See Darrington’s bridge history again

Published 11:02 pm Thursday, March 25, 2010

DARRINGTON — If you are an amateur historian and missed it the first time around, there’s another chance Sunday to see a special presentation about the bridges of northeast Snohomish County by the Darrington Historical Society.

The society, with its volunteer members, has updated its work on the bridges of the upper Sauk and Stillaguamish river valleys.

The presentation was nominated last year for the Helmer Malstrom Award, given annually for the outstanding heritage project in Snohomish County.

The show includes more photographs and new material put together since last year’s original presentation, said society member Scott Morris, a former reporter with The Herald.

The new photos include a priceless shot of women in their Sunday bonnets hanging on for dear life as they cross a cable suspension footbridge, Morris said.

“The show traces the history of river crossings in the Darrington area, from the first rickety high-wire footbridges, to horse-and-buggy ferries, logging railroad trestles, wooden spans for Model A Fords and on up to modern concrete and steel bridges,” he said. “We also will solve the mystery of what bridge truly is what people up here call the Government Bridge. We think we know, but we encourage people to come. We expect a lively debate.”

People are asked to come and share photos and stories of the bridges that made life in the Darrington area possible, Morris said.

One of the bridges to be discussed Sunday is the former bridge on Sauk Prairie Road, which was replaced last year with a new span.

The old bridge was barely more than one lane, just wide enough for logging trucks, school buses, farmers hauling hay, and maybe, if each drove slowly, a narrow car coming the other direction.

The old standard-issue green, steel-and-timber truss bridge northeast of downtown Darrington was built in the late 1920s or early ’30s, when fording the Sauk River became just too dangerous.

Along with meeting essential transportation needs, the old bridge was the destination of Sunday afternoon walkers, wildflower pickers, local salmon fishermen and summertime swimmers.

The old bridge was replaced last year by a new structure that is Snohomish County’s longest two-span steel truss bridge at 480 feet. Sauk River Bridge No. 414 is twice as wide as the old bridge and has plenty of room for two fully loaded log trucks side-by-side.

The Darrington Historical Society’s next big project is a slide show to be presented in the summer in support of the fundraising efforts to renovate the Darrington Community Center. Stories about the construction of the center and photos of Darrington in the 1950s are being sought by the society, Morris said.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427, gfiege@heraldnet.com.