Falling into a state of disrepair - Community to the rescue

As with all things, time and weather take a toll.  The Weddle Bridge began to fall into a state of disrepair in the past few years.  In 2004, a group of very concerned citizens began to meet regularly to try to find a way to ward of the ravages of time.  The group consisted of some of the original bridge proponents who were involved in bringing the bridge to Sweet Home.  Local citizens, the local newspaper owner, representatives of the city and a representative from Sweet Home Economic Development Group (SHEDG) became the driving force for the initial efforts to save the bridge. Since the bridge is located in the city park, the City of Sweet Home became the responsible for the bridge.

Serious damage

Initially the focus centered on an analysis of what needed to be replaced or repaired.  In September of 2005, OBEC Consulting Engineers put out their inspection report.  They noticed a distinct sag in the structure and called to close the bridge to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic for safety reasons.

Help is on the way!

Money from a variety of sources came in to begin the process of repair and protection from further damage.  Since then, High Mt. Cedar made some permanent and temporary repairs to the roof last autumn saved the structure from last winter's heavy rains.

Since the closing of the bridge, efforts of many have resulted in funding to begin the process of renovation.

Weyerhaeuser Grant - Through the efforts of local involved citizen Karla Burcham, Weyerhaeuser awarded a grant of $2,000 for the bridge. 

Sweet Home Community Foundation Grant - $2,500

Community Awareness/Fundraising Event - In October 2005, the Sweet Home Community Development Department held an event to bring awareness to the problems existing at the bridge and to raise funds. Through the help of volunteers and assistance of local organizations and musicians, music, activities and a silent auction netted nearly $1,350 for the bridge.  In addition, the Community Development Department created CD's and DVD's and garnered $390 from the sales. There are more CD's and DVD's for sale; please click on "Weddle Bridge Items for Sale".

Challenge Grant Match Program with SHEDG - At the September board meeting, Sweet Home Economic Development Group voted to put up matching funds of up to $20,000 with a deadline for raising funds.  The fundraising effors met the match.

Community Contributions came to $3,100 from donations; Hoy's Hardware donated $2,000 in in-kind product, and in-kind help from the city, vendors and advertising entities brought in nearly $585.  A SOLV grant contributed $120.  Additional money came in.  The total for community donations was $6,875.46.

Oregon Covered Bridge gave $500.

The City of Sweet Home provided $6,262 from salvage timber sales and included $1,000 budgeted for the bridge.

Staff from Spoleto's Pizzeria and the Oregon Jamboree donated money to cover travel costs for covered bridge expert - Phil Pierce, national covered bridge expert, who will be in Sweet Home May 5-7 to consult with the Weddle Covered Bridge Technical Team.  Mr. Pierce is donating his services.

Future Events - The next covered bridge awareness event will take place October 21, 2006.  Keep posted for upcoming announcements.