CB
Menu
GRAVELFORD
North Fork Coquille River
|
T28S-R12W-Sec36
|
1895 - ____ & ____ - 1938
July 30, 1895: "Ordered that J.H. Schroeder, county judge, examine repairs on Gravel Ford bridge upon notice by contractors that the work is completed and that acceptance of work by the county judge the clerk draw an order in favor of J.B. Fox and J.D. Bennett for $588.
Ordered that appropriation heretofore made for R D 31 and unexpended be rescinded. Signed: J. Henry Schroeder, County Judge." (Coquille City Herald)
Ordered that appropriation heretofore made for R D 31 and unexpended be rescinded. Signed: J. Henry Schroeder, County Judge." (Coquille City Herald)
October 29, 1895: "J.D. Bennett has finished a fine covered bridge at Gravel Ford." (Coquille City Herald)
October 11, 1905: "A large quantity of heavy rods and other irons for the new bridge at Gravel Ford being constructed by J. D. Bennett, was brought over by Friday's train." (Coquille Herald)
August 15, 1938: "The Gravel Ford Cheese plant, payroll mainstay for this small farming community on the east fork of Coquille river, burned to the ground this morning. At noon today, flames from the blaze had burned part of the large covered bridge over the river and were attacking the residence of W. J. DeBoer, owner of the factory.
The plant was valued at $10,000.
Firemen from Myrtle Point answered a call at 10 a.m., and at 11:30 a.m. the large new pumper of Coos Fire Patrol association was summoned from Marshfield in an attempt to save the bridge.
At 1 p.m. today, county road crews said the covered bridge had been burned out so traffic would have to be re-routed. The crews were fighting this afternoon to save a long approach to the bridge from being destroyed.
Humidity was low and a strong north wind hampered firemen. Volunteers came from Myrtle Point and helped fight flames in the plant and on the bridge. They were unable to cross to Gravel Ford, however, after the bridge caught fire." (The Coos Bay Times)
October 29, 1938: "The Gravelford bridge over the east fork of the Coquille river was opened for traffic late Friday night, the county road department announced. The bridge has been closed for rebuilding, ever since a fire last summer destroyed the major part of the bridge and also razed the Gravelford Cheese factory.
The Cheese factory, owned by W. J. DeBoer, was ready for business before the bridge, being started about a fortnight ago. The cheese factory building is of sheet metal, largely fireproof construction, and new equipment has been installed.
Cost of the bridge replacement has not been computed. The old bridge was covered but the new one is not." (The Coos Bay Times)