Middle school Bulldogs took a bridge to the past Oct. 18, with a field trip to the Blaine Hill “S” Bridge, where they got a close look at a piece of history in their own back yard.
The site marks three generations of bridges. The original Blaine Bridge dates from the 1820s and served until it was superseded by a newer bridge in the 1930s, and then by the I-70 highway.
Many from the surrounding community joined the teachers and students to recreate different elements of the period. Fifth graders were treated to rides in a mule-drawn buggy from Bruce Vannest. Richard and Patty Gummere provided animals and a wagon. Also present were vintage Model T cars that would have driven along the bridge. Excitement was high as students took turns climbing into the cars and honking the horns.
The students were enthused as Vannest took the opportunity to talk to them about how mules work together, their speed and how long it would take to reach a destination.
“They’re very interested to learn about the history of the area.”
Schoolmarm Ann Rattine of the Great Western Schoolhouse which dates from 1870 and is preserved in St. Clairsville taught students how to play outdoor games of the time.
Fifth and sixth grade Social Studies teacher Matthew McFarland said more than 60 students went on the field trip. Teachers researched and reviewed the bridge’s part in Bridgeport’s history, from the initial congressional approval of the road construction in 1806 to the current preservation.
“A lot of students know of the Blaine Bridge, but they don’t know exactly the importance that it had in history and how it related to transportation in the United States, so taking the time out of the day to explain something that they see every day really connects with the students and keeps them closer to the history that Bridgeport holds,” he said.
“The kids are having a great time. They enjoy talking about it all week long. They’ve been real excited to come,” he said. “We know what we’re looking at, we know what we’re talking about and we’re able to fully enjoy what we’re seeing.”
McFarland thanked the community partners who enhanced the trip for students.
“They get to see what life was like.”
Middle School Principal Anne Haverty Lawson was helping students make fall “stained glass windows” with leaves and chalk. She was also excited about the day.
“We have a huge amount of community support for our kids to learn about the historical value of their community right where they live, right where we go to school,” she said. “It’s pretty important, how we get from the east to the west on Route 40.”
John S. Marshall of the Ohio National Road Association and Gordie Longshaw of the Pease Township Park District and Belmont County Tourism Council took the kiddos on tours of the bridge and spoke about the structure’s influence in building Bridgeport and Belmont County, noting the more convenient transportation helped establish the coal industry and the economy. They traced the early days of the bridge and the shift from carriages to automobiles. Also discussed was the proximity of a creek which influence the distinct “S” shape.
“This road was an asset and brought industry here,” Longshaw said.
Afterwards, Longshaw said he has a love of sharing history, adding it was a pleasure to talk to the Bridgeport students.
“I want to compliment the teachers that brought these young students out here for the day,” he said. “I could tell they did their homework. They knew about the bridge, they knew why it was shaped like at “S,” they knew the history of it.”
Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh said the third annual field trip was a success as students learned the country’s first federally funded highway went through their town.
“There were so many students at Bridgeport Schools that didn’t realize about the Blaine Bridge history and the significance of it.”
President Kim Mokros of the Pease Township Parks and Recreation Committee that maintains the bridge with Property Maintenance Services welcomed the Bridgeport students. They have been eager learners every year.
“They’ve done it for years, just to have the kids learn about the history in their county,” she said. “One kid just said this is the best field trip he’s ever been on.”
Highway Technician 2 Jermaine Jackson with the Ohio Department of Transportation was also present.
“It’s really impressive every year to see how attentive each kid is, and how excited they are to learn and see the history of what this used to be.”
