Engineer Speculates On Collapse Cause
Dr. Thomas Stetson of Carnegie Mellon inspected the bridge wreckage and suggested that failure in the tower structure or suspension bars could be factors. He noted snapping bars on the Ohio side, with anchorages intact, and blamed overloading, aging, or possible tower or overwater section failure as primary causes. He avoided assigning blame to the West Virginia Road Commission and said exact cause would be hard to determine without a snapped bar.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Point Pleasant
Thomas Stelson
Department of Civil Engineering
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh
National Broadcasting Co
Stetson
Ohio
Ohio Shore
Stelson
State Highway Department
West Virginia Road Commission
Donnelly
Greiner Company
American Bridge Co
United States Steel Corp
George Hess
New York
American Bridge
Overload Seen Likely Cause Of Bridge Fall
A partner from J E Greiner Co says the Silver Bridge collapse may result from traffic overload or a 40 year old cost cutting change in plans. The firm sent a six man team to investigate the failure amid questions about eyebar use versus cables and historical load specifications.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston
Silver Bridge
New York
Edward J. Donnelly
J. E. Greiner Co
Baltimore
Donnelly
Passenger Rail Unit Between Point Pleasant and Gallipolis
The first passenger train in years runs between Point Pleasant and Gallipolis on a self propelled 75 passenger unit under an interstate permit by New York Central. Service aims to aid commuter travel after the Silver Bridge collapse with a six to ten am and two, four, and six pm schedule from Gallipolis and odd hours from Point Pleasant. Fares are 50 cents one way and 35 cents for Point Pleasant Kanauga trips. six day operation possible if demand grows.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Point Pleasant
Gallipolis
New York Central
Silver Bridge
Kanauga
New York Central System
Office hours note includes Saturday closing time
A fragment noting that except Saturday when the office will close, indicates regular weekday closing with a single exception.
Bridge OKed by engineers with paint need noted
Pomeroy Mayor Charles Legar said two state bridge engineers found no structural faults in the 40 year old Pomeroy Mason bridge after inspection by John Dowler of the Division 16. Dowler estimated a new eastbound lane at about 50000 dollars if built to state specs. A three way traffic signal at the Pomeroy end will cost about 2000 dollars and be in operation tonight, with a green Go light for Middleport bound traffic while eastbound and bridge traffic are regulated. The closure of the Silver Bridge increases heavy Route 35 traffic, threatening Middleport and the bridge area.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Donnelly
Engineering News-Record
Wilson T. Ballard
Geiner
American Society of Civil Engineers
Ballard
United States
Pomeroy
John Dowler
Division 16
State Highway Department
Pomeroy-Mason
Charles Legar
Segal
Dowler
East
P. E. Masheter
Legar
Middleport
Point Pleasant
No Funds Solicited At Point Pleasant
Officials deny reports that funds are being solicited for search and recovery after the Silver Bridge collapse. The U S Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard lead the effort with Dravo Corp. personnel, Civil Defense workers, volunteer squads, and state and local police assisting.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Point Pleasant
Silver Bridge
U.S. Corps of Engineers
Coast Guard
Dravo Corp
Rescue squads report for Point Pleasant dragging operation
Meigs County units including Pomeroy Middleport Racine and Syracuse were ordered to report at 8 a.m. to aid dragging efforts at Point Pleasant. Middleport helped earlier Monday. Pomeroy reported after noon but not needed. All four units possess boats and dragging equipment.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Pomeroy
Middleport
Racine
Syracuse
Point Peasant
Meigs County
Raynes Named Head of Disaster Press Unit
Dayton Raynes, mayor of Mason, will handle press relations for disaster operations until further notice. The assignment was announced by John A. Wilson, West Virginia Civil Defense director, on Monday afternoon. Raynes has assisted with press relations since the disaster began.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Point Pleasant
Dayton
Raynes
John A
Andy) Wilson
West Virginia
Civil Defense
Mason
Consulting Firm Hired For Bridge Drop Probe
Charleston West Virginia officials announced that Modjeski and Masters of Harrisburg PA will join state and federal agencies in probing the Point Pleasant bridge collapse. The probe aims for independent analysis as Gov Hulett C Smith and SRC officials say no conclusions yet. Emergency river ferry service may be authorized while investigations continue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charleston
West Virginia Road Commission
Burl Sawyers
Hulett C. Smith
Sawyers
Donald C. Robertson
Harry Stephens
SRC
Modjeski and Masters
Harrisburg
U.S. Bureau of Public Roads
Scholarship Fund Stated In Disaster
In Point Pleasant the Wedge family announces a disaster scholarship to honor Paul and Lil Wedge both died Friday night. The Mr Wedge led the Mason County Board of Education and both were active with youth. Contributions can be given at Citizens National Bank Point Pleasant. Jimmy Joe Wedge, coach at Point Pleasant High School, said the fund honors their parents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Point Pleasant
Paul
Lil Wedge
Wedge
Mason County Board of Education
Citizens National Bank
Jimmy Joe Wedge
Where The Waters Mingle Where The Waters Mingle
Point Pleasant residents reflect on the Silver Bridge disaster aftermath and the lasting trauma. Residents recall rescue interviews, near misses, and the toll on the community as merchants reopen and churches draw large crowds for prayers. News coverage floods in across country as officials adapt to media chaos.
President Johnson expresses sorrow over Silver Bridge disaster
The telegram to West Virginia and Ohio leaders says the nation is saddened and offers deepest sympathies. Federal agencies are coordinating rescue and recovery, with investigations into causes underway and plans to restore transport across the river and rebuild the bridge. The Office of Emergency Planning oversees as needed. Separately, Kentucky seeks to preserve Henry Clay’s early 1800s Lexington law office.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
President Johnson
Huett C. Smith
West Virginia
James A. Rhodes
Ohio
Clarence E. Miller
Ken Hechler
Silver Bridge
Office of Emergency Planning
Clay
Frankfort
Kentucky Heritage Commission
Lexington
Henry Clay
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ter
The
Athens County
Olive M. Rose
State of Ohio
Athens Township
Athens City
Alexander Township
AMES
Amesville Corporation
Bern Township
Canaan Township
Carthage
Dover Township
Chourcey Corporation
Trimble Loca
Lee Township
Aibory Corporation
Rome Township
Troy Town
HIP Coolville Corporation
Trimble
Nelsonville
York City
Giouste
Gerne’ Corporation
Rimble
Waterloo Township
York Township
Buchtel Corporation
Tee
Fis
New Haven
Ben Franklin
Arthur Thabet
Edna Hesson
Letart
Bridge Drop
Smith
Public Service Commission
Interstate Commerce Commission
Sawyers and
Stephens
Elridge Sauer
Tommy
Fort Shafter
Honolulu
Mike Bragg
Morris Bragg
Germany
Stars and Stripes
Canada
British Broadcasting Co
Valley
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!