Since it was finished in 1923, the Soden’s Bridge in far south Emporia has meant more than simple transportation. It has been a way to connect residents and businesses to other parts of the state, the country and the world.
That history and that connectedness were celebrated on both sides of Kansas Highway 99 on Saturday.
Activities included music, dance, balloon art, free train rides, food trucks and a raffle as organized by the Soden’s Bridge Preservation Committee. Member Larry Matson says the bridge deserves to be well taken care of because of its place in Emporia history.
Committee member Carol Miller says there is a concern the bridge could fall into disrepair.
Fellow committee member Jeff Hedges says the bridge helps to highlight a vibrant part of Emporia.
John Kretsinger, the great-great-grandson of business owner WT Soden, who put a dam and grain mill immediately north of the previous bridge and then followed that with a sawmill and furniture factory, agrees with Hedges.
The 126-foot bridge is the state’s oldest dated Marsh rainbow arch bridge design, replacing an iron Pott truss bridge dating back at least to the 1860s. It was listed on the Kansas Register of Historic Places in 1982 and the National Register of Historic Places the following year. realignment of Kansas Highway 99 and the related construction of a new bridge closed the Soden’s Bridge to motor vehicle traffic in 1986.
Besides holding the centennial anniversary event, committee members want to see the bridge get proper maintenance as needed — and they would like the city to make other enhancements such as an extended walking trail, easier and safe access to the Cottonwood River, adjustments for kayakers and the possible installation of an amphitheater to make the bridge more of a tourist attraction similar to what’s seen at the Cottonwood River bridge in Cottonwood Falls and the Neosho Riverwalk area of Council Grove. A key part of that will be ongoing conversations with city leadership. Another part will be forming a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Residents interested in learning more about the effort can message the Soden’s Bridge Preservation Committee’s Facebook page.
*Click here for a YouTube Short video.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
