The Winamac Town Council recently heard from Greg Henry who has a plan to recognize a significant “birthday” of a special Pulaski County landmark that has hung above the Tippecanoe River for a century.
Henry noted, “On July 4th in the year 2023, the bridge will be 100 years old.”
Sometimes referred to as the swinging bridge or walking bridge, Henry emphasized that it was initially named ‘Memorial’. He said it was originally dedicated to local veterans who were involved in WWI and the conflicts that came before it.
He told town council members that the project he has in mind would involve painting the bridge and installing decorative lighting on it time for its 100th birthday celebration.
Henry added that they are also planning to hold a recreation of the original bridge dedication that occurred in 1923.
He explained, “What I’m visualizing is we have a celebration that day. I would like to see a recreation with old cars, people of old garb of the roaring ‘20s.” Henry continued, “We’ll have bands, there were ball games played that day – baseball between Winamac and Royal Center. Culver Military was here, they brought their canon over.”
Henry said they would also like to rededicate the bridge in order to memorialize all the veterans who came after WWI in addition to the individuals it was originally dedicated to.
He added that the festivities would conclude with a fireworks display and the lighting of the bridge.
Henry noted that the lights they’re considering can alternate between colors and can be controlled remotely. No cost estimate was presented, however, Henry stated that there are plans to obtain grant funding as well as private donations. He said he’s already heard from many people who would like to be a part of this project.
Henry invited any individuals who are interested in learning more or getting involved to attend a call out that’s planned for next week. The meeting will be held in the Winamac High School library at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23rd.
To hear more from Henry’s presentation, tune into WKVI’s Kankakee Valley Viewpoints program tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. EDT/noon CDT.
