Clinton News-Record, 1976-06-24, Page 87(eentinuod from page S, 2$)
Many difficulties now ea-
perienced in building We iron
bridges, as is evidenced by these
excerpts from. the Clinton paper.
September 1, 1905-"A gang 0!
mein• is making good progress at
building the abutments rf the new
bridge:' September IS - "The
bridge builders have secured a
steam pumping`plent• the hand
ve
putnpin$ eft too slow." Sep-
ten'Aear -"''rhe bridge Widens
have completed the centre
abutment and ate now busy
working at the one an the north
side,"
November 17 -"It has been
decided by the County Council to
rebuild the south abutment which
was built for the new bridge and
which has cracked from top to
1.4
If
44,
nr
a
CLINTON NEWS,RECORD,' 'JRSDAY. 24.197 PAIGE
bottom through +being set on a
poor foundation."
Other difficulties were en-
countered so it was two years
before it was open to traffic. Like
all other bridges of those days. it
was quite nano* area, when
cars became popular, drivers•
either waited until the way was
clear or crept past each other.
hoping that no paint would be
scraped off their cars. The boys
used to run upthe sloping iron-
work, much to the consternation
of their mothers.
Tom Bailey dived off the top for
years -which was a real feat and
attracted considerable attention,
Auwal-_�-1,1-g way down to the
water. Jack Atkinson jumped.
instead of diving. A ,footbridge
ran along ,.the west side for
pedestrians ►nd was handy for
those going from town to the fish
shanties or boathouses. Steps
were built down the hillside in
front of "The Hut." Also, there
had been steps down -from
"Glass's Hill" to the previous
wooden bridge.
As traffic became heavier,
there was no denying that
something had to be done as the
bridge was too narrow and the
streets leading to it on the south
side not straight enough. After
much surveying and a great
I
This 15 .! .p foto,
wooden bridge,. The
background.
Abe iron bridge and beside the old
Ill and Jowett home stood in the
Around 1899 an old wooden bridge 'stO d in the location of the
later iron bridge.
Clifton Rouse still attractive
is
According to the Clinton New
Era. August 14, 1896, "No more
handsome residence adorns the
village than the new house of
Reeve Burns which is now
completed.
"It occupies a prominent and
attractive position. is well fur-
nished and reflects credit on the
contractor, Mr. T. McKenzie.
Clinton."
Alas. Reeve Burns had built
such a fine home on the corner of
Louisa St. and the Square, that he
could not afford to continue living
in it after the first few years. It
has since had a succession of
owners: Mr. and Mrs. W.R.
Jowett: Capt.. and Mrs. J.A.
Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Lam-
bert: Mr. and Mrs. J
,MacKenzie: Brigadier and Mrs.
'F.A. Clift who bought it in 1963
when they retired to Bayfield.
A few changes have been -fade
through the years, chiefly' to the
backkitchen and the barb or
shed. but the property has always
been in good hands and is still as
attractive as when it was built.
Bayfield House
The fermer Fowlie House on
Main Street was built in two
parts. An item in the paper et
August 11. 1893 states. "Mr.
James Fowlie has the framework
up for his new two for his new two
storey frame dwelling which is in
front of the old one."
September 1 - "Mr. Fowlie has
now a commodious dwelling and
we, hope he and his family may
long live to enjoy it.;;
After the death of their parents.
Frances and Ethel. continued to
live in the home during ':their
lifetime. 'It was sold in 1974 and
• became an Antique Shop.
BEST WISHES TO BAYFIELD- _
ON ITS 100ih ANNIVERSARY
STEVE AR.GYLE
"Serving Bayfield * Aria since my. Ontario
S4542
99.
amount of roadwork on bath sides
of the river, the present route of
Highway 21 was constructed.
Coming from the north, the high-
way had run down to Jowett's
Grove where it had made a sharp
turn to the left, then down the hill.
A completely new road was cut
through frgm Deer Lodge. some
huge trees being felled on the
Lindsay property. Also. the road
from the fish shanties was re-
routed straight through to meet
that Highway a little north of the
old road in front of Mustard's
house.
The new bridge now in use was
opened officially November 10.
194'9 on a cold windy day. Lyall
Davison is report to have said.
when Thos. Pryde M.L.A. was
about t0 speak. "Cut it short.
Tom." Mr. Pryde replied. "Some
gentl,man has asked me to cut it
short and I'll do just that?' All
were grateful as it was s0 chilly.
• The present drive from the
Square of down to the Bridge
gives a beautiful viewof the river
valley to the right. especially
scenic in the autumn. and many a
person has become enamoured
with Bayfield on that short
stretch of road. He hope that the
natural scenery will not be
spoiled by man.
1•
Constructlonbeg in 1948 for the New Cayhetd Bridge and was
opened the following year.
r
Steps leading down to the river from Main St. stood beside the old wooden bridge.
Proudto be
apart- of Bayfield
•r
BAYFIELD
BARBER and
BEAUTY SHOPPE
for cuts and styles
Elsa Grillmeyer and family
BAYFI ELI"
5654801