Dozens of Licking County residents navigated winding dirt roads to a seemingly obscure spot in rural Ohio, only to find themselves at the heart of a significant celebration.
They gathered to commemorate the meticulous reconstruction of a cherished historic wooden bridge, a feat that was far from mundane and steeped in local heritage.
A year ago, the historic Shoults Covered Bridge was severely damaged when a young garbage truck operator, following his GPS, mistakenly drove his oversized vehicle onto the bridge. Far exceeding the bridge's 5-ton weight limit, the heavy truck knocked off several key structural components, leaving debris scattered and the bridge unsafe.
The Licking County Engineer's Office quickly shut down the bridge and called on Darrin Stanson, a seasoned restorer at Early American Builders, to assess the damage and plan the restoration.
The Shoults Bridge, originally built in 1879, had long stood as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship. This historic covered bridge, with its kingpost design Dutch settlers brought over from Europe, was essential in an era where grist mills and horse-drawn wagons dominated the landscape, according to Stanson and other historical experts of the area.
When Stanson first inspected the bridge, he was struck by the extent of the damage.
"I spent hours on that bridge, checking every beam and joint," he said. "It was heartbreaking to see such an important piece of our history in ruins."
Stanson's passion for bridges stems from his lifelong fascination with early American craftsmanship. With over 30 years in timber framing, he has dedicated his career to preserving historic structures, viewing each restoration as a tribute to the past and a way to connect communities.
"I tour these bridges, not only for their beauty but to understand how the old timers built them," Stanson said. "It's about preserving our history and learning from it."
After initial assessment of the damaged bridge outside of Frazeysburg, his detailed report to the county highlighted not only the immediate repairs needed but also recommended replacing aging parts of the structure to ensure its longevity.
Restoring the bridge was no small feat. Stanson and his team at Early American Builders used traditional methods and materials, eschewing modern machinery in favor of hand tools like corner chisels and flat chisels.
"It's always harder to fix a damaged bridge than to build a new one," Stanson said. "But there's something incredibly rewarding about preserving the past."
For two months, the team worked meticulously, replacing damaged collar ties, knee braces and other structural elements with white oak, known for its strength and durability. Every piece was measured and fitted by hand, ensuring the bridge remained true to its original design.
Local residents, who feared losing a part of their heritage, were reassured by Stanson's dedication and expertise. The project became a labor of love, not just for Stanson but for everyone involved.
"The locals were very concerned about losing the bridge and its history," Stanson said. "There was talk about replacing it with a modern metal bridge, but I'm glad we could restore it instead. It's a piece of our heritage, and it's important to preserve that."
On the day of the dedication ceremony, the restored Shoults Bridge gleamed in the sunlight, the aroma of fresh oak accompanied the warm afternoon breeze.
Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb made sure to note the importance of not only the reconstruction efforts but also the significance of the historic bridge itself.
“We have over 400 bridges in Licking County,” Bubb said. “Some are 30-foot-long, some are made entirely of steel, but this one we stand on today is just as important as the rest of them.”
The Gruelle family, descendants of the original Shoults family who once farmed nearby, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to honor their ancestors' legacy. With heartfelt pride, they cut the ribbon, officially reopening the newly restored bridge.
Jwolf@dispatch.com
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