Hi, list! I pulled this article from the Oct. 21 Lincoln Sentinel-Republican, not so much for the details about this bridge but because of the little tidbits of history in this article. I thought it was pretty interesting. I'm trimming the fundraising pitches out as much as possible. This is NOT a solicitation for funds. Hope you enjoy it. Double-arch bridge Project is still alive The double-arch bridge located off K-181 north of Sylvan Grove is in need of repair. And if the repairs aren’t made, the locally known landmark will probably be lost to the running water of Spillman Creek. The double-arch bridge, also known as Spillman Bridge, was built by Lincoln County in 1908. It is located in Cedron Township of Lincoln County. A local bridge contractor, John Edward "Ed" Beverly, supervised the construction. Native limestone was quarried from the hills southwest of the bridge location and transported to the site. The south arch of the bridge measures 20 feet in diameter while the north arch is 24 feet. They are 20 feet in length. There are two abutments, one pier, and four wing walls. Temporary wooden arches were constructed to support the rocks as they were put in place. The wooden portion was removed when the "key rock," the rock at the uppermost point of the arch, was inserted. The stone arches were then self-supporting. According to the original bridge specifications, "All stone used in the construct of said bridge to be laid in Portland cement." The original bridge did not have a concrete deck. Instead it had stone bannisters that were subsequently removed when the road was widened in later years. The bridge was used for nearly 40 years before the State of Kansas needed to use it as part of the state highway in 1946. The bridge was then surfaced with asphalt. The bridge saw nearly another 50 years of use, but in 1993, the Kansas Department of Transportation decided to replace the bridge and put in a new highway. Duane Vonada, who lives just a few miles south of the bridge, heard of the decision and quickly called then Lincoln County Commissioner, Raymond Shaffstall. He explained the KDOT plans and wanted to know if there was any way to save the bridge. Shaffstall was more than willing to help and notified KDOT authorities of the request to save the bridge. Plans were made to move the highway to the west, build a new bridge and leave the Spillman Bridge as it was, with a roadside park area included. In addition, KDOT granted a $71,000 grant for the renovation and stabilization of the bridge if it could be matched by the county with $17,000. The bridge represents a lot of Lincoln County history, Vonada indicated. It was also a focal point for three ethnic groups located in the area, the Native Americans and the African Americans and the Northern Europeans who settled in the area. "It’s believed the Pawnee Indians followed a trail that passed very near where the bridge was located. Portions of the trail can still be seen from the air," Vonada pointed out. The North Central Kansas Intertribal Society has become interested in the bridge site and has given its support to preserving it for future generations. "They had a funeral ceremony a few years ago in the area just southeast of the bridge." Vonada said. "The group has also chosen the spot as a reburial site for a Native American who was accidentally uncovered in the Wolf Creek Gorge area," he added. In addition to the Native Americans, the roots of the African Americans who settled in the area can also be found near the bridge. "The black community used to have an ‘Emancipation Proclamation Picnic’ every year just northwest of this area," Vonada explained. "The Northern Europeans who settled this area will also be represented," he continued. "They probably helped with the contruction of the bridge." Vonada Stone Company and the Sylvan Grove Historical Society have donated a limestone sign for the project which is erected in the park area near the bridge. Two other signs are being made. At this point in time, Vonada is mainly concerned with stabilizing the base and floor of the arch. For close to a century, the trickling water of Spillman Creek has passed through the arches of the bridge and has taken its toll. Allowing the deterioration of the base and footings of the bridge to go unchecked, without some form of stabilization, could eventually place the structure in jeopardy. "It’s still stable and you can walk across it," Vonada reassured. "But we have to do something soon. "This KDOT program is only good until the year 2002," he pointed out. "I told them we’d have it done two years ago. Then I said last year. They’ve been very patient because they know we’re working on it." The bridge has gained support from several groups, in addition to the NCK Intertribal Society and members from the Nicodemus Historical Society. "The youth of the area seem to really want to save the bridge and the local 4-H clubs have indicated they will help out," Vonada said. "The Lincoln High School video class took an interest in the project and put together a video about the bridge," he added. "The goal is to make the bridge and the area included around it a multi-cultural park," he revealed. "We want to honor the Native Americans, the African Americans and the Northern Europeans who supplied the basis for the history of this place."