Picture 12/26: Delavan Bridge

December 26

(picture 360 of 365)

We celebrated Christmas with TLMH's side of the family today up in Delavan.  Just as with yesterday's Christmas celebration here at our house, it was a great day.

Mid-afternoon, wifey and I took off for a quick 20 minute trip to snap some photos around town.

One of my favorites is this shot:

It's the old rail bridge in Lake Park, now serving as a pedestrian crossing over a small stream.

If you look closely at the top of the stone arch, you'll see "1897".

1897.... 117 years ago.

Amazing to think about how many trains.... what types of trains.... carrying what variety of products.... crossed this bridge thru the years.

Wowzas!

My wife remembers when that rail line was pulled out -- similar to my remembrance of the rail line thru my hometown being removed.  This means the bridge has been sitting unused (by loco traffic) for no more than 30 years.

Kudos to whomever was involved in the decision to not demolish the bridge when the rails came up.  

It truly is a beautiful structure.

Out for now......

Matt