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DEMOLITION DATE FOR O’REILLEY’S BRIDGE
Historic Pelham-Wainfleet Span Set To Go Down Tuesday
[Niagara This Week, 25 March 2010]
The demolition of the historic O’Reilly’s Bridge spanning the Welland River on the Pelham-Wainfleet border is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday starting at about noon.
Mike DiPaola, associate director of transportation engineering with the Region, said that schedule could change.
So ‘live updates’ on the bridge demolitions will be posted on the Region’s website.
“Because of the age of the bridge and its historical significance, we anticipate that this event is something residents would be interested in witnessing,” said Dipaola.
To ensure safety, spectators are asked to park and watch from the E.C. Brown Conservation Area parking lot, located on the north side of the river, west of the bridge site, DiPaola said.
The plan is to lift the 106-year old iron frame bridge off the abutments, in one piece, with a crane, place the structure on the south side, and then dismantle it. Some of the iron pieces from the bridge will be used to erect an historical marker that will include a photo and plaque.
The bridge is being replaced with a two-lane concrete bridge that is scheduled to be in place by the end of November.
Last March, regional staff told regional politicians that the bridge was too far gone to be saved, and that it had to be closed until a replacement was built.
The single-lane bridge, which dates back to about 1905, was inspected by a structural engineering consultant and the consultant found the bridge was amess: deck beams were deformed, tension lines were loose, top sway cross bracings were loose and sagging, and there was severe corrosion. The Region immediately closed the bridge and detoured traffic.
Ken Brothers, commissioner of public works for the Region which owns the bridge, flashed photos of the deterioration for politicians to see just how bad the structure’s condition was.
Regional staff investigated whether it was possible to re-open the bridge, but have found out it cannot be stabilized, Brothers said.
The rapid deterioration was probably hastened by the fact, large commercial trucks appeared to have been using the bridge, despite a posted restriction banning them, Brothers said.
By Paul Forsyth
[Welland Tribune, 17 February 1987]
PELHAM LANDMARK GETS FACELIFT
PELHAM-The reconstruction of O’Reilly’s Bridge is finally underway.
The Pelham landmark, which had a dubious future for a while last summer, is undergoing a $200,000 refurbishing which will see the deck completely replaced.
The region’s public works committee at one point in June was considering a staff report to close the bridge. The closure was recommended because the bridge was seen as a hazard through its deteration over the years.
The bridge’s load capacity was rated t just two tonnes-the weight of an average car-yet it is used by area farmers to drive heavy farm machinery back and forth over it to work on parcels of land of either side of the Welland River. The Regional staff reporter recommended closing the bridge until a decision could be made on what to do with it –repair it or tear it down.
The bridge was closed last week, and contracted work is expected to keep it closed until early May. Mel Holenski, head engineer of transportation services for the Region, said the bridge-which the region took responsibility of from Wainfleet in 1973, will now be safe for the current transportation uses.
“It’s a total removal of the deck because its (deck) almost perished. Then, they are to reinforce the floor beams and replace the deck.”
Holenski said the 70 year old bridge will have a load restriction, with the weight capacity upgraded from two tonnes to about 10 tonnes-enough to handle a tractor and a loaded trailer.
The contractor will use the existing trusses on the bridge-hence the load restriction-but by not replacing the bridge from the ground up-the Region will save a lot of money. A total replacement of the bridge would have cost about $1 million, he said.
The Region’s public works committee decided not to act on the staff recommendation to close the bridge until input was gained from the public.
“There were representations made by property owners and the public, and the public works committee and (Regional) council made a decision having their concerns incorporated in that decision.”
Strong local opposition to the possible closure of the bridge was demonstrated at a local public meeting in July, organized by Pelham Mayor, Eric Bergenstein and Wainfleet Mayor Stan Pettit-both members of the Region’s public works committee. The meeting was organized to find out how the public felt about the recommendation to close the bridge, and about 80 local residents showed up to voice their opposition to it.
The Region will foot $100,000 of the cost of refurbishing the bridge, with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications picking up the remaining 50 per cent.
By the 1930s, the articles in the Welland Tribune were titled GLEANINGS FROM O’REILLY’S BRIDGE. It concerned the everyday events in people’s lives I am including one from 3 December 1931. When searching for one’s family story, these inclusions are an excellent source of information.
GLEANINGS FROM O’REILLY’S BRIDGE
O’Reilly’s Bridge, Dec. 3-The December meeting of the O’Reilly’s Bridge Women’s Institute will be held at the home of Mrs. Thos. Phillips on Thursday Dec. 10th at 2 p.m. Mrs. John Gaiser, convener of Agriculture for the County will give a paper. The report of the Hamilton District Convention will be given by Mrs. Chas. McCollum. Misses Ethawyn Damude and Geneva Beamer will give a report of their trip to the C.N.E., and the Royal Winter Fair. The lunch committee comprises, Mrs. A. Swick, Mrs. B. Travers, Mrs. O. Sutton, and Mrs. Wm. Sodtka.
Mrs. Harold Black and baby Ann have returned home after spending a few weeks at the home of Mrs. Black’s sister, Mrs. David Bald of Detroit.
Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Phillips and family spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs.. Burton Ricker of Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Misses Ethawyn Damude and Geneva Beamer have returned from a visit to the Royal Winter Fair as guests of the Department of Agriculture and Women’s Institutes.
Miss Margarite Leavens is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Leavens.
Clifford Palmer of Buffalo and Mr. and Mrs. Ikoff of Niagara Falls, N.Y., visited Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sodtka on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Grange and Audrey Jean Smith of Niagara Falls visited Mr. and Mrs. Marceen Creiger on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. W. Augustine and family of Port Colborne were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Norris Leidy on Sunday.
Russell Beamer has returned to work after a week’s illness.
O’REILLY’S BRIDGE
Over time I have driven often across the old iron O’Reilly’s Bridge and canoed on the waterway that once was an important transportation route for early settlers. As an historical feature of the Welland River, I failed to acknowledge to myself that the bridge would disappear with time and be replaced by a modern, concrete structure. In my research I have read about so many old buildings disappearing from the landscape and wondered what the towns would have looked like in earlier days. Vintage postcards are an excellent way to view how life was. In the old newspapers there is references to O’Reilly’s Bridge and the community of people living nearby. Squire John B. O’Reilly farmed the land and it is documented that Pelham children used the bridge to reach their school.
Here is a sample of an event, 16 January 1909, documented in the Welland Tribune by One Who Knows, a correspondent for the early newspaper.
O’REILLY’S BRIDGE
Farewell and Oyster Supper
On Friday evening, Jan. 22nd, an oyster supper was held at the spacious home of Mr. and Mrs. R.A Phillips, who are about leaving the vicinity, having rented their farm to Mr. W.W. Dilts of Welland.
Although the night was dark and the roads bad, a large number of neighbors and friends were present to bid adieu to the inmates of the home, who have always been noted for generosity a kind hospitality.
The success of the evening was largely due to the untiring efforts of Mr. C. McCollum and Captain Hunter, who were the chief promoters of the very pleasant affair. After the oysters and other good things were disposed of, social chat and games, combined with selections on the piano, were enjoyed till the “wee sma hours,” when all wended their way homeward, after wishing Robbie and his family bon voyage in their future abode.
Mr. Phillips, we understand, intends moving on a fruit farm near St. Catharines.
O’REILLYS BRIDGE
[Welland Tribune, 29 January 1909]
Mrs. George Dochstader, who has been very ill, is improving.
Mr. and Mrs. Lounsberry of Canboro are visiting their son, P. Lounsberry.
Marcena Criegar, who insured his foot some time ago, is able to use it now.
The revival meetings, we are informed, have been postponed on account of the roads until next Monday evening.
We are glad to welcome Mr. Irwin and family, who are moving from Lindsay this week, to our neighborhood.
Miss Mable Woodwork of Binbrook arrived on Tuesday to spend several weeks with her sister, Mrs. Robert Murphy.
[Report of the oyster supper sent in by this correspondent has been published in a previous issue.-Ed.]
[by - WellandHistory.ca, 2022]
Little is known about this cemetery except what could be seen on a recent visit. There appears to be seven tombstones. It is documented that Jane Park, 27 March 1825 and the other Captain Shubael Park, her father, 13 February 1826 are buried here. According to Ancestry, Huldah Skinner was the wife and mother who passed on 4 July 1864. It is recorded that the couple had twelve children, but the lone tombstone pictured here is without any clear acknowledgement of who is buried in this plot.
Salem, Dec. 18- Mr and Mrs. Walter Brown have returned home after spending a few weeks with Mr and Mrs. Harry Robins of Tilsonburg.
Mervyn Wilson spent Monday and Tuesday in Toronto.
Mr. Metler has returned home from St, Catharines hospital.
Mrs. Cecil Chambers called on Mrs. C.E. Strawn on Saturday afternoon.
Mr. Coulter of Port Robinson called on several friends in this vicinity on Thursday.
Guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Wilson on Thursday were Miss Inez Wilson of Welland, Mrs. Ernest Farr and the Misses Ethel, Reta Armbrust, also George Edgar and Ernest Armbrust of Bridgeburg.
Norman Cout and Miss B. Boilman of Welland visited Mr. and Mrs. Court last Sunday afternoon.
Mr. Strawn and family visited Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Chambers on Saturday.
Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Strawn visited Mr. and Mrs. F. Court last Sunday.
Sunday visitors at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Edward Hayward, Mr. And Mrs. A. Caughell of Welland were Miss Winnie Nelson of St Catharines, Miss Marion Chambers and Jack Hayward of Fenwick.
Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Misener of Perry Station, Miss Marion Chambers, Jack Hayward of Fenwick called on Mr. And Mrs Cecil Chambers Sunday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Chambers spent Tuesday in St. Catharines.
Mrs. R. Murray and son Reggie of Prairie Siding, are spending a few days with Mr. Murray.
Hewlitt Brown and family of Welland, Ambrose Misener and family of Perry Station, Mr. and Mrs Walter Brown of Welland spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs Hampton Brown.
Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Strawn and June, Shirley and Kenneth Strawn spent Wednesday with Mrs. Hockey in St Catharines.
Mr. and Mrs. Willson spent Tuesday in St. Catharines.
Mrs. Perly H. Robins of Wellandport visited Mrs. Asa Chambers on Sunday.
Salem, Oct. 15- J.V. Henderson and family of Scarboro Bluffs spent the holiday at their old home.
Mrs. R. Henderson is on the sick list.
Theo. Metler and family spent Sunday with Mrs. Moiseley of Fenwick.
Miss Dorothy Misener of Smithvolle visited Mr. and Mrs. C. Misener.
Mrs Osburn of Woodstock and Mr. And Mrs. Fred Strong of Brantford spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Wiley.
Mrs. C. Bailey attended the W.M.S. rally at Fonthill last week.
Miss Elsie Hayward of Toronto visited her brother T. Hayward.
Miss Simpson of Bridgeburg, Mr. Mustard of the Electric signal, Miss Marion, George Chambers and Jack Hayward of Fenwick visited Mr. And Mrs. Cecil Chambers on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. T. Hayward, Mrs. E. Cosby, Miss Hayward and friends of Toronto visited Mr. and Mrs A. Stirtsinger of Chantler on Sunday.
Russel Nunn and family of Hamilton, also Mr. and Mrs. Solon Chambers of London spent Sunday and Monday with Mr. and Mrs. Asa Chambers and Mr. and Mrs Wilson Chambers.
Mrs. C. Harris and son, Mrs. Holmes and daughter and Mr. Teel and family spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. C. Strawn.
Salem, Oct. 8- Mrs. A. Misener of Perry has returned home very much improved after a month’s stay with her parents, Mr. And Mrs H. Brown.
Mrs. Hodgkins and Miss Edna Misener are staying with Mrs. Misener of Perry.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Bailey and friends attended Caledonia fair.
Mrs. Cynthia Durk is visiting friends at Tonawanda.
Miss Dorothy and Jack Misener of Smithville, also Miss Ethel Misener, called on Mr. And Mrs. C Bailey on Sunday.
J. Foss and family of Niagara Falls, called on his sister, Mrs. E. Cosby, on Saturday.
A. Stirtsinger and family of Chantler visited Mrs. E. Cosby, also Mr. and Mrs. T. Hayward on Sunday.
Mrs. John Chambers and Miss Effie Chambers called on Mr. And Mrs Cecil Chambers and his mother.
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Chambers and son, Garth, and Mrs. J.Chambers called on Mr. and Mrs. H. Brown, also Roy Chambers, Sunday afternoon.
Miss Violet Elsie and friend motored to Port Colborne on Sunday afternoon.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brown of Welland visited Mr. And Mrs. H. Brown on Sunday.
Salem, March 17-A three-act play, “Ready-Made Family.” will be presented in Salem United church on Wednesday, March 19.
Mr. and Mrs Fred Fraser of St. Catharines were Sunday supper guests of Mr. And Mrs Asa Chambers.
Mrs. Charlie Bailey visited last week with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Carmen Bailey of Welland.
Mrs. F. Henderson and children spent last Monday with Mrs. Henderson’s father at Fonthill.
Mr. and Mrs. Asa Chambers spent Thursday with the latter’s parents Mr. and Mrs. E. Crow and Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hippwell.
Mrs. C.E. Strawn spent Wednesday with her cousin, Mrs. Blake Ostrosser, who has been ill.
There was a large attendance at the Salem Baby Band afternoon tea held at the home of Mrs. George Metler. Miss Harris was guest speaker. The children enjoyed a “fish pond.”
Salem, Feb 19-The Young People of Salem and Forks Road conducted the service at Forks Road and Salem United church at Salem on Sunday; Leo Robins took the leading part, James Fan lead in prayer, Marie Farr read the scripture lesson and A. Campbell spoke on the week he spent with Boys’ Parliament in London. The Young People were in choir. This Sunday; Sunday school at 11a.m.; church at noon.
Mr. and Mrs Earl Strawn of Welland were supper guests of the former’s parents Mr. and Mrs C.F. Strawn.
Little Barbara Anne Willford attended a birthday party of her cousin Karen Willford in Welland on Friday afternoon.
There was a large attendance at a social evening of Salem United church W.A. held at the home of Mr. and Mrs Asa Chambers on Wednesday evening.
Misses Venita and Jacqueline Gent were hostesses to the C.G.I.T on Thursday, after a delicious supper the meeting was called to order by the president, Venita Gent, Marie Farr read the scripture lesson. Joan Hewitt read from the study book. The girls made plans for the mother and daughter banquet to be held in March.
The World Day of Prayer at Salem United church will be on Friday at 2 p.m.
The Salem Baby Band are holding an afternoon tea and children’s fish pond at the home of Mrs. George Metler on March 12. All members of the W.A. and W.M.S., as well as ladies of the community are invited.
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