101 YEARS AGO: North Fork Bridge complete
This undated photo was taken by M. C. Stephens looking west at the “steel bridge” that was completed over the North Fork of the White River (now Lake Norfork) in Tecumseh in 1924 at a cost of $50,063, according to “A History of Ozark County 1841-1991.” The people in this photo are unknown, but they had apparently gathered to be photographed at the newly completed bridge that was considered a modern marvel at the time. The bridge, 18 feet wide, continued in service until it was replaced in 1988 by the current 38-foot-wide bridge, which was built at a cost of $2.1 million (including removal of the old bridge).
May 9, 1924, Ozark County Times - The outing at the North Fork bridge last Sunday was attended by more than 1,500 people who came from all parts of Ozark and adjoining counties.
The Ava concert band of 28 pieces; the personnel of which was as follows: [listing of musicians]... accompanied by about 75 Ava citizens; including a number of the leading business men, arrived at Gainesville about half past 9 o’clock and after exchange of greetings by the band, proceeded on their way to the North Fork bridge accompanied by some 60 or 70 automobiles loaded with Gainesville people.
The road was in fine condition, and it took only a few minutes to travel the distance to the bridge where more than 1,000 people awaited them.
After another concert by the band and a short but interesting sermon, preached by Elder Joe Deatherage from the west end of the bridge, dinner was served at which everybody took a hearty good part.
After dinner the band proceeded on its concert trip making its next stop at West Plains. Ava has a good band of which she may well be proud; the members are all fine young men, well drilled and render excellent music. The people of Gainesville and Ozark county tender them hearty thanks for the concerts and their pleasant visit with us.