Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.
Monthly Business Meeting
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 2:00pm
President Bob Kuether called the meeting to order at 2:00pm and led the Pledge of Allegiance. George Rothlingshofer's sister, Lisa, was introduced as visiting from Florida.
JULY'S MEETING MINUTES: On the back table for review; will ask for approval later in the meeting.
TREASURER'S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 367 members for 2023–2024.
MEMBERS' BRIDGE REPORTS:
Tim McLaughlin – Tim and Connie attended the 175th Anniversary of Martin's Mill Bridge with Bob and Judy Kuether. Tim estimated 80–100 people were in attendance and showed the booklet provided to attendees. They also drove most of the September Safari route, including about 14 bridges, with Bob and Judy. They stopped at the PA Welcome Center on I-79N and said they had great displays. Tim and Connie also visited Leaman Place Bridge and noted the signs about closure for construction were gone; they saw repairs being done on the right wing-wall.
Joe McCarthy – Joe reported that engineers said Leaman Place Bridge needed immediate repairs due to concrete deteriorating underneath, causing the bridge to droop. Joe's crew did the repairs in 4 days. Joe ordered the wood for Rudolph and Arthur Bridge to start his work in 2025. Lobar Associates is contracted to replace the abutments. The bridge will be an exact duplicate of the one previously destroyed by Hurricane Ida.
OFFICERS' REPORTS:
President Bob Kuether – Bob and Judy attended the 175th Anniversary celebration at Martin's Mill Bridge in Franklin County. The Annual Safari is September 14th–15th to Washington/Greene Counties. Tim and Connie McLaughlin drove Bob and Judy to scout the Safari route. All will need to exercise caution in driving; noted a lot of unpaved roads, some with no guard rails. The hotel still has 3 rooms available for the group. Lunch on Saturday of the Safari will be at a park — pack your lunch. T-shirt order forms are due today. The Safari Patch was designed by Connie McLaughlin; picture is at the front table.
First Vice-President Jim Smedley – Jim and Gloria visited Jericho Bridge, MD and reported that the damaged portal was repaired and the bridge was recently painted. Jim reported the road through Rapp's Dam Bridge will close August 12–23 for construction of a headache bar to protect the bridge. Also, an oversized vehicle heavily damaged Schlicher's Bridge in Lehigh County on June 20th; all portal boards were taken out, including one roof beam, and interior bumper boards were damaged.
Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Not present; no report.
Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.
Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – No report.
Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – No report.
Corresponding Secretary Pam Heisey – No report.
Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.
Historian Fred Moll – Not present; however, Fred emailed the following report: Fred visited Kutz's Mill Bridge near Kutztown, PA and found the siding and truss in good shape. However, because in 1959 they did not know how to preserve covered bridges, the flooring was repaired by replacing the wooden floor with a concrete floor. They also installed metal guard rails inside the bridge that are now rusted and in need of paint. If they had installed wooden guard rails they would not have this problem. Fred will follow up to see if the rails are painted.
NEWSLETTER EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline to submit information for the Fall PA Crossings Newsletter is October 6th.
ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS: (1) Ray and Linda Finkelstein are recovering from COVID. (2) Michael Chorazy is progressing from back surgery and will start physical therapy soon. (3) Wanda Boone has a stress fracture of her right foot.
OLD BUSINESS:
Judy Kuether reported the Society earned $167.84 at the Hoss's fundraiser (20% of bill).
NEW BUSINESS:
Bob Kuether reported the Perry County Historical Society painted the portals at Red Bridge in Liverpool and was seeking donation(s) for a bench and plaque. TBCBSP donated $500 for the bench and a plaque recognizing the Society's donation, along with some board replacements; they have been installed (picture at front table).
COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Sara Beth Kohut's book Crossing Under Cover is available for $20. (2) 2025 Calendars are available for $11. (3) Tim McLaughlin showed a shadow box with the Irish Blessing on the glass and a covered bridge in the background. (4) Pam Mailey showed an 8-inch rock with a covered bridge painted on it, found at Salvation Army.
PROGRAM: "Covered Bridges over Octoraro Creek" by Sara Beth Kohut.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The July 2024 minutes were approved as presented.
NEXT MEETING: Sunday, September 8th, 12:00pm for the annual picnic at Historic Poole Forge, Narvon, PA, with meeting to follow.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:20pm.
Respectfully submitted by Pam Mailey, Recording Secretary, August 25, 2024.