FLAT RIVER SWINGING BRIDGE

(Photo by Bob McHenry)

“SWINGING FOOT BRIDGE”

Once located in Flat River between Coffman and Haney Streets over Flat River Creek.  From Main Street  in Flat River you took Coffman Street to the Flat River Creek.  The street didn't  lead to the water, but there was a path leading to the swinging bridge on the Coffman Street side and a park area on the Haney Street side.  The original bridge was built in the early 1900's.  Miners used it to get back and forth on foot to the shafts and their homes.  It was definitely a favor summertime haunt of Flat River children.    

The above photo of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Roberts taking a Sunday afternoon stroll over the old swinging bridge in Flat River was taken in 1910.  Notice the absence of any sort of handrail.  In those days, life was easy going and the thought of someone claiming liability against another was almost unheard of.  The City of Flat River has now torn down the old structure because it was uninsurable thus creating a liability for the City.

SWINGING BRIDGE REPAIR DRIVE UNDERWAY
Published by THE LEAD BELT NEWS, Flat River, St. Francois Co. MO,
Thurs. Nov. 6, 1980.

Almost three years ago the company that carried Flat River's insurance policy branded the swinging bridge as an uninsurable hazard. Some citizens knew it was historic and should be preserved. Dorothy Bess enlisted the help of other interested people and with publicity from newspapers, John Auble and TV a "stay of execution" was granted.

The City formed a bridge committee with Dorothy Bess as chairman and Mary E. Bye as vice-chairman. Other members are: Jim Blake, councilman, (now Mayor), Ernie Wadlow, Carroll Gerig, Jim McCarver, Bill Rawson and Marvin Hudwalker. Honorary members were State Representative Ron Bockenkamp and John Auble.

Plans for reconstruction of the bridge were drawn by Hudwalker. The committee with the help of Rob McClary (then City Manager), Bill Rawson, Parks Overseer, and John McArthur, acting City Manager, have been successful in obtaining concrete, cable, some 'J' bolts, and labor. THE NEED NOW IS 150 BOARDS! The committee is asking interested people to make contributions of $5 per board. These contributions may be mailed to Swinging Bridge Fund, Leadco Credit Union Office, 820 E. Main St., Flat River, Mo. 63601; or write Mrs. Mary E. Bye, 507 Lewis St., Flat River, Mo. 63601; or to Mrs. Dorothy Bess, 309 Haney St., Flat River, Mo. 63601.

There is enough money on deposit for 55 boards. That leaves 95 more boards to be bought. The plans now are to knock down and bury the old pier November 4th or 5th. By November 11th or 12th the concrete will be poured, and by the 18th cable could be strung.

Members of the committee are excited. They wish to thank the people who have already contributed to the restoration of this historic landmark and urge others to please make a contribution.

"Buy a board, if you can, however, any size contribution will be welcomed." "Five one dollar bills will buy a board, but one dollar will help buy 'J' bolts," a member of the committee stated.

HEAVY RAIN STORM WEDNESDAY NIGHT

~Swinging Bridge Across Flat River Swept Away~ 
Number of Houses at Elvins Were Completely Surrounded by Water. 

(Lead Belt News, Friday, May 21, 1920)

     One of the heaviest rains of the season fell Wednesday night causing considerable damage in and near the Lead Belt.  Flat River, which is ordinarily a very small stream, became a raging torrent, and many places overflowed its banks and spread over the surrounding country, considerable damage was done to lawns and gardens in Crawley Bottom, but so far as we could learn the water did not get into any of the houses.  The swinging bridge which spans the river near Dr. Toppings residence was washed out only a small portion of it remaining. 

     The high water did considerable damage in Elvins, a number of houses near the river banks having been completely surrounded, and in some cases the water having entered the houses. 

The Lead Belt News, Flat River, MO., June 2, 1971

Terry Wright on Flat River Swinging Bridge in 1991.  Photo contributed by Howard Teasley.

The Flat River Swinging Bridge being destroyed by flood waters
(Nov. 14, 1995)

Photo contributed by Howard Teasley