Despite the rough and storied
past of Rogues’ Hollow and the unwholesome reputation that went
along with it, most people these days do not identify that with
Rogues’ Hollow. One thing usually comes to people’s mind: the urban
legend of “Crybaby Bridge”.
In 1958 Russell Frey recorded what he could from the last of those
who had any memory of the people of the Hollow and any stories that
came along in the book
Rogues’ Hollow – History
and Legends. There are many stories that people recounted
from their parents or grandparents which are recorded in the book.
Surprising to most the legend of “The Crybaby Bridge” is not
included. No information seemed to be found anywhere.
Regardless of the location, the urban legend of the Crybaby Bridge
plays out in a similar manner. As some tell the name comes from the
sound of a baby crying which can be heard if standing on the
bridge. Story has it that in the past a mother threw her baby into
the creek below. Many think they can hear the baby still crying to
this day.
Most people flock to the bridge that is in view of the Chidester
Mill south of this location. Rogues’ Hollow resident and caretaker
for the Chidester Mill, Mac, explains that while people think that
the bridge by the Chidester Mill is “Crybaby Bridge”, it really is
near the location where we have put this cache. Most likely
northwest of this bridge just a bit it has been thought that
Clinton road crossed Silver Creek back in the mid 19th century. As
with other roads in Rogues’ Hollow later generations straightened
them out.
Many people make claims that if you try to start your car on
“Crybaby Bridge” it will not start. Only after pushing the car off
the bridge onto the street will the car start back up. Others claim
to hear the baby. Some really do, although it probably isn’t
anything but my friend Jon. He has been known to come down on
Halloween when people come from all over to “Crybaby Bridge”.
Hiding under the bridge and crying like a baby gives him a good
laugh but the folks that have heard it often get the heck out of
there. Are you brave enough to try it?
Most of the information for this cache series has been derived from
the book
Rogues' Hollow -
History and Legends by Russell Frey. I have read this book
many times as the stories of the Hollow are fascinating to me.
Originally published in 1958 this book was more recently reprinted
in 2002. For further information please contact the Chippewa -
Rogues' Hollow Historical Society.
http://www.rogueshollow.org