Androscoggin Pedestrian Swinging Bridge
Androscoggin Swinging Bridge Dedication and Grand Re-opening Saturday, September 8, 2007
Coleman Burke, of Waterfront Maine
(Topsham) The Dedication and Grand Re-opening of the historic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge was celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 8th, 2007. The event was free and open to the public.
John Richardson, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) gave the keynote speech. He was joined at the podium by Kathryn G. Dodge, Ph.D., (great-great-great-granddaughter of John A Roebling, builder of the Swinging Bridge and the engineer responsible for the design and fabrication of the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge).
Coleman Burke, owner of Waterfront Maine spoke before the audience about the Roebling connection and excellence in building and development. A brief presentation were provided by the Jonathan Hiltz on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of Topsham Expresso and Brunswick. Father Andre Gosselin gave a blessing of the bridge and a blessing to all travelers of the bridge to finish the activities of the day.
At 8:00 AM on Saturday, September 8, before the Dedication and Grand Re-opening, the Swinging Bridge Committee hosted “Teas & Scones with the Roeblings” at the Frontier Café at Fort Andross in Brunswick. Honored guests included Dr. Dodge, her sister Linda McDonald, and supporters of the museum honoring the John A. Roebling Son’s Company. Proceeds benefited the Swinging Bridge Fund and were dedicated toward completing new parks at either end of the bridge.
These two events celebrated the rehabilitation of the Swinging Bridge and the creation of new parks and parking areas at the Brunswick side (on the river side of the intersection of Mill and Cushing Streets) and Topsham side (on the river side of the intersection of Bridge and Union Streets).
The bridge rehabilitation was completed over seven months in 2006 and the bridge reopened to pedestrian traffic in December 2006. In the early months of 2007, the parking areas and parks with plaques and brick pavers engraved to honor donors were constructed.
Brick pavers on the Brunswick and Topsham sides are still available at $100. Donations in any amount are welcome.
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Save Our Swinging Bridge.Org |
Phone: 207-729-3600 |