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About Applegater. (Jacksonville, OR) 2008-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2012)
Applegater Spring 2012 9 We can save McKee Bridge BY roBErt E. VAN hEuit The McKee Bridge was built in 1917. financing a program for repairs. A federal The purpose of the structure was to convey grant program for restoration of covered two stages per day into the Applegate bridges was found. It was decided that Valley, as well as carry copper ore from the county would submit a proposal to nearby mines. In 1956, due to increases the grant program to completely restore in vehicle weights, a bypass road was built the bridge. The total cost of the project with a concrete bridge. The covered bridge was estimated to be about $550,000. The was closed to vehicles but remained open grant program requires that 10.27% of the to pedestrians until now. This covered budget be provided as matching funds to bridge is the fourth oldest in the state of supplement the grant. This means that Oregon and considered to be the highest MBHS will need to raise about $56,000 at 45 feet above the water. The bridge is (matching funds). Jackson County owns a significant attraction for tourists and the bridge, but has not budgeted money residents of Jackson County. The bridge to maintain the bridge since 1956. Since is an economic benefit to the area, as over then local residents and MBHS have raised 6,000 people visit the bridge annually from funds to maintain the bridge. The grant application was submitted in December the United States and foreign countries. and we expect to Our historic he total cost of the project receive a response bridge has been was estimated to be about sometime in the closed due to a $550,000. spring of 2012. If critical defect and when we get discovered during an inspection in October 2011. The following approval and funding, it will take about describes what has happened and what is 18 months to complete the work. If we do not get the grant, we will still need to raise happening as a result of this inspection. at least $50,000 just to correct the critical Inspection Early in 2011, Oregon Bridge problem with the north truss so it can be Engineering Company (OBEC) submitted reopened to pedestrian traffic. a proposal to inspect the bridge. The cost Fundraising needed Assuming we get the grant, MBHS of the inspection, including design of a cable-and-plank system to be installed is taking steps to start raising funds now. under the bridge, was $5,000. The cable- Members of the board of directors are and-plank system was to be utilized for a investigating a number of charitable close inspection of the underside of the organizations that may be willing to bridge. The proposal was accepted by assist us. Two members of our board Jackson County and the McKee Bridge planned to attend the recent Oregon Historical Society (MBHS) gave the Nonprofit Leaders Conference in Medford county $5,000 for that work. OBEC in hopes of making contact with charitable provided the design of the cable-and- foundations that may be willing to help us. As a fundraiser for McKee Bridge, plank system. MBHS also paid about $8,000 for the materials, scaffolding, and Phil Dollison will present a program about core drilling that was necessary to install Alcatraz Island (the former prison in San the cable-and -plank system. The county Francisco Bay) on May 8 at 7 pm in the completed the installation of the cable- Ruch Library community room. Phil grew and-plank system in September. Early up on the island and has some interesting in October 2011, OBEC inspected the pictures and stories to share with us. bridge and the approaches. On October There is no charge for attending, but any 25, OBEC reported by letter to the county donations will go toward restoration of and to MBHS the results of the inspection. the bridge. McKee Bridge Day will be on During the inspection OBEC inspectors found a number of deficiencies, including Saturday, June 23, this year, to participate a critical one in the bottom chord of the in the Applegate Valley Days celebration. north truss. Because of that deficiency, On that day, Janeen Sathre will lead three OBEC strongly recommended that the interpretative walking tours of the Gin Lin county close the bridge immediately to all mining area. The first hike will be 3-1/2 miles, moderately difficult, following the users. The county complied. hand-dug ditch. The remaining walks Remedial actions MBHS, Jackson County, the State of will be easy to moderate one-mile tours Oregon, and OBEC jointly searched for of hydraulic mining landscape. Meet at any possible funding that might assist in McKee Bridge and travel by car to the T trailhead. The first hike will start at 9:30 am, second hike at 1 pm, and third hike at 3 pm. A donation is required to participate. All hike donations will be matched by the Microsoft Foundation. For information, go to www.applegatevalleydays.org and click on “EVENTS.” In addition to these activities, we hope you will also assist us as you are able. If you have any ideas or contacts with any charitable organizations that would like to join us, please contact Paul Tipton at 541-846-7501 or Bob Van Heuit at 541- 899-2927. Should you wish to make a contribution to be used for the matching funds requirement, please mail it to McKee Bridge Historical Society, P.O. Box 854, Jacksonville, OR 97530. Contributions are 501(c)3 tax-deductible. The MBHS Board of Directors appreciates your continued support. Robert E. Van Heuit President McKee Bridge Historical Society 541-899-2927 BUNCOM DAY 2012 Hitch up the team, saddle that mule, grab the kids and head out to historic Buncom for Buncom Day 2012. If you’ve attended this friendly event before, you probably already have Saturday, May 26, on your phone or calendar. Old-time fun for all includes the internationally famous parade, food, music, booths, tadpoles, petting zoo and, of course, the infamous chicken splat. The Applegate Lion’s club promises plenty of great food this year, and bring your musical instrument for an old-fashioned country jam. Festivities start at 10 am and end at 3 pm with the fabulous parade around 1 pm Buncom time. For information, check out our at website www.buncom.org or call Connie Fowler at 541-899-7805.