A Bridge for Feltonites

In February 1878, the Santa Cruz Weekly Sentinel announced that Feltonites needed a bridge across the San Lorenzo River on the old Graham Hill Road to Santa Cruz. The river had to be forded, which could be quite treacherous during the winter months. In September, the contract for building the bridge was awarded to the Pacific Bridge Company. The $2,980 required had been raised by county subscription. By the end of November, the frame of the bridge was up and described as being “in the same style as the Santa Cruz covered bridge.” In mid-December the bridge was completed and accepted by the board of supervisors.

By 1892, however, the bridge was in need of repair and deemed unsafe. It was decided to replace the bridge, on the same spot, with a new bridge. The contract was awarded to Cotton Bros. of Oakland.  Below is the cast iron sign that once was mounted on the bridge, Gullo Collection, San Lorenzo Valley Museum. For more details, click on the image.

Tragic Accident

A structure, called false work, supported by guy ropes was erected to allow for the old bridge to be dismantled. Unfortunately, the ropes gave way and the six men working on the bridge were plunged into the river below. Had it not been for the efforts of two Feltonites, Gus Washam and Charles Glass, who pulled the men from the river, they might all have drowned.

The injured, suffering internal and external bruising, and lacerations, were taken to the Grand Central Hotel where they were treated. Hubbard McKoy, hotel proprietor, “paid every attention to the unfortunate men.” 

"Wm. Graves of Oakland was cut in the head, and had three teeth knocked out. Of the five he was the only one who was able to be out, and not withstanding his bruises, was jolly." Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 23, 1892.

Mountain View Cemetery, Oakland,
Courtesy Find-A-Grave.

The foreman, Norris L. Kirk of Oakland was described as “dreadfully hurt.” He had been on the center of the bridge when the accident occured and had been thrown 20 feet. He suffered paralysis as a result of the fall. 

Kirk died at his home in Alameda a few days later.

The New Bridge

The bridge was completed in late September and accepted by the board of supervisors on October 4, 1892. Then Supervisor Winfield Scott Rodger recalled in 1936 that David Morrill Locke of Scotts Valley suggested that a cover be installed to protect the deck from the elements and the board authorized spending $250 for such a cover “as an experiment.”

Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 26, 1892: 

Carpenter Jo Nichols is boarding up the sides of the new bridge ... The people would much rather have it left open. A pleasant view of the river on each side of the bridge is much preferable to driving through a dark tunnel.

Style: Mixture of Warren and Pratt truss styles
Length: 140 feet (deck excluding ramps)
Width: 18 feet (deck)
Material: Redwood
Height: 35 feet. Tallest covered span in the US

Image: Randall Brown Collection, San Lorenzo Valley Museum.

The new bridge, today’s Felton Covered Bridge, was used as a wagon bridge until 1938 when it was replaced by a modern concrete and iron structure. Now just a footbridge, it fell into disrepair and was severely damaged during the 1955 floods. Through the efforts of the Felton Volunteer Fire Department, and using funds raised during their annual pancake breakfast, the bridge was restored and maintained.

The bridge was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Timeline

Prior to 1878: River had to be forded.

1878: First bridge built by the Pacific Bridge Company. Cost $2,980.

1890: Bridge suffered storm damage.

1892: Bridge replaced in situ with new bridge built by Cotton Bros. Cost $4677. A cover was then installed.

1907: New shake roof installed.

1908: Railway bridge added at the south side of the bridge.

1938: Bridge by-passed to the north with the current concrete bridge built by contractor Leo Cardwell. Cost $33,754.83. It is the first western example of preserving a by-passed bridge.

1955: Bridge suffered enormous damage in the flood.

1967: Commemorative Issue celebrating the 75th anniversary of the bridge printed by the Pressbanner and sponsored by the Felton Fire Department.

1969: Bridge designated a State Historical Landmark.

1973: Bridge added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Circa 1973: Santa Cruz Historical Trust "Blue Plaque" installed.

1982: Bridge suffered storm damage.

1984-86: Major renovations to the bridge overseen by architect Jeff Oberdorfer. Cost $360,000. FEMA paid for the storm damage. Funds were also provided by the County Parks Fund, the US Department of Agriculture and the Office of Historic Preservation

1987: Oberdorfer receives a Preservation Design Award from the California Preservation Foundation for for work on the bridge.

2016: New roof and a replacement Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History Historic Landmark "Blue Plaque" installed.