EAGLE POINT BRIDGE - Revision history

Randylyon at 20:37, 25 March 2025

2025-03-25T20:37:50Z

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	[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]		[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]
	[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; Joseph A Rhomberg; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)		[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; Joseph A Rhomberg; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis, Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)

	So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (2) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (3)		So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (2) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (3)

Randylyon at 02:15, 1 October 2019

2019-10-01T02:15:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:15, 1 October 2019
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	The company directors continued to hope that construction starting with bridge piers could be completed by the time the river froze. (16) Almost immediately, however, unforeseen obstacles arose. When the site was mapped, engineers did not expect to find any rock. They were surprised when driving the first piles for the piers to encounter a 56 x 24 foot rock six feet below the river bottom. (17) This necessitated the construction of a coffer dam by the firm of [[LINEHAN & MOLO]] which had the contract for driving piles and constructing bridge piers. (18)		The company directors continued to hope that construction starting with bridge piers could be completed by the time the river froze. (16) Almost immediately, however, unforeseen obstacles arose. When the site was mapped, engineers did not expect to find any rock. They were surprised when driving the first piles for the piers to encounter a 56 x 24 foot rock six feet below the river bottom. (17) This necessitated the construction of a coffer dam by the firm of [[LINEHAN & MOLO]] which had the contract for driving piles and constructing bridge piers. (18)

	The western approach to the bridge also caused problems. The route affected the Fengler property, a piece of ground 600 feet long and fifty feet wide. To determine an evaluation, a jury was formed to reach a decision. (19) The eastern portion of the bridge was made of wood instead of the iron used on the western side. The bend in the bridge near the Wisconsin side was used to save additional money. The 1,100 foot-long bridge stretched from Eagle Point into an area in Wisconsin formerly known as Kimbel's Slough or [[KIMBEL'S PARK]] over an additional 1,800 feet of trestle. This trestle ran over land except during high water when the slough area flooded.		The western approach to the bridge also caused problems. The route affected the Fengler property, a piece of ground 600 feet long and fifty feet wide. To determine an evaluation, a jury was formed to reach a decision. (19) The eastern portion of the bridge was made of wood instead of the iron used on the western side. The bend in the bridge near the Wisconsin side was used to save additional money. The 1,100 foot-long bridge stretched from Eagle Point into an area in Wisconsin formerly known as Kimbel's Slough or [[KIMBEL PARK]] over an additional 1,800 feet of trestle. This trestle ran over land except during high water when the slough area flooded.

	[[Image:plaque7.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Undated photo. Library of Congress.]]The opening of the bridge was not celebrated as might have been expected. Bridge company officials chose not to invest their money in a ceremony. (20) No reason was given for the fact that the Dubuque Retailer Association abandoned its plans for a celebration.		[[Image:plaque7.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Undated photo. Library of Congress.]]The opening of the bridge was not celebrated as might have been expected. Bridge company officials chose not to invest their money in a ceremony. (20) No reason was given for the fact that the Dubuque Retailer Association abandoned its plans for a celebration.

Randylyon at 01:31, 5 April 2017

2017-04-05T01:31:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:31, 5 April 2017
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	[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]		[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]
	[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; ~~[[RHOMBERG,~~ Joseph A~~.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]]~~; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)		[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; Joseph A Rhomberg; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)

	So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (2) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (3)		So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (2) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (3)

Randylyon at 01:30, 5 April 2017

2017-04-05T01:30:49Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 01:14, 5 April 2017

2017-04-05T01:14:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:14, 5 April 2017
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	[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]		[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]
	[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph A.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]]; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)		[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph A.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]]; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)

			So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (10) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (11)

	Despite the fact that it was felt a new bridge would encourage traffic into Dubuque from an area not then being served, it seemed a bad time to consider a new bridge. (2) In 1894, the company operating the Wagon Bridge petitioned the city council, due to its lack of revenue, to cancel the 1893 tax due to the city. The charter of the company stated the bridge would not be taxed any year it did not generate 8% interest on the capital invested. (3) Interest was sparked in having the city take over the bridge and making its use free.		Despite the fact that it was felt a new bridge would encourage traffic into Dubuque from an area not then being served, it seemed a bad time to consider a new bridge. (2) In 1894, the company operating the Wagon Bridge petitioned the city council, due to its lack of revenue, to cancel the 1893 tax due to the city. The charter of the company stated the bridge would not be taxed any year it did not generate 8% interest on the capital invested. (3) Interest was sparked in having the city take over the bridge and making its use free.

	Citizens in the Fifth Ward were not opposed to the Wagon Bridge being made free, if they ~~also had a bridge~~. The proposal before the city council to take over the bridge looked to them as an attempt by the "lower end of town" and the [[DUBUQUE HIGH BRIDGE COMPANY]] to have a free bridge while preventing them from having any bridge. (4) There was a provision that the city would not aid in the construction of another bridge until the Wagon Bridge was fully paid. (5) The issue was settled on February 4, 1895 when the city council rejected the proposal which had meant taking over the bridge, keeping it in repair, and paying 8% to the stockholders forever. (6)		Citizens in the Fifth Ward were not opposed to the Wagon Bridge being made free, but they wanted one built in their part of the city. The proposal before the city council to take over the bridge looked to them as an attempt by the "lower end of town" and the [[DUBUQUE HIGH BRIDGE COMPANY]] to have a free bridge while preventing them from having any bridge. (4) There was a provision that the city would not aid in the construction of another bridge until the Wagon Bridge was fully paid. (5) The issue was settled on February 4, 1895 when the city council rejected the Wagon Bridge proposal which had meant taking over the bridge, keeping it in repair, and paying 8% to the stockholders forever. (6)

			Joseph A. Rhomberg met with the Dubuque city council and stated that there were 250 people willing to contribute to the construction. He proposed that masonry piers would be set three to four feet above the high water mark with all construction above this in steel. Completion of the bride was estimated to be six months at a cost of between $120,000 and $140,000. (9)

	Despite the council's passage of a resolution that it was not bound in any manner to aid in the construction of a new bridge until the Wagon Bridge had been purchased by the city, the matter was reintroduced on August 16, 1895. A petition from the [[DUBUQUE AND WISCONSIN BRIDGE COMPANY]] was read to the council asking for $25,000 "contributed on substantially the same terms and conditions as the former appropriation in aid of the high bridge between the city and East Dubuque." The money was to be used for the construction of bridge approaches in Iowa. (7)		Despite the council's passage of a resolution that it was not bound in any manner to aid in the construction of a new bridge until the Wagon Bridge had been purchased by the city, the matter was reintroduced on August 16, 1895. A petition from the [[DUBUQUE AND WISCONSIN BRIDGE COMPANY]] was read to the council asking for $25,000 "contributed on substantially the same terms and conditions as the former appropriation in aid of the high bridge between the city and East Dubuque." The money was to be used for the construction of bridge approaches in Iowa. (7)

	On October 5, 1895 the city council met to consider the request for $25,000. ~~It was stipulated~~ that the money would be provided, as it had been for the [[WAGON BRIDGE]], if the city had the right to purchase at cost, minus the $25,000, and 8% interest the bridge unless the company later returned the $25,000. (8)		On October 5, 1895 the city council met to consider the request for $25,000. The council responded by stipulating that the money would be provided, as it had been for the [[WAGON BRIDGE]], if the city had the right to purchase at cost, minus the $25,000, and 8% interest the bridge unless the company later returned the $25,000. (8) When the company had achieved all the money necessary for the project, the Dubuque city council awarded $25,000 as a bonus. (12)

	Joseph A. Rhomberg met with the council and stated that there were 250 people willing to contribute to the construction. Masonry piers would be set three to four feet above the high water mark with all construction above this in steel. Completion of the bride was estimated to be six months at a cost of between $120,000 and $140,000. (9)

	So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (10) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (11) When the company had achieved all the money necessary for the project, the Dubuque city council awarded $25,000 as a bonus. (12)

	Plans were changed. In 1899 E. R. Shankland, a civil engineer and contractor who worked on the Chicago World's Fair, arrived in Dubuque and decided to move the location of the bridge six hundred feet north of the original proposal. (13) The river commission in 1900 decided that the three spans would each be 350 feet wide. Shankland then had to redraw plans on submit them to an engineer in Rock Island for approval. (14) In 1900 Senator [[ALLISON, William Boyd\|William Boyd ALLISON]] introduced the necessary bill in Congress stating that the bridge would be constructed near [[EAGLE POINT]] and that it would not be constructed within two miles of any other bridge. The direction would be a responsibility of the Secretary of War and work was to be completed within three years of the passage of the bill. (15)		Plans were changed. In 1899 E. R. Shankland, a civil engineer and contractor who worked on the Chicago World's Fair, arrived in Dubuque and decided to move the location of the bridge six hundred feet north of the original proposal. (13) The river commission in 1900 decided that the three spans would each be 350 feet wide. Shankland then had to redraw plans on submit them to an engineer in Rock Island for approval. (14) In 1900 Senator [[ALLISON, William Boyd\|William Boyd ALLISON]] introduced the necessary bill in Congress stating that the bridge would be constructed near [[EAGLE POINT]] and that it would not be constructed within two miles of any other bridge. The direction would be a responsibility of the Secretary of War and work was to be completed within three years of the passage of the bill. (15)
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	1. "The Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 30, 1894, p. 4.		1. "The Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', May 30, 1894, p. 4.

			11. "Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 11, 1899, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bwhBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OagMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2078,4934833&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	2. "Will Aid Dubuque," ''Dubuque Daily Herald,'' May 19, 1894, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940519&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		2. "Will Aid Dubuque," ''Dubuque Daily Herald,'' May 19, 1894, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18940519&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
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	6. "Shea's Surprise," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', February 5, 1895, p. 8, 1895, Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18950205&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		6. "Shea's Surprise," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', February 5, 1895, p. 8, 1895, Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18950205&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

			9. "Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', October 6, 1895, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18951006&printsec=frontpage&hl=en


	7. "Same Old Ghost," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 17, 1895, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18950817&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		7. "Same Old Ghost," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 17, 1895, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18950817&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
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	8. "Want That Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', October 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18951005&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		8. "Want That Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', October 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18951005&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	9. "~~Eagle Point Bridge~~," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', ~~October 6~~, 1895, p. 4. Online: ~~https~~://news.google.com/newspapers?~~nid~~=~~_OG5zn83XeQC~~&~~dat~~=~~18951006~~&~~printsec~~=~~frontpage~~&hl=en		12. "They Vote $25,000," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qrBFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LL0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3137,6288801&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en



	10. "Credit Where Due," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', April 7, 1901, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kDdBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=y6gMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2908,1897904&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		10. "Credit Where Due," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', April 7, 1901, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kDdBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=y6gMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2908,1897904&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	~~11. "Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 11, 1899, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bwhBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OagMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2078,4934833&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en~~

	~~12. "They Vote $25,000," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qrBFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LL0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3137,6288801&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en~~

	13. "Eagle Point Bridge," August 11, 1899"		13. "Eagle Point Bridge," August 11, 1899"

Randylyon at 22:51, 4 April 2017

2017-04-04T22:51:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:51, 4 April 2017
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	[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph A.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]]; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)		[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph A.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]]; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)

	~~Concern~~ that ~~the new bridge would affect the traffic on the [[WAGON BRIDGE]] was quickly rejected. It~~ was felt ~~that the~~ new bridge would ~~actually~~ encourage traffic into Dubuque from an area not then being served. (2) ~~Ironically in the same year~~, the company operating the Wagon Bridge petitioned the city council to cancel the 1893 tax due to the city. The charter of the company stated the bridge would not be taxed any year it did not generate 8% interest on the capital invested. (3)		Despite the fact that it was felt a new bridge would encourage traffic into Dubuque from an area not then being served, it seemed a bad time to consider a new bridge. (2) In 1894, the company operating the Wagon Bridge petitioned the city council, due to its lack of revenue, to cancel the 1893 tax due to the city. The charter of the company stated the bridge would not be taxed any year it did not generate 8% interest on the capital invested. (3) Interest was sparked in having the city take over the bridge and making its use free.

	~~In 1895 citizens~~ in the Fifth Ward were not opposed to the Wagon Bridge being made free, if they also had a bridge. A proposal before the city council~~, however,~~ looked to them as an attempt by the "lower end of town" and the [[DUBUQUE HIGH BRIDGE COMPANY]] to have a free bridge while preventing them from having any bridge ~~at all~~. (4) There was a provision that the city would not aid in the construction of another bridge until the Wagon Bridge was fully paid. (5) The issue was settled on February 4, 1895 when the city council rejected the proposal which had meant taking over the bridge, keeping it in repair, and paying 8% to the stockholders forever. (6)		Citizens in the Fifth Ward were not opposed to the Wagon Bridge being made free, if they also had a bridge. The proposal before the city council to take over the bridge looked to them as an attempt by the "lower end of town" and the [[DUBUQUE HIGH BRIDGE COMPANY]] to have a free bridge while preventing them from having any bridge. (4) There was a provision that the city would not aid in the construction of another bridge until the Wagon Bridge was fully paid. (5) The issue was settled on February 4, 1895 when the city council rejected the proposal which had meant taking over the bridge, keeping it in repair, and paying 8% to the stockholders forever. (6)

	Despite the council's passage of a resolution that it was not bound in any manner to aid in the construction of a new bridge until the Wagon Bridge had been purchased by the city, the matter was reintroduced on August 16, 1895. A petition from the [[DUBUQUE AND WISCONSIN BRIDGE COMPANY]] was read to the council asking for $25,000 "contributed on substantially the same terms and conditions as the former appropriation in aid of the high bridge between the city and East Dubuque." The money was to be used for the construction of bridge approaches in Iowa. (7)		Despite the council's passage of a resolution that it was not bound in any manner to aid in the construction of a new bridge until the Wagon Bridge had been purchased by the city, the matter was reintroduced on August 16, 1895. A petition from the [[DUBUQUE AND WISCONSIN BRIDGE COMPANY]] was read to the council asking for $25,000 "contributed on substantially the same terms and conditions as the former appropriation in aid of the high bridge between the city and East Dubuque." The money was to be used for the construction of bridge approaches in Iowa. (7)

Randylyon at 19:55, 4 April 2017

2017-04-04T19:55:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 4 April 2017
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	[[Image:imp257.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Toll ticket. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]Toll takers working for the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge Company worked twelve hour split shifts.		[[Image:imp257.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Toll ticket. Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]Toll takers working for the Dubuque-Wisconsin Bridge Company worked twelve hour split shifts.

	In 1922 the ~~east~~ approach to the Eagle Point high bridge was renovated. Structural steel was used to replace the wooden structure at a cost of $25,000. Work was done so that traffic moving in either direction was not affected. (21) Painting the bridge in 1926 took over four hundred gallons of paint with the most difficult part being the inverted fifth span. (22) The inverted span, according to the bridge company, was used to save money while providing the same structural support. (23) In 1928 the wooden joists of the bridge were replaced with steel girders and the floor was replaced. With the steel girders, the carrying weight of the bridge increased to twenty tons. The new flooring was composed of creosoted wooden planks covered with tarvia and stone. (24)		In 1922 the eastern approach to the Eagle Point high bridge was renovated. Structural steel was used to replace the wooden structure at a cost of $25,000. Work was done so that traffic moving in either direction was not affected. (21) Painting the bridge in 1926 took over four hundred gallons of paint with the most difficult part being the inverted fifth span. (22) The inverted span, according to the bridge company, was used to save money while providing the same structural support. (23) In 1928 the wooden joists of the bridge were replaced with steel girders and the floor was replaced. With the steel girders, the carrying weight of the bridge increased to twenty tons. The new flooring was composed of creosoted wooden planks covered with tarvia and stone. (24)

	Construction continued in 1935. As originally planned, a new roadway to the eastern side of the bridge was planned 600 feet south of the highway that then connected the roadway to Wisconsin Highway 61. The ~~planned~~ was dropped due to its cost. Excavation on the island just west of the Wisconsin shore reduced the level to that of the official low water stage of the river. This created sufficient water storage to allow the operation of the lock and dam at a "fixed stage." The island, known officially as "Island 27" on government engineer's maps, "Squatter's Island," or "Lenstra's Island." had thirty summer cottages located on it that had to be removed. The sharp bend in the bridge was removed so that the bridge was nearly a straight line from shore to shore~~. The part of the bridge reconstructed by the government resulted in no cost to the bridge owners and had a concrete floor~~. While work was underway, a wooden trestle was used so that traffic was never halted. (25)		Construction continued in 1935. As originally planned, a new roadway to the eastern side of the bridge was planned 600 feet south of the highway that then connected the roadway to Wisconsin Highway 61. The plan was dropped due to its cost. Excavation on the island just west of the Wisconsin shore reduced the level to that of the official low water stage of the river. This created sufficient water storage to allow the operation of the lock and dam at a "fixed stage." The island, known officially as "Island 27" on government engineer's maps, "Squatter's Island," or "Lenstra's Island." had thirty summer cottages located on it that had to be removed. The sharp bend in the bridge was removed so that the bridge was nearly a straight line from shore to shore. While work was underway, a wooden trestle was used so that traffic was never halted. (25)

	~~The use of~~ the ~~bridge was reduced in 1969 when both~~ the ~~Iowa and Wisconsin departments~~ of ~~transportation removed the bridge from highway designations. U. S. 151 and 61 were routed~~ to the ~~[[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]]~~ and ~~weight limits were imposed~~ on the Eagle Point Bridge. Only cars and pickup trucks were allowed to cross. Semi-trucks had been banned since 1967. Despite this, between three thousand and four thousand vehicles continued to use it daily, many drivers headed for the [[JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS]] north of the city. (26)		In 1946 the creosoted wooden planks were replaced with an open steel grid. This offered the advantage of allowing rain or melting snow to pass on into the river rather than pool and possibly freeze on the bridge surface. (26)

	Congestion on the bridge led to a proposal in 1974. The [[DUBUQUE AND WISCONSIN BRIDGE COMPANY]] suggested a plan to add a second toll booth and widen the access on the Iowa side. Traffic into Dubuque from Wisconsin would use two lanes and both toll booths in the morning. Traffic to Wisconsin would use one lane and one booth. The pattern would be reversed at night. (27)		The use of the bridge was reduced in 1969 when both the Iowa and Wisconsin departments of transportation removed the bridge from highway designations. U. S. 151 and 61 were routed to the [[JULIEN DUBUQUE BRIDGE]] and weight limits were imposed on the Eagle Point Bridge. Only cars and pickup trucks were allowed to cross. Semi-trucks had been banned since 1967. Despite this, between three thousand and four thousand vehicles continued to use it daily, many drivers headed for the [[JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS]] north of the city. (27)

			Congestion on the bridge led to a proposal in 1974. The [[DUBUQUE AND WISCONSIN BRIDGE COMPANY]] suggested a plan to add a second toll booth and widen the access on the Iowa side. Traffic into Dubuque from Wisconsin would use two lanes and both toll booths in the morning. Traffic to Wisconsin would use one lane and one booth. The pattern would be reversed at night. (28)

	[[Image:imp262.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Drivers crossing the bridge into Wisconsin purchased a ticket (top). If they picked up a passenger in Wisconsin, a second ticket had to be purchased (bottom).Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:imp262.jpg\|left\|thumb\|150px\|Drivers crossing the bridge into Wisconsin purchased a ticket (top). If they picked up a passenger in Wisconsin, a second ticket had to be purchased (bottom).Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]

	In 1979 when the bridge was purchased by the State of Iowa for $769,700, part-time help was hired, and shifts ran eight hours long. The state paid overtime to the toll-takers and paid extra for working on holidays. While the bridge company paid neither of these benefits, employees usually received a Christmas bonus of several hundred dollars something not paid by the state. During the first eight months the state owned the bridge, it took in $272,000 against expenses of $66,673. Tolls at this time were: (28)		In 1958, the ownership of the bridge was held by 212 stockholders mostly descendants of the original investors. (29) In 1979 when the bridge was purchased by the State of Iowa for $769,700, part-time help was hired, and shifts ran eight hours long. The state paid overtime to the toll-takers and paid extra for working on holidays. While the bridge company paid neither of these benefits, employees usually received a Christmas bonus of several hundred dollars something not paid by the state. During the first eight months the state owned the bridge, it took in $272,000 against expenses of $66,673. Tolls at this time were: (30)

	30 cents for a single occupant vehicle		30 cents for a single occupant vehicle
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	[[Image:tollbridgedown.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The famous bridge lies in ruin after all attempts to save it failed.Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]		[[Image:tollbridgedown.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The famous bridge lies in ruin after all attempts to save it failed.Photo courtesy: Bob Reding]]

	In 1982, despite suggestions that the bridge be kept open for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and an inspection showing the bridge was structurally and functionally sound, the span was demolished at a cost of $500,000. (29) Iowa officials explained that the federal government which was paying for the new [[DUBUQUE-WISCONSIN BRIDGE]] would not allow the old bridge to remain. (30) Profits from tolls were used to help pay the cost of demolition. (31) Rumors that the owners would sue to block construction of a new bridge across the river were denied.		In 1982, despite suggestions that the bridge be kept open for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and an inspection showing the bridge was structurally and functionally sound, the span was demolished at a cost of $500,000. (31) Iowa officials explained that the federal government which was paying for the new [[DUBUQUE-WISCONSIN BRIDGE]] would not allow the old bridge to remain. (32) Profits from tolls were used to help pay the cost of demolition. (33) Rumors that the owners would sue to block construction of a new bridge across the river were denied.
	[[Image:dbqwiscbridge.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]		[[Image:dbqwiscbridge.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Photo courtesy: Jim Massey]]
	[[Image:tollkeeper.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Toll keeper's station. Library of Congress]]		[[Image:tollkeeper.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Toll keeper's station. Library of Congress]]
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	25. "Part of Eagle Point Bridge to be Rebuilt," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 4, 1935, p. 23. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TLxBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tqkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7192,3340237&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		25. "Part of Eagle Point Bridge to be Rebuilt," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 4, 1935, p. 23. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=TLxBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=tqkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=7192,3340237&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	26. Kelly, Steve and Kircher, Steve. "Bridge Repairs Exact Toll in Downtown Traffic," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 22, 1979, p. 1. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M-5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PqoMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4513,3177103&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		26. Penman, Janice. "That Upside Down Span," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 6, 1958, p. 10

			27. Kelly, Steve and Kircher, Steve. "Bridge Repairs Exact Toll in Downtown Traffic," ''Telegraph Herald'', May 22, 1979, p. 1. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=M-5BAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PqoMAAAAIBAJ&pg=4513,3177103&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

			28. "Second Toll Booth and Extra Lane Proposed for Eagle Point Bridge," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 17, 1974, p. 11. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-gVRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Gr8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=7238,4078241&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	27. "Second Toll Booth and Extra Lane Proposed for Eagle Point Bridge," ''Telegraph Herald'', October 17, 1974, p. 11. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-gVRAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Gr8MAAAAIBAJ&pg=7238,4078241&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		29. Penman

	28. Bulkley, John. "Iowa Votes to Buy Point Bridge for $769,700, ''Telegraph Herald'', March 20, 1979, p. 1. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hPhBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R6oMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2059,2384459&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		30. Bulkley, John. "Iowa Votes to Buy Point Bridge for $769,700, ''Telegraph Herald'', March 20, 1979, p. 1. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=hPhBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R6oMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2059,2384459&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	29. "Contract Awarded for Demolition of Eagle Point Bridge," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 11, 1982, p. 4. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HJFSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wNAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6728,1212934&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		31. "Contract Awarded for Demolition of Eagle Point Bridge," ''Telegraph Herald'', July 11, 1982, p. 4. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HJFSAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wNAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=6728,1212934&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	30. Ibid.		32. Ibid.

	31. Bigelow, Bruce."Bridge Tolls to Pay for Dismantlement," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 21, 1980, p. 11. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SOlFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XwUNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5826,2846344&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		33. Bigelow, Bruce."Bridge Tolls to Pay for Dismantlement," ''Telegraph Herald'', February 21, 1980, p. 11. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SOlFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XwUNAAAAIBAJ&pg=5826,2846344&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

Randylyon at 01:36, 25 January 2017

2017-01-25T01:36:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:36, 25 January 2017
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	[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]		[[Image:006.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]]
	[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; J. A. ~~Rhomberg~~; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)		[[Image:003.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Bridge Ticket. Photo courtesy: Darlene Reifsteck]] Articles of incorporation filed on May 30, 1894 called for the project to be capitalized at $100,000. The board of directors included M. Kirkberg, Jamestown, Wisconsin; George Kieler, Kieler, Wisconsin; John Langbotham, Dickeyville, Wisconsin; [[RHOMBERG, Joseph A.\|Joseph A. RHOMBERG]]; [[FENGLER, George\|George FENGLER]]; [[TRAUT, Paul\|Paul TRAUT]]; S. D. Ryan, ; [[WALKER, Marshall M.\|Marshall M. WALKER]]; John Morrison, and [[JAEGER, Adam Francis Jr.\|Adam Francis JAEGER, Jr.]]. (1)

	Concern that the new bridge would affect the traffic on the [[WAGON BRIDGE]] was quickly rejected. It was felt that the new bridge would actually encourage traffic into Dubuque from an area not then being served. (2) Ironically in the same year, the company operating the Wagon Bridge petitioned the city council to cancel the 1893 tax due to the city. The charter of the company stated the bridge would not be taxed any year it did not generate 8% interest on the capital invested. (3)		Concern that the new bridge would affect the traffic on the [[WAGON BRIDGE]] was quickly rejected. It was felt that the new bridge would actually encourage traffic into Dubuque from an area not then being served. (2) Ironically in the same year, the company operating the Wagon Bridge petitioned the city council to cancel the 1893 tax due to the city. The charter of the company stated the bridge would not be taxed any year it did not generate 8% interest on the capital invested. (3)
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	On October 5, 1895 the city council met to consider the request for $25,000. It was stipulated that the money would be provided, as it had been for the [[WAGON BRIDGE]], if the city had the right to purchase at cost, minus the $25,000, and 8% interest the bridge unless the company later returned the $25,000. (8)		On October 5, 1895 the city council met to consider the request for $25,000. It was stipulated that the money would be provided, as it had been for the [[WAGON BRIDGE]], if the city had the right to purchase at cost, minus the $25,000, and 8% interest the bridge unless the company later returned the $25,000. (8)

	~~The~~ first money was solicited in 1894. By August ~~1899~~, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (9) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (10) This was affirmed at the end of October when over $50,000 of the total $100,000 needed for construction had been subscribed in Wisconsin and only the Fifth Ward of Dubuque. A city-wide subscription was being planned. (11) When the company had achieved all the money necessary for the project, the Dubuque city council awarded $25,000 as a bonus. (12)		Joseph A. Rhomberg met with the council and stated that there were 250 people willing to contribute to the construction. Masonry piers would be set three to four feet above the high water mark with all construction above this in steel. Completion of the bride was estimated to be six months at a cost of between $120,000 and $140,000. (9)

			So confident were the investors that the first money was solicited in 1894. By August, company officials together with members of the [[DUBUQUE TRAVELING AND BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION]] had gathered $15,000 in subscriptions from farmers in Wisconsin. (10) They were able to state that the project was already a financial success before beginning the subscription program on the Iowa side. (11) When the company had achieved all the money necessary for the project, the Dubuque city council awarded $25,000 as a bonus. (12)

	Plans were changed. In 1899 E. R. Shankland, a civil engineer and contractor who worked on the Chicago World's Fair, arrived in Dubuque and decided to move the location of the bridge six hundred feet north of the original proposal. (13) The river commission in 1900 decided that the three spans would each be 350 feet wide. Shankland then had to redraw plans on submit them to an engineer in Rock Island for approval. (14) In 1900 Senator [[ALLISON, William Boyd\|William Boyd ALLISON]] introduced the necessary bill in Congress stating that the bridge would be constructed near [[EAGLE POINT]] and that it would not be constructed within two miles of any other bridge. The direction would be a responsibility of the Secretary of War and work was to be completed within three years of the passage of the bill. (15)		Plans were changed. In 1899 E. R. Shankland, a civil engineer and contractor who worked on the Chicago World's Fair, arrived in Dubuque and decided to move the location of the bridge six hundred feet north of the original proposal. (13) The river commission in 1900 decided that the three spans would each be 350 feet wide. Shankland then had to redraw plans on submit them to an engineer in Rock Island for approval. (14) In 1900 Senator [[ALLISON, William Boyd\|William Boyd ALLISON]] introduced the necessary bill in Congress stating that the bridge would be constructed near [[EAGLE POINT]] and that it would not be constructed within two miles of any other bridge. The direction would be a responsibility of the Secretary of War and work was to be completed within three years of the passage of the bill. (15)
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	8. "Want That Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', October 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18951005&printsec=frontpage&hl=en		8. "Want That Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', October 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18951005&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	9. "~~Credit Where Due~~," ''Dubuque Daily ~~Telegraph~~'', ~~April 7~~, ~~1901~~, p. 6. Online: ~~http~~://news.google.com/newspapers?id=~~kDdBAAAAIBAJ~~&~~sjid~~=~~y6gMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2908,1897904~~&dq=~~eagle+point+bridge~~&hl=en		9. "Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', October 6, 1895, p. 4. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=_OG5zn83XeQC&dat=18951006&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

	10. "~~Eagle Point Bridge~~," ''Dubuque Daily ~~Herald~~'', ~~August 11~~, ~~1899~~, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=~~bwhBAAAAIBAJ~~&sjid=~~OagMAAAAIBAJ~~&pg=~~2078~~,~~4934833~~&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		10. "Credit Where Due," ''Dubuque Daily Telegraph'', April 7, 1901, p. 6. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=kDdBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=y6gMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2908,1897904&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	11. "~~The~~ Eagle Point Bridge," ~~October 29~~, 1899, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=~~BRhBAAAAIBAJ~~&sjid=~~cKgMAAAAIBAJ~~&pg=~~2934~~,~~1607339~~&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		11. "Eagle Point Bridge," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', August 11, 1899, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bwhBAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OagMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2078,4934833&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

	12. "They Vote $25,000," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qrBFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LL0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3137,6288801&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en		12. "They Vote $25,000," ''Dubuque Daily Herald'', November 5, 1895, p. 8. Online: http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=qrBFAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LL0MAAAAIBAJ&pg=3137,6288801&dq=eagle+point+bridge&hl=en

Randylyon at 01:20, 25 January 2017

2017-01-25T01:20:38Z

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Randylyon at 19:53, 22 January 2017

2017-01-22T19:53:48Z

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