards at the bottom of Shearer’s Bridge. A resident at the home next to Zook’s Bridge said the water rose to the bottom of the bridge; Jim noted some damage at the lower side boards with a lot of debris inside and on top to the lower cords.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Ray will check with his contact about Bogert’s Bridge and keep us informed of progress.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam shared that in talking with their waitress at a local club, the waitress asked what a covered bridge was, saying she never heard of that. Pam explained and shared some pictures. So, we still need to educate!

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Not present.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Fred visited Wertz’s Red Bridge and noticed a white & grey cat on top of the arch. He went home to get his camera and returned for a picture, but the cat had left. Always make sure you have a camera/phone when visiting bridges; you don’t know who you will meet on a covered bridge!

NEWSLETTER EDITORS/PUBLICATIONS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Fall Newsletter and Wooden Covered Spans is Sunday, October 5^th. Everyone who receives hard copy issues will receive them together in a brown envelope.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: Gloria Wolfhope was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation and will have a procedure this week.

OLD BUSINESS: Judy Kuether received $120 donation for the presentation done by Bob Kuether and Jim Smedley on June 4^th, at TOA Lititz Clubhouse.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kirker’s Covered Bridge, OH – Judy Kuether received a letter from Adams County, Ohio Travelers and Visitors Bureau acknowledging the Society’s $1,000 donation for repairs.

National Historic Register Signs – (1) Gloria Smedley reported she received both signs for Hassenplug Bridge; she and Jim, delivered them to Union County/Borough teams who installed them June 26^th. There was an error on the sign’s rehab date; she ordered a kit from the vendor to correct this. Gloria contacted a reporter who will write a story about the installed signs and upcoming celebration date. (2) Gloria is waiting for the Township Manager to report he received PennDOT’s approval to place signs, so she can apply for 2 signs at Sheeder Hall Bridge. (3) Gloria had a phone conversation with the Special Events Coordinator at the Adams County Commissioner’s Office about applying for a sign at Sach’s Bridge. This Coordinator will call back after speaking with the County Manager.

Hassenplug Bridge 200^th Anniversary – Bob Kuether said this Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, beginning at 1:00pm with 3 County Commissioners scheduled to speak. Judy Kuether read a letter of response from the Governor’s Office that Governor Shapiro is unable to attend but sends best wishes for this memorable event.

Safari Update – Jim Smedley shared that they plan to go to WV in August to drive the safari route again. Safari T-shirt orders are due on August 3^rd.

Red Bridge Repairs – Bob Kuether explained the Historical Society of Perry County was seeking donations for stone masonry repair. The Executive Board voted to pledge $1000 after repairs were done. Pam Mailey shared her reason for “nay” vote that the Society has already given money twice towards this bridge, bench and board (and painted it). Tim McLaughlin made a motion to proceed with Linda Finkelstein’s second to motion. Membership vote was in agreement with donation with one “nay” vote.

Rice Bridge Painting – Bob Kuether said the Perry County Commissioner’s still have to approve the painting. Tentative date is Saturday, August 23^rd, starting at 10:00am.

Nominating Committee – Joe McCarthy read the nominees for officer positions for 2026- 2028: President – Bob Kuether, Gloria Smedley; 1^st VP - Jim Smedley; 2^nd VP – Ray Finkelstein; 3^rd VP – Frank Mailey; 4^th VP Tony Abramo; Treasurer – Judy Kuether; Recording Sec. – Pam Mailey; Corresponding Sec. - None; Historian – Fred Moll.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Joe McCarthy shared the New Holland Edition of the Community Grapevine publication which was all about covered bridges. The first line was “What is there about Covered Bridges that attracts folks?” (2) Sara Beth Kohut shared items from the Chester County History Center’s book sale: a book that included a picture of Brinton’s Bridge, Brandywine (torched in 1957); a 1969 Visitor’s Map of Lancaster County Bridges; and a Wyoming Valley Flood Scenes book with picture of Nanticoke Bridge. (3) Jim Smedley received an email from a gentleman who creates videos for “Idle Curiosity” (on You Tube). His first video was about Covered Bridges (Jim will email link).

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA with an Ice Cream Social. Program by Gloria Smedley, “The Best Safaris Outside Africa”.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:50pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, July 9, 2025.