Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Location: On public highway from the Lancaster and Reading Road to the road from Lincoln, Ephrata Twp., to Stevens, East Cocalico Twp., near the corner of Ephrata Twp., East Cocalico Twp., West Cocalico Twp.
Document types: Petition for appointment of viewers.
Order and report of viewers.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Location: On public highway from the Lancaster and Reading Road to the road from Lincoln, Ephrata Twp., to Stevens, East Cocalico Twp., near the corner of Ephrata Twp., East Cocalico Twp., West Cocalico Twp.
Document types: Petition for appointment of viewers.
Order and report of viewers.
2 items, 2 pieces
Access Conditions / Restrictions
Request at Reference Desk; photocopy made by staff member.
Papers filed for construction and repair of bridges. The types of petitions presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions include: petitions for bridge construction and repair, petitions for inspections, and petitions for bridge funds. Other types of items include: specifications, proposals, and contracts for bridge construction and repair; bridge blueprints and plans; correspondence; bills for materials; and bridge condition reports. Many papers show date; court term and case number; names of petitioners, viewers, inspectors, and contractors; costs and fees; location of bridge; and name or number of bridge. The order and report of viewers documents are of particular interest as they usually include a copy of the original petition; the order and names of viewers to inspect the site; the public announcement for the viewers meeting; the report and recommendation of viewers, often with a drawing of the site and surrounding area; and the court decision.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged by township, then chronologically within each township.
Keller's Mill, .5 mile north of Akron in Ephrata Township. County maintained on road T-656, built in 1891 (first bridge 1873), single span 76 feet long.
Rettew Mill bridge, also known as Keller's Mill bridge or Guy Bard's covered bridge. Built in 1873 by Elias McMellen. Originally over Cocalico Creek on Rettew Mill Road between Akron borough and Ephrata borough. Currently over Cocalico Creek on Middle Creek Road. Moved in 2010.
Provenance
Photographs of a 2003 Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society bridge safari.
