Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.
Monthly Business Meeting, Sunday, October 12, 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. She welcomed new member Robyn Ward.
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: September's Meeting Minutes were available for review at the back table and were later approved as presented.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 178 members for 2025–2026. New members were Richard Egy, North Ridgeville, OH; Penny Erk, York, PA; and Margaret Gacki, Cumberland, MD. New Life members were Val and Martha Stegemoen, Blackstone, MA (#115, #116). TBCBSP also received a $500 donation from Tyrone Township, Perry County for work done at Rice's Bridge.
MEMBERS' BRIDGE REPORTS:
Joe McCarthy – Joe said he had a good time on Safari and also saw Meems Bottom Bridge, which was amazing. Joe reported on the following bridges: (1) Work at Rudolph and Arthur is complete; ribbon cutting ceremony will be October 15th at 2:00pm. (2) The money is together for Bartram's; Eastern Highway signed the contract and contacted Joe to do the timber repairs in December/January. (3) Neff's Mill was awarded to Joe since the other contractor filed paperwork incorrectly with the State. Joe said the center post is shattered at the top, which requires a lot of work to fix; he is waiting for timber to be delivered. (4) Joe got the go-ahead from the contractor for Kintersburg. He will take down the shell, move and dismantle the bridge, and take it to his shop to rebuild. (5) The first contractor was eliminated for Perkasie work; it was awarded to Eastern Highway so Joe will be doing the timber work. (6) Rice needs serious work underneath. (7) East Vincent Township with Sheeder Hall received a large donation and contacted Joe to build a miniature covered bridge on the park trail to be dedicated to Clyde Sheib.
Christine Weaver – Saw a news article that work is to start October 20th on Pine Grove Bridge.
Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie went on Safari and also saw Meems Bottom and Humpback Bridges. After Safari, they saw many bridges in NE Ohio. Also saw Rudolph and Arthur, Glen Hope (now open), Linton Stevens (looks good), and Bartram's Bridge (wing walls look good).
Sara Beth Kohut – Sara Beth emailed this report. She sold 2 calendars at a local festival where she had a display for her book and gave out lots of Society rack cards and papers about bridges. She met many locals who were excited to see Rudolph and Arthur Bridge reopening. She is still trying to plan a dinner on the bridge in May 2026.
OFFICERS' REPORTS:
President Gloria Smedley – (1) After the Bloomsburg Festival on October 4th, Jim and Gloria stopped at Sam Wagner Bridge. The June Commissioner's meeting minutes stated work would start in July 2025, but nothing has been done. They also stopped at Red Bridge in Perry County; no work has been done, but grants were submitted to do foundation work. (2) On October 9th, they went to Rudolph and Arthur Bridge and said the bridge looks amazing. The ribbon cutting ceremony was scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th at 2:00pm. (3) Gloria and Jim took an overnight trip with Frank and Pam Mailey to New York and saw Downsville, Fitches, and Hampden Bridges, then ended at Hyde Hall for the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Bridge. Paul and Heather Watkins and Karl Young also attended. There were over 200 people there, a wagon drawn by Clydesdale horses, music, food trucks, and a tent with vendors including all the Covered Bridge Societies. They sold $404 in Country Store items and gained 2 new memberships from people who had followed their safari photos on Facebook.
First Vice-President Jim Smedley – No report.
Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Ray reported some stone has been put down at Bogert's Bridge, but further work can't be done for about a month due to the bats in the bridge.
Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – Frank and Pam went to see Kings and Barronvale Bridges after Safari and said both looked good.
Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony and Karen went on Safari, said it was very pleasant, and saw a lot of wildlife.
Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam reported the 3 New York bridges looked nice: Downsville, Fitches, and Hampden (unique with diamond-shaped windows). All were natural wood color, drivable, and had National Historic signs posted. Gloria Smedley added that there were wooden guide rails inside the wingwalls to limit vehicle width and keep them in the center of the bridge.
Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.
Historian Fred Moll – Not present.
NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline for the Winter Newsletter and Wooden Covered Spans is Sunday, February 1st.
ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) Christine Weaver had gall bladder surgery and is present today. (2) Dave Evans is recovering from hip surgery on August 25th. (3) Ken Cook was in the hospital recently for 3 days. (4) Linda Finkelstein had fallen, had surgery on her wrist with hardware implanted, and is here today. (5) David Smith, last Charter Member, died September 5th. (6) David Green died September 25th. (7) Terry Miller died October 1st.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Pam Heisey conducted a memorial service to honor members and former members who died this past year:
- Virginia (Ginny) Ehyrich, October 24, 2024; Member for 24 Years
- Gary Bartoo, October 26, 2024; Member for 18 Years
- Bob Kane, November 20, 2024; Life Member 27 Years
- Gladys Smith, January 15, 2025; Charter Member 65 Years
- William Wilson III, January 16, 2025; Member for 17 Years
- Michael Soroka, February 7, 2025; Former Member for 27 Years
- Elaine Reiter, April 14, 2025; Life Member 44 Years
- John Laetz, April 24, 2025; Member for 15 Years
- David Smith, September 5, 2025; Charter Member 66 Years
- David Green, September 25, 2025; Member for 15 Years
- Terry Miller, October 1, 2025; Life Member 14 Years
OLD BUSINESS:
Rice Bridge – Gloria Smedley reported new signs over the portals were placed September 22nd.
Safari Update – Jim Smedley reported it was a successful Safari to 16 bridges in West Virginia and Virginia; he and Gloria thanked everyone for their cooperation and following guidelines.
Bloomsburg Covered Bridge Festival (October 2nd–5th) – Bob Kuether thanked everyone who helped at the Festival. A U-Haul trailer was used this year instead of renting a box truck/van, which saved on expenses. Total sales were about $4,700.
NEW BUSINESS:
Outgoing Officer Recognition – Gloria presented outgoing President Bob Kuether and outgoing Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey with plaques to recognize and thank them for their many years of service as Officers.
National Register of Historic Places Signs – Gloria reported: (1) Sachs Bridge – the grant was awarded, the $2,050 check was received, and Gloria ordered the sign. (2) Red Bridge – Gloria contacted the Historical Society's President and is awaiting a response.
Amendment to Bylaws – Jim Smedley explained that Officers recently voted to combine the positions and duties of Corresponding Secretary and Recording Secretary and rename it Secretary. Membership unanimously voted to proceed with this change. Proposed wording for the amendment will be presented at the November meeting for membership approval.
2026 Safari – Jim Smedley asked for ideas for next year's Safari in PA and whether to hold it 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.
Respectfully Submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary.