Bartram Bridge Gets a Facelift

Jan Elston:

The Bartram Bridge Join Preservation Board has completed Phase One of a general re-hab of Delaware County’s last remaining covered bridge.

Rich Gerahty, a roofing specialist, has finished installing a metal, historically acceptable roof, to replace the rotting, fifteen year old cedar shake roof.  Mr. Gerahty, who grew up in Echo Valley, he has special childhood memories of the bridge, and took a financial loss for his labor and materials.  The metal roof was much more expensive than each township had budgeted for.

Edward Johnston, of E. Johnston Builders, Inc., and a member of the Bartram Bridge Board, has donated many hours of labor, research and planning, and installation of the plywood sheeting.  He was assisted by Gary Miller, of Miller Mechanical, with the installation of the beautiful lighting for the holidays.

Tony Massimiano, owner of JPS Container Services, helped by donating two dumpsters for the clean-up.

It’s wonderful to see so many people whose love for a local landmark inspired them to step-up and help.  The rest of the project will be completed in the spring.