Susquehanna River bridge headquarters counted the tolls: Linked in to York County history, Sept. 13, 2012
More stuff below: Steam Into History/Uncle Sam lookalike dies
It took a lot of work to run a toll bridge. When the Lancaster-York Intercounty Bridge, later Veterans Memorial Bridge, opened in 1930, this building served as its headquarters. Monroe H. Bentz could contact those manning toll booths on each side of the span over the Susquehanna River via telephone from this perch on the Wrightsville side. The toll booths were shut down in World War II and were later removed. (See photograph of Bentz below.) Today, the bridge serves mainly local traffic, most motorists choosing the Wright’s Ferry Bridge in the early 1970s. And today, the old bridge headquarters is Wrightsville’s American Legion. Also of interest: 5 quick facts about the wide Susquehanna River’s long Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Neat stuff from all over … .
We’re starting to hear more from the folks with Steam Into History, the proposed excursion line with Civil War period locomotive. The organization will participate in the New Freedom Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Rich Pawling, author and reenactor, will be at Steam into History’s booth, as will other reenactors.
“Converse with Civil War Christian Commission reenactors and have your photo taken with two 1860’s Railroad conductors,” a release states. For more info, check out Steam Into History’s website.
People of note: Doris Leader, prominent in York’s civil right movement, died this week. Read about memories of Dorrie Leader as found on social media. And many people remember Ken Strittmatter, Uncle Sam lookalike, who also passed away.
Continental Square improvements: Those studying renovations to the square have put up their ideas: Brick streets, water features, comfort stations may be in the future for York’s square.
Death warrent: Hubert Michael, long on death row for a 1990s slaying of a 16-year-old, faces execution, or at least has the death warrent attached to his name: Corbett signs death warrant for Hubert Michael, convicted of 1993 murder.
Forum of the day: For 30 years, New Freedom craftsman Jeff Hostetter has worked on 300-year-old violins and Les Paul guitars: . Do you have favorite craftsmen or handymen who have done good work for you that you’d like to brag about to others? Do you think York County is particularly blessed by those who work with their hands? Please comment below. Background: York County Renaissance men crafted fine furniture.
Monroe H. Bentz was the top administrator of the Lancaster-York Intercounty Bridge Commision when the span open in 1930. These photos came from a souvenir book on the bridge opening, courtesy of Mel Miller, West Manchester Township Historical Society.
*Edited, 10/6/12
