The Somerset reporter., 1903-10-15
Bridge Building.

OkOWnegan people nave mad good OPP
portunity to study bridge building, this
season, and many have availed them
selves of the opportunity.
First in town meeting-the March
meeting and several other subsequent
ones-the theory of steel bridges was
well canvassed and citizers of our town
had opportunity to learn much of the
science, construction, cost, etc. Of
bridges, also to participate in nor
partisan, political contests to an un.
usual extent for one year.
Not only that but after operations
began object lessons in construction
were in order. First on the steel-con-
crete structure across the Wesserrunset
on the Canaan road. This object lesson
was lengthy one in the form of sum-
mer school but it was not well located,
being two miles from the post office, aud
the attendance was comparatively small.
Then later lesson was given 10 re-
moving the steel bridge across the North
channel, constructed 10 years ago to sup
port the water pipe from the North side
to the Island. This operation by a
Skowhegan artisan and demonstration
attracted considerable attention, the in
terest and attendance being well sustain
ed on the days used In accomplishing
the work. The removal of the old graz
lite wall of the wooden structure, built
"a years ago, the propping up and
strengthening of that structure, includ-
ing the relaying of the heavy water
main temporarily on the bridge, so that
the water service to the Island and
South-side should not be interrupted,
and the laying of the foundation wall
for the new bridge were interesting
operations for our citizens, and the daily
attendance was well sustained through
out the necessarily lengthy processes.
But the climax of intense interest and
of attendance was reached when teachers
and demonstrators came here from New
York, in the employ CT the American
Bridge Company, to place the new steel
structure across the chasm of the North
channel. This was an OF ject lesson
worthy of the Increased attendance it
received. Rather was it series of OF
ject lessons, but the men who worked
out the problems before the classes
formed on both sides the channel did
not seem inclined to explain the work as
they went along. Pupils in the classes
were obliged to wait and watch out to
see how the intricate, difficult details Of
the work were accomplished.
The watchfulness and patience of the
pupils, who were of wide range in age
and Of all professions and vocations,
have thus far been rewarded by success
full demonstration by the accomplished
artisans In charge of the work. These
artificers do not pay great attention to
the aesthetic while In the spacious class
room. They do not wear "boiled shirts"
or patent feathers, but they know their
business and their work appears to meet
the approval of the pupils and audience
the sidewalk committees.
Skowhegan people know more about
concrete and steel bridges than they did
year ago and are better Informed as to
methods of construction. The payment
of the $40, 900 the town will have ex-
pended in bridges this year will be an
other feature of the educating process
that will extend over decade, and thus
be a somewhat extended object lesson
for our taxpayers. This part of the
program is not so pleasant as other
features but it is necessary and we be-
lieve the money is being well expended.
The outlay was necessary and our
property owners will go down into their
pockets to foot the bills with equanamity
and a fair degree Of satisfaction.