Memories from the Homestead: Remembering the Canton Bridge Company

     It's been noted that the original steel bridge across Hollister's Turkey Creek (St. James Street today) was the first steel bridge constructed in Taney County for wagon/auto use, dating back to 1912. The bridge also played an important role in getting students to the Hollister school up the hill to the east. It survived an incredible 89 years, being replaced with the current bridge in 2001.

Built by the Canton Bridge Company out of Canton, Ohio, the Turkey Creek bridge was a pin-connected Pratt through truss bridge, a very familiar type of construction and it's quite impressive, the number of these structures that are still standing, and on top of that, those that are still in use from the Midwest to the East.

The 1909 Riverside Bridge at Ozark prior to being relocated to Finley Farms (Photo courtesy of the City of Ozark)   

The Canton Bridge Company began in Canton, Ohio, in the late 1870s and was incorporated in 1891 with $150,000 capital. This was at a time of rapid development in our country, and during that time many areas were rebuilding from the devastation of the Civil War.

Formed by John R. Reed, the company was led by president W.E. Sherlock, vice president V.H. Hammond, and their chief engineer C.E. Timkler. They opened a fabrication factory at the corner of Beiden and Wheeler streets. Becoming well known for their steel and wrought iron materials, truss components, shipping and fast construction, by 1900, the company had completed structures from Virginia to Kansas and the numbers kept climbing. Reed would leave the Canton, Ohio, area and relocate to Joplin, Missouri.

Some six thousand bridges had been built in just ten years nationwide, with 25 percent of those being in Ohio alone. Soon, the Canton Bridge Company was being recognized right here in our area and surrounding counties.

One of their most unique structures was built in 1909 across the Finley River north of Ozark; many of you will remember it as the Riverside Bridge. Built at a cost of $3,648, the two-span structure was 200 feet in length and 11.5 feet in width. By 1920, Canton Bridge Company had constructed every steel truss bridge in Christian County. 

By the 1920s changes came, and Canton Bridge was sold to Massillon Steel Joist Company. This ownership didn't last long and in 1927 the company merged with Macomber Steel Company.

While quite a number of these great structures have disappeared, a number of them have been preserved thanks to the efforts of many who have recognized Canton Bridge Company's top notch quality and historical value. Many structures are on the National Register of Historic Places today.

The Riverside Bridge in Ozark is now a part of Finley Farms in Ozark, saved by Johnny Morris, and is now a pedestrian structure. 

What about the Turkey Creek Bridge here in Hollister? City officials saved a portion of it and it can be seen in Hollister's Chad A. Fuqua Park.

To learn more about where to find these incredible structures by the Canton Bridge Company, go to bridgehunter.com .

Happy trails, everyone!