GC105HC Chatauqua Bridge #7 (Traditional Cache) in Iowa, United States created by Charles City Biker

This cache has been archived.

IowaAdmin: No response from cache owner

GC105HC ▼

A cache by Charles City Biker Message this owner

Hidden : 1/6/2007

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

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The Suspension Bridge, known to many area residents as the “swinging bridge,” has
been part of Charles City 's landscape since 1906.

The suspension footbridge in Charles City, Iowa, is the only known bridge of its type
in the state. The bridge was built across the Cedar River in 1906 to serve as a
shortcut for people who lived on the northeast side of town to cross the river for the
popular Chautauqua celebrations held in the Lion's Field area.

Charles Hart, co-founder of the Hart-Parr Company (also founded in Charles City ),
promoted and planned the bridge, and by the time it was finished July 31, 1906, it was
generally understood that he paid for much of it.

O.B. Zimmerman, chief engineer at the Hart-Parr tractor factory, designed the 270-foot
bridge and was the engineer who managed, supervised and inspected its erection.

The wear and tear of use through the years made it rickety, so in 1969, the Suspension
Bridge was overhauled to make it safe once again. The local Lions Club with the
assistance of many volunteers including several Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have taken
on the bridge maintenance for more than 40 years.

In November 1988 the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce began a project to
sponsor lighting the bridge for the holidays. This project has grown into a year-round
effort to keep the lights shining. In the winter 0f 2005, the first phase of a new the
lighting replacement project was completed just in time for Christmas. The bridge is lit
for many special occasions. The Chamber & the City light the bridge during the holiday
season and for the 4th of July. Citizens sponsor the lighting during the rest of the year.
The bridge can be lit for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions
for $20 a day or $100 week.

In October of 1989, the bridge, which is located off the west end of Clark Street in
Charles City , was named to the National Register of Historic Places.
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Cache is a small, altoids tin.
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Map of Charles City, Ia is here
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Other caches in the nearby:
Sunset Park #8
Old Chautauqua Park #10
River's Bend
Charles City Western RR Travel Bug Depot #17
Charles City Treasure #3
Cat Tree
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