Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc.

Monthly Business Meeting & Fundraiser

Hoss's Steak and Sea House, York, PA

Sunday, July 5, 2026

President Gloria Smedley called the meeting to order at 2:00pm after the group enjoyed lunch at Hoss's. She welcomed attendees and a guest, Pat (Ted Smith's brother), visiting from Washington.

June's Meeting Minutes were available for review and approved as presented later in the meeting.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Judy Kuether reported 4 new members: Brian Wilde, Phoenixville, Debbie and Jim Stametz, Saylorsburg and Douglass Schoppert, Cooperstown NY. Currently, there are 341 members.

MEMBERS' BRIDGE REPORTS: Tim McLaughlin and Connie didn't go to Ohio to see bridges as planned. In Bedford County, they saw Claycomb, Heirline, Diehl's, Colvin, Ryot, Snooks, Osterburg, and Dr. Knisely Bridges (Tim met the owner there).

OFFICERS' REPORTS

President Gloria Smedley – (1) Gloria and Jim traveled to see Bogert's, however, no work was in progress. More rotted wood was found that needed replaced, so awaiting delivery of more wood to proceed. (2) Felton's Mill has a new roof; a lot of brush was cleared; it still needs more work.

First Vice-President Jim Smedley – (1) Jim and Gloria visited Bedford County and saw Hall's Mill (roof needs painted/siding is fading), Dr. Knisely, Ryot #2 (looked recently painted), Colvin and Cuppett's (decorated for America's 250th Anniversary). They also saw St. Mary's in Huntingdon County (looked recently painted) and Glessner in Somerset County (needs painted). (2) They received notice that the rehabilitation project for Bitzer's Mill Bridge is in its early stages; first need to evaluate any negative environmental issues. Engineering studies will likely be completed by end of 2026, then bids will go out, with rehab to start in Spring 2027. The bridge was damaged by an over-sized truck in November 2023. (3) Jim spoke with Joe McCarthy who said he is waiting for more information about the 6 Perry County bridges to be repaired.

Second Vice-President Ray Finkelstein – Not present. Ray sent thanks for cards/thoughts.

Third Vice-President Frank Mailey – No report.

Fourth Vice-President Tony Abramo – Tony modeled his T-shirt from the 300th Anniversary of the Burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge. He will try to order for anyone interested.

Recording Secretary Pam Mailey – Pam and Frank saw Weaver's Mill and Poole Forge (busy with picnicking, fishing, dog walking).

Treasurer Judy Kuether – No report.

Historian Fred Moll – Not present; no report.

PUBLICATION EDITORS: Jim Smedley reported the deadline for the Fall 2026 Newsletter and Wooden Covered Spans is Sunday, October 4th.

ILLNESS/DEATH OF MEMBERS

(1) Bob Kuether is absent today; still having issues with walking. (2) Gloria and Jim visited Ray Finkelstein; he is healing well from his broken arm surgery; he and Linda are both receiving physical therapy. (3) Sharon provided Gloria with an update on Michael Chorazy. He was in the hospital then rehab again; he is having memory/confusion issues.

OLD BUSINESS:

National Register of Historic Places Signs –

• Hassenplug, Sachs, Rice, Red: Installed
• Still awaiting delivery of 6 signs for 4 bridges: Wehr's (NHRP), Academia (NHRP), Sheeder-Hall (NRHP and HT), Poole Forge (NRHP & HT)
• Bogert's: Grant awarded, funds received, sign ordered.
• Sheard's Mill: Grant submitted
• Shearer's: Waiting on Borough Board to approve.

Painting a Bridge: Gloria reported Bill Stockum finished painting Dr. Knisley and it looks great! He did an excellent job on a difficult bridge to paint. Gloria will ask the owner, Jim Claycomb, if the Society can put a sign in the bridge acknowledging the work/financing by TBCBS.

NEW BUSINESS:

Fire Retardant status reported by Gloria Smedley:

• We've protected 4+ bridges thus far this year – Waggoner's, Fort Hunter, Academia, Henninger Farms + the floor of Dr. Knisley.
• Bill Stockum applied the retardant to Henninger Farms on Saturday June 27th.
• Gloria submitted the request to NSPCB for NoChar at Fleisher's in Perry County. Sign-up sheet if you are interested in helping (date TBD).

Attendance Drawing: Don't forget to sign in! All names on the sign in sheet are entered into a drawing to receive a free ticket to a future dinner (or cash equivalent). Drawing will take place at our November 2026 meeting.

Website Update:

• The information on the current website was migrated to a new platform using the AeroAI program. Gloria has been working on the new site which should be ready to go live in a couple months.
• Some enhancements include a detailed description page for each bridge (previously showed just a photo), details of our preservation and awareness efforts with photos of fire retardant, painting, SPCBW, community outreach (presentations), donations made by our society, etc.
• Gloria obtained lists from Judy on what the Society donated to bridges over the years. Since 2021, the Society has given $34,521.50 for bridge restorations ($87,427.47 since 1962).
• There is also a sales page directing people to items for sale on eBay. Donation buttons have also been added with a link to a page with details on how to donate.

Meeting Location: Gloria reached out to 7 churches, a VFW, and 2 fire halls in the Columbia/West Lancaster areas. Most responses are “no's”; Gloria is waiting to hear back from 2 churches who took the request to their Boards. Paul Garber has provided information on the Clubhouse in his Community which Gloria will also check into. See Gloria with ideas.

2027 Safari: Need ideas for 2027 Safari, and a volunteer to lead. Possible: OR, NE-OH, MD.

COVERED BRIDGE ITEMS: (1) Judy and Bob picked up donations from Cherie Boyer's estate; 250 to 300 items were cataloged. (2) The church where we hold our meetings is having a fundraiser Bingo event. Gloria gathered items to donate for a prize basket, using a number of leftover items.

NEXT MEETING: Sunday, August 2nd, at Saint Paul Episcopal Church, Columbia, PA beginning at approximately 2 p.m. This will be our annual ice cream social. Program is “Visiting Bridges in NW Section of PA” by Jim Smedley.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2:40pm.

Respectfully submitted by Pam Mailey, Secretary
July 21, 2026