Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting & Annual Picnic at Poole Forge

Sunday, September 7, 2025

Vice-President Jim Smedley called the meeting to order at 1:10pm after all enjoyed pot-luck, picnic lunch. He welcomed attendees (no guests or new members) and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

AUGUST MEETING MINUTES: At the table for review; were later approved as presented.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 349 members for 2024-2025 and 131 members renewed for 2025-2026.

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS:

Joe McCarthy – (1) Joe expects to finish his work at Rudolph & Arthur Bridge followed by an inspection; then, another Contractor will complete the concrete work. In October, Joe will be talking about this Bridge at his Timber Framers Conference in Chicago. He will also speak about the Chinese-Style Bridge in Vermont. (2) Joe is preparing a quote for the repairs at Neff’s Mill Bridge, as the sole-contractor. (3) On September 22^nd, Joe is meeting at Kintersburg Bridge in Indiana County to discuss dismantling and moving the entire bridge to his shop to rebuild. (3) Joe did repairs on Glen Hope Bridge and they are awaiting steel for the I-beams. (4) There is no update for Pine Grove Bridge.

Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie saw the trusses raised at Rudolph & Arthur Bridge, attended the 200^th Celebration at Hassenplug Bridge and helped paint Rice’s Bridge. They saw the following Bridges: Leaman’s, Fleisher (missing knee braces), Red, Meiserville, Hayes, Millmont (has sway & twist), Eshelman’s, Jackson Saw Mill, White Rock, Aline, Pine Grove, Glen Hope (still closed), Linton Stevens and Pool Forge.

Bonnie Shultz – Bonnie went on the Tri-State Safari in August. She showed her poker chip with a covered bridge picture from the Harley Shoppe.

OFFICERS’ REPORTS:

President Bob Kuether – No report.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – Jim and Gloria visited Rudolph & Arthur Bridge on August 29^th to see the status of its’ rebuilding. On August 16^th, they attended the 200^th Anniversary Celebration at Hassenplug Bridge and helped in painting Rice’s Bridge on August 23^rd with 18 TBCBSP members present.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Not present. Ray emailed a report that he was advised by the Bureau of Recreation that H & P Construction Inc. won the bid for rehabilitation at Bogert’s Bridge. Construction was expected to start September 15, 2025 with completion in August 2026.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam saw Trusal, Thomas, Harmon’s and Kintersburg Bridges in Indiana County and McGees Mill in Clearfield County.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony and Karen saw Keller’s, Erb’s and Kauffman Bridges. Tony announced that the parking lot at the church is privately owned and can no longer be used by the church and for our meetings. Parking is available across the alley or on Locust Street.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Frank and Pam attended the 200^th Anniversary at Hassenplug Bridge and helped paint Rice’s Bridge. Pam noted the bridges in Indiana County had historical marker signs placed by Indiana County Parks and Trails; and McGees Mill had a historical sign placed by the West Branch Covered Bridge Association (est. 1958).

Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – Not present; no report.

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report

Historian Fred Moll – Fred Moll reported that Wertz’s bridge had 4 white beams which he reported to the Park Ranger to pass on. Fred and Shriley went back to the Bridge on Labor Day weekend for the festivities and band.

NEWSLETTER EDITORS/PUBLICATIONS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Fall Newsletter and Wooden Covered Spans is Sunday, October 5^th.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) John T. Laetz died on April 24, 2025. (2) Linda Finkelstein fell on August 25^th and had surgery on her fractured wrist. Ray continues with health problems. (3) Fred Moll is having some eye and balance issues after coming home from rehab. Fred said he had a stroke and didn’t know it; he encouraged everyone to seek medical care if you’re having unexplained symptoms (4) Carol Wright fell this past week at the Market and was taken to ER; no fractures, but her arm/shoulder is very sore.

OLD BUSINESS:

Hassenplug Bridge 200^th Anniversary Celebration (August 16, 2025) – Bob Kuether thanked those that attended. There were about 60 attendees, including 18 from TBCBSP, townspeople, a relative of the Hassenplug family and the mayor.

Rice’s Bridge Painting (August 23, 2025) – Bob Kuether reported the Bridge was painted and No Char fire-retardant was applied inside. He thanked all who helped. Gloria Smedley submitted an order for two “Rice’s Bridge” signs to place over each portal, replacing the faded wooden signs; they will be dark green w/white lettering, with cost of $217 each.

NEW BUSINESS:

National Historic Register Signs (NHRP) – Gloria Smedley reported: (1) The Adams County Supervisor determined the location for the NHRP sign at Sachs Bridge and has the permission letter from the Gettysburg Municipal Authority. He will forward the necessary information to Gloria to submit the Grant application for the sign. (2) While painting Rice’s Bridge, Gloria spoke to Commissioner Frank Campbell who expressed interest in obtaining the NHRP sign for Rice’s Bridge. He will gather the necessary information for Gloria to submit the Grant. Proceeds from the proposed dinner on Rudolph and Arthur Bridge will go toward the cost of the historical signs.

Safari Update – Jim & Gloria ran the route again in August and found one detour for road work. Jim said there will be a lot of driving and side roads; restaurants and rest stops are planned. Emails with further information will be sent shortly to the 44 attendees.

Bloomsburg Covered Bridge Festival – The Festival will be held October 2-5, 2025 from 9am to 5pm (Thurs-Sat) and 9am to 4pm (Sun), at the fairgrounds. Member Doris Musselman (89 y.o.) helped for many years but is unable to continue.

Nominating Committee – Joe McCarthy read the nominees for Officer positions for 2026- 2028: President – 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; Historian – Fred Moll. VACANT: Corresponding Secretary. With no other nominations received, it was a unanimous vote to accept these candidates as Officers.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Connie McLaughlin shared the PA State Grange Magazine showing Clay Bridge on the cover. (2) Sar Beth Kohut shared the PA Magazine showing a picture of Pool Forge Bridge and an article on Covered Bridges.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, October 12^th at 2:00pm at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA. Program will be “Our Society’s Year in Review” by Bob Kuether.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:20pm.

Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, September 27, 2025.