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BRYANT PARK
Calapooia River
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T11S-R4W-Sec12
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1901 - 1925 & 1925 - 1960
April 5, 1901: "Hub Bryant's new bridge across the Calapooia has been completed, and has opened the way to a very pleasant place, heretofore unknown to most Albany people. It suggests a park, a place for picnics and numerous other things. It promises to be a great resort for strolls, and yesterday several hundred people took advantage of the pleasant weather for a stroll, just now made with some difficulty on account of the clearing being done. Warm Spring Johnny's famous residence is now seen as a relic, with indications of his cherry orchard and garden. The whole suggests great possibilities. With Mr. Bryant, though it is a matter of business, the promised resources being considerable wood, the sale of some fine gravel and in time a splendid pasture for the cows of the city convenient for use." (Albany Democrat)
April 2, 1925: "Work upon construction of a new bridge across the Calapooia river is to start immediately, it became known today following announcement at the meeting of the city council last night to the effect that the county is preparing timbers and assembling other materials to have them in readiness when the river should subside sufficiently to allow the sinking of a pier on the north side of the Calapooia.
County Judge Payne said today that in accordance with an agreement which had been reached between the city council and the county court the county is proceeding with construction of the bridge under the supervision of Bob Hayes, county bridge superintendent. The proposed new bridge will be located just east of the present bridge at the Third street end, but will coincide with the old bridge at the point where the northern approach reaches the ground. Like the old bridge, it will be on a grade.
The supporting pier for south end of the new bridge had already been provided by the Mountain States Power company. This will enable the county to keep down the construction cost. Although an accurate estimate of the cost is not yet available it is not expected that the new bridge will cost more than $10,000.
According to plans the weather or west side will be boarded up; a full roof will be provided, and the east or lee side will be left open to allow auto drivers a view of the road at either end and thus minimize danger of accidents. A footwalk for pedestrians will also be covered by the roof at the east side.
It is planned to complete the bridge early this summer. According to the agreement the city will pay half the construction cost and the county the other half. The county is participating because the bridge serves a county road as well as Bryant Park." (Albany Democrat)
September 11, 1925: "Work on the new bridge leading into Bryant park is making good progress, with prospects that the bridge will be completed for travel by the first of the coming month.
The bridge is a wooden structure built on a modern plan and substantial in every respect. The total span is 134 feet long with a driveway 18 feet wide and a sidewalk five feet wide. The approaches are much more convenient than on the old bridge.
The structure as a whole is looked on as a big asset to the park and also an aid to the general travel over the county road that leads to the intersection of the east side highway to Corvallis." (Albany Democrat-Herald)
January 20, 1960: "Dismantling the frame covering of Bryant Park bridge is scheduled to start soon in preparation for dismantling the old bridge at Third avenue and Vine street.
City Manager William Bollman said plans for the new replacement project are expected to be ready in about one month. Then bids can be called for the project.
Budget committee last year provided for the expenditure in the current budget through the equipment replacement fund.
City crews have planned to start taking down the wooden covering over the bridge within the next few days." (Albany Democrat-Herald)
January 30, 1960: "Patterns on the sky are formed by timbers of Bryant Park bridge as city workmen tear boards from the old covered span. The covering will be completely removed, but the exposed heavy timbers will remain until the wooden bridge is replaced by a cement and steel structure. The bridge, which links Third avenue with Bryant Island, is scheduled for this year." (Albany Democrat-Herald)
June 27, 1960: "The State Highway Commission will open bids Thursday for four projects in Linn County, including a second calling of bids on the Bryant Park bridge in Albany.
Bryant Park bridge bids are being handled by the state for the City of Albany. Bids opened several weeks ago were considered too high by the city council and a second call for bids was ordered. The bridge will replace the old wooden truss that is now partly torn down." (Albany Democrat-Herald)
July 18, 1960: "Barricades went up early today on Third avenue where city crews started tearing at the skelton of the old bridge linking Bryant park and the city of Albany.
Just before the weathered deck was closed to traffic for the last time, a sporty green touring car carried five passengers across Bryant park bridge as a parting gesture. Except for crews working on demolishing the bridge, they have been the last motorists to make the crossing.
The span built in 1924 as a covered bridge will be dismantled to make way for a new cement and steel link across the Calapooia river. While the new bridge is being built, a pontoon bridge near the mouth of the river will serve as an access to the park." (Albany Democrat-Herald)
July 22, 1960: "Old Bryant park bridge, doomed because its timbers were rotting, stubbornly resisted death by dynamite today.
Seven times the sound of timber-splintering explosives rifled through the city. Each time the skeleton of what once a covered bridge across the Calapooia river shook and yielded chunks of its heavy timbers, but refused to fall.
The plan of city crews was to strip the bridge of all material possible, then spot light charges of dynamite in the upper and lower supports at both ends of the bridge, hoping to drop the span into the Calapooia at one stroke.
The execution went announced to prevent the gathering of crowds, and the time was set for 7 a.m. today. The sticks were placed at key points, and at the appointed time, the first blast momentarily interrupted shaves and meals throughout the city. Shortly later a second smaller charge went off. Still the bridge wouldn't quit.
Between 9:30 a.m. and noon, five more charges were placed. Each time splinters flew and the bridge hung on.
The wooden bridge nobody wants can't survive, but it was clear when city crews retreated, leaving the bridge still standing at noon today, that the last of Bryant bridge may be somewhat delayed." (Albany Democrat-Herald)
July 23, 1960: "Timbers of Bryant Park bridge across the Calapooia collapsed into the river Friday, but a temporary bridge near the mouth of the river has gone into use as an access route to the park from Albany.
The bridge, a pontoon span north of the old bridge, is one used by Albany Sand and Gravel Co. The temporary bridge links the sand and gravel facilities with the park near the foot of Washington street.
Construction of a new bridge is scheduled to start Aug. 1. The old one was dynamited and dropped into the water Friday after several early explosions failed to remove it." (Albany Democrat-Herald)