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First Reinforced Concrete Bridge in the US Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Thingamabob: Archive 30 days: Karen818

As this cache was not reactivated within the 30-day window noted within the reviewer/disable note, the listing will now be archived.

Thingamabob
Community Volunteer Reviewer

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Hidden : 8/11/2012
Difficulty:
4 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

NEW CONTAINER AND RELOCATED: After some tree triming, I had to find a new spot and new container for this cache. I went back to check on it a month after I hid it and I had a tough time finding it, so good luck. I did change the difficulty rating. Cache is located in Rock Rapids Emma Sater Park.  It is a small container with just a little room for trade items.  Bring your own writing utensil.

Built in 1893 three miles south of Rock Rapids over Cry Creek, this arch bridge was designed by Joseph Melan, the Austrian originator of the Melan System of reinforcing concrete.  His supervisor of construction was Frederick Von Emberger.  The builder was John Olsen of Rock Rapids.  The arch supporting the 30 ft span rises 6 feet, 6 inches to the crown and is reinforced by railroad rails.  The stone facing is Sioux Falls Jasper.  Lyon County paid $830.00 for its construction including the Portland cement improted from Germany for $3.25 per barrel.

The Kiwanis Club of Rock Rapids sponsored a drive for contributions to "Save the Bridge" when road improvements made its removal necessary.  Many individuals including the son of the builder have made possible its preservation as a memorial to pioneers of this area.

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