If I were the Supreme Dictator of the Universe, I would demand that everything built for the long term would have its date of origin clearly proclaimed in a prominent position.
So, when coming across that splendid bridge in the photo, I was delighted. Right there in the arch keystone is neatly carved “1895.” Pointing to it are two Bullthistle Hikers, Warren Johnsen and Gail Merian.
This bridge is made of cut stone and supports the tracks of the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad. An unnamed creek flows under the arch, but the opening seems large enough to have once served also as a cattle underpass.
This superb specimen of high quality stone work is located about a mile north of State Route 206 in the Town of Greene. As might be expected in a 112 year old structure, some deterioration is evident.
About a half-mile south is a much smaller bridge that seems to serve only as a culvert. Nevertheless, cast in its concrete abutment is “1915.” South of Route 206 are several bridges bearing dates from 1897 to 1929. Bless the workmen who put them there!
The section of railroad from Chenango Forks to East Greene (now Brisben) was completed in 1870, according to Mildred English Cochrane Folsom in her 1971 book, “Echoes of the Past...”, page 4. So, the bridges bearing the dates cited above must have replaced the original bridges, which I suspect were made of wood.
The builders of these bridges are most likely all dead by now, but their work lives on. The embedded dates add historical value to their efforts and enhance the appreciation of what they did. I wish that current builders would think enough of their work to date it for posterity. Sure, it may cost a bit more, but what a wonderful opportunity to tell people yet to be born that you take pride in what you built. Immortality is unattainable, but sending a message to future generations is certainly possible.