Bridge Dedication

The dedication of the bridge and street was highly successful, with a crowd estimated from 1000 to 1,500. The weather was fine, decorations of bunting gave a festive air, and the town maintenance men had washed the streets the night before while others slept.

Mayor Dale Curry did a fine job as master of ceremonies. Governor Underwood, before cutting the ribbon, spoke of the pleasure of being in Pocahontas and, as always, happy to dedicate another new highway facility. Congressman Staggers expressed his pleasure in having had a part in securing federal funds for the project.

Following is the informative part of the speech of Bobby A. Boaz, Executive Secretary representing the State Road Commission.

The bridge we dedicate today is the result of countless hours of planning, designing and constructing. It is a project that has been badly needed for many years. I am sure all of you remember the old concrete arch structure with its narrow roadway. It was built back in 1915 by the Luten Bridge Company of Indiana. Frequent attempts were made to repair it over the years, but it finally became obvious that the old bridge had to be replaced.

The project was first programmed by the Road Commission in April, 1956. Design work was begun by our Bridge Engineers. A shortage of funds prevented immediate construction until 1958 when it appeared that the project could be undertaken the following year. As a result, a public hearing was held at the City Building here in Marlinton on January 16, 1959. And the contract for construction was let to bids February 24. It was awarded to the low bidder, The Kyova Construction Company of Huntington, which began work shortly after that. The new bridge was first opened to traffic late last year. The bridge itself is 380 feet long, with 40 feet pavement and two sidewalks. The total length of the bridge and necessary approaches is 0.16 miles. Cost of the project is slightly more then $300,000 further proof, if any is needed, that this matter of road building is getting be be very expensive.

The old bridge had to be removed and a temporary wooden bridge had to be constructed so traffic could be maintained. This also involved a short detour. These things which are always necessary for such improvements to be made are sometimes inconvenient and irksome for the people who live and travel in the area. But I am sure that today all that is forgotten, and that you will agree the inconvenience was worth it all. With the building of the new bridge, it was also possible to improve the grade and eliminate the bad dip that existed at the Marlinton end.

4-H Dining Hall

During a meeting of the 4-H Advancement Committee and the Board of Trustees held last Thursday evening in Marlinton, the green light was given for construction of a Dining Hall at the 4-H Camp near Thornwood.

The structure, to be built at an estimated cost of $7,500 will be of concrete block construction and will be two story in part. The plans drawn by Waldo Bell, Extension Engineer, provides for a kitchen and adequate storage space as well as a dining hall 26 feet wide and 84 feet long.

“This is a huge undertaking,” observed Moffett McNeel, Jr., Chairman of the Advancement Committee, “and will require the active support of the people of the county if it is to be accomplished. The adults of this county are urged to accept their citizenship responsibilities by their wholehearted cooperation to this effort,” he concluded.

ALPINE THEATRE

“Vice Raid”

Mamie Van Doren ~ Richard Coogan

“Night Passage”

James Stewart ~ Audie Murphy

“The Nun’s Story”

Audrey Hepburn

“The Bridges of Toko-Ri”

Grace Kelly ~ William Holden

BIRTHS

Born to Mr. and Mrs. A. June Buzzard, of Huntersville, a daughter.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Copen, of Cass, a daughter named Wanda Sue.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Galford, of Dunmore, a daughter named Kay Ellen.