Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting, Sunday, November 2, 2025

Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA.

 

President Gloria Smedley called the meeting to order at 2:00pm, welcomed attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

CHURCH PARKING: Gloria reminded all that we can no longer park in the church lot since it is not owned by the church. You should park across the alley or on Locust Street.

 

MEETING MINUTES: October’s Meeting Minutes were available for review at the back table and were later approved as presented.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 357 members for 2025-2026.  There were 2 new LIFE members, Ken and Linda Olson (#117, #118).  New members were Carla and Matt Young, Penny Erk, Deb Knauss, Robyn Ward and C. J. McCowan (Christmas gift).

 

MEMBERS’ BRIDGE REPORTS   

Joe McCarthy – Joe did a presentation on his work at Hassenplug Bridge’s rehab (start to finish) at his Timber Framers Conference in Seattle, WA; attendees were impressed with his work.  He would like to have a PA mini-safari for this group. Joe reported on the following bridges: (1) Opening Ceremony at Rudolph and Arthur on October 15th went well.  Sara Beth Kohut gave a nice speech. The Bridge also has a fire protection “string” that senses heat. (2) A tractor trailer drove into Leaman Place; driver said GPS told him to go there. Joe is working on price for repairs. (3) Work at Neff’s Mill will start Monday and take about 3 weeks. (4) Joe has all approvals to proceed with Kintersburg. He will start dismantling the first week of December; completion is expected in early spring. (5) Joe ordered the wood for Bartram’s and plans to begin work in January 2026.

 

Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie attended the opening of Rudolph and Arthur Bridge.  They saw Linton Stevens and Leaman Place (after being hit by truck).  Tim said repairs will be starting on Pine Grove Bridge.

 

Sara Beth Kohut – Sara Beth spoke at the opening ceremony at Rudolph and Arthur Bridge along with 3 Chester County Representatives and State Representative. More than 80 people attended. She reported Glen Hope Bridge is open again; she saw several other bridges.

 

Beth Smith – Beth and Tedd saw many bridges on their trip through New England.

 

Tina Chandler – Tina and Jason attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Rudolph and Arthur.

 

OFFICERS’ REPORTS 

President Gloria Smedley – Gloria and Jim attended the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges’ Annual Dinner and Election of Officers in North Grafton, MA. Ron Knapp talked about Timothy Palmer, bridge builder. Gloria will continue as Treasurer of this Society.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – No report.

 

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – No report.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

 

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.

 

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – No report.

 

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

 

Historian Fred Moll – Fred and Shirley visited Wertz's Red Bridge, Berks County and found it to be in good shape.  They noted the red paint is turning light red or pinkish on one side due to the sun; it is not pealing that much to be repainted.

 

NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline for the Winter Newsletter and Wooden Covered Spans is Sunday, February 1st.

 

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) Bob Kuether is recovering from a fall and overnight hospital stay.  (2) Frank Mailey is recovering from a fall resulting in a compression fracture of spine. (3) Marianne Calabrese reported she spoke to Tim Cohen’s brother who said Tim is failing and falls a lot. He can’t really talk on the phone, so cards are welcome.

 

OLD BUSINESS:   

National Register of Historic Signs – Gloria Smedley reported the grant was awarded, monies received, and signs being made for Sachs and Rice Bridges. The Board of Perry County Historical Society voted in favor of Gloria submitting a Grant for a sign at Red Bridge.

 

Donation for Rudolph and Arthur Bridge Barbara and Robert Hart donated $5,000 toward the repairs at Rudolph and Arthur Bridge.  Federal and State funding covered costs; no donations were solicited from the public. Gloria is awaiting response to her e-mail to see how they would prefer we spend the money, i.e. 2026 dinner on the bridge, painting another bridge or refund.

 

NEW BUSINESS:    

Veterans Recognition - Pam Mailey conducted a memorial service to honor members who served in the military:

·       Tina Conn, Navy

·       Ray Finkelstein, Air Force

·       Don Gunzenhauser, Air Force

·       Barry Martin, Air Force

·       Jim Smedley, Army Reserve

·       Ted Smith, Army and National Guard

·       Eric Wiening, Army Reserve

Donation – Gloria and Jim Smedley picked up a sizeable donation from the family of Ralph Bowersox (member for 30 years, died in 2012).  Bob and Judy Kuether helped them sort through items to determine what could be sold on eBay, offered to members or discarded.

 

Amendment to Bylaws – Jim Smedley gave a general overview of the changes to the ByLaws, combining the Corresponding and Recording Secretary positions to a single Secretary position (approved by members and Executive Board at November meetings).  The Executive Board also plans to review and revamp ByLaws in 2026 (last done in 2010 and 2019).

 

2026 Safari – Jim Smedley asked for ideas for next year’s Safari in PA and to consider whether to hold in June or September. Tony Abramo suggested Indiana/Somerset/Clearfield Counties and Frank Mailey suggested Chester County (last done in 2015).  Volunteers are needed to lead the Safari.  This will be discussed further at November’s meeting.

 

Fall Online Fundraiser – Gloria Smedley reported we’ve sold $275.70 to date on the Funderworks Fundraiser (on-line). The Society receives 50% of sales ($137.85 to date).

 

Annual Officer’s Meeting – Gloria Smedley thanked all board members who participated in this meeting on Saturday, November 1st.  She reviewed the following issues that were discussed:

·       Established dates for 2026 meetings.  Obtained speakers for March (Fred Moll), April (Bill Caswell, NSPCB) and August (Andy Rebman, ICBS).  Discussed options for June and November, i.e. ask members to share experiences/interests in covered bridges, show movie.  Meetings will continue at the church.

·       52 out of 425 calendars remain for 2026.  We will re-evaluate on November 22nd to see if more should be ordered.  Calendar sales are a large fundraiser, netting over $2,000 in profit. As an incentive, each person who submits even 1 photo will be placed into a drawing in April to receive a $50 gift card.

·       Seeking someone to lead next year’s Safari to Chester County.

·       We will again place displays in PA Welcome Centers for See PA Covered Bridges Week and have postcards as a giveaway.

·       Gloria would like to paint a bridge and spray No-Char at 3 bridges.  Suggestions were Jack’s Mountain or Red Run (campground) to paint.  If you have any suggestions, let a Board member know.

·       There are 80 bridges on the National Register of Historic Places.  Gloria would like to submit at least 3 grants in 2026 for signs at bridges. The Board suggested we prioritize locations that are bypassed, have ample parking or along a walking path where people can easily read the sign.

·       Gloria plans to research what it would take to create and maintain a new website and form a committee to move forward.

·       The Board agreed Gloria, Judy and Pam will create Operations Manuals detailing the duties of their positions, President, Treasurer and Secretary in the event someone had to replace them unexpectedly.

·       At Bloomsburg, Joe McCarthy suggested we update our banner to include our 501(c)(3) non-profit status and our QR code.  Gloria created a design.

·       For fundraisers, we will continue with bake sales, Easter eggs and Hoss’s (Pam will look into Golden Corral in Lancaster too).  Also consider gift cards to restaurants.

·       The Board discussed Joe’s idea of an “Adopt a Covered Bridge Program” to maintain property around the bridge.  More discussion is needed.

·       As an attendance incentive, when you sign in for a meeting or event, your name will be put in a drawing at the end of 2026 for a free Anniversary or Christmas Dinner.

·       We will continue Country Store sales at Discover Lancaster Visitor’s Center, Bloomsburg festival, Ebay sales, and new this year, the York Christmas/Gift show.  We would like to pursue more local festivals; let us know of any suggestions.

·       The board discussed establishing the Country StoreKeeper(s) positions as a formal non-voting member of the board.  Heather Watkins made a motion with Beth Smith a second and all in favor to proceed.

 

Poole Forge Decorating (Bridge, Gazebo and Tree in Mansion) – Saturday, November 22nd at 10:00am.  Will also address dues reminder cards and decorate Christmas card bags. 

 

Upcoming Country Store Events – Gloria Smedley and Pam Mailey will man a booth at the York Christmas Gift and Craft Show at York Fairgrounds on Saturday December 6th.

 

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: Gloria said there are old cloth T-towel calendars, TBCBSP yardsticks and post cards of Packsaddle Bridge for free. Gloria also showed a canvas painting of Poole Forge that will be raffled off at the December dinner/meeting. Eric Wiening showed an “Easy to Enjoy” flyer from Franklin County with 3 covered bridges on the cover.

 

PROGAM TODAY: “Covered Bridges Connecting Bucks County with New Jersey over the Delaware River” by Jim Smedley.

 

NEXT MEETING: Sunday December 7th.  Brunch at Yoder’s Family Restaurant. Gather at 11:00am, buffet meal at 11:30am. Cost remains $23 with the Society covering any overage.

 

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:40pm.

 

 

Prepared by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, November 20, 2025