Tuesday, March 29, 2011

U.S. Route 6 Bridge over Cold Creek Then and Now

Recently, we decided to enjoy a sunny early Spring day by taking a drive out to Sandusky to get some ice cream at Toft's – another one of my favorite places.

Anyway, after getting some ice cream, I was also able to get a then-and-now shot on the way home. The vintage postcard below is from the Arcadia Images of America book Castalia, Cold Creek and the Blue Hole by Glenn C. Kuebeler. (If you're a big fan of the Blue Hole, this is the book for you.)

Vintage postcard of Route 6 bridge over Cold Creek
The book's caption reads, "This 1930s postcard by E.B. Ackley of Sandusky shows the Route 6 bridge, over Cold Creek, after been rebuilt. This view is looking north with Route 6 curving left and the stores straight ahead. Old Route 2 went north to Bay Bridge. Anna Sessler's corner tavern was managed by Frank Trautlein in 1903. This was Nottke's Tavern in later years before being torn down."

Here's the view from today.

The same view today
I don't know for sure, but it might be the same two trees in both views near the intersection. Comparing the two photos also reminds me what a shame it is that we don't build attractive bridges anymore – all that matters is how cheap they are.

Just as a point of reference, if you turned left at the intersection, then you would immediately be looking at Margaritaville on your left, and you would be about 2 minutes from getting back on State Route 2.

As a final thought, if you've never been to Toft's, make it a point to get out there some time. If you've got the time, following U.S. Route 6 west out of Lorain to Sandusky makes for an interesting drive past small Mom and Pop motels. And of course you have that ice cream to look forward to. Or, you can get out there quickly on State Route 2.

Either way, it's a great way to spend a couple of hours.
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3 comments:

  1. Dorene from OhioMarch 29, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Love these views! I went to the old Venice Elementary school, and our Brownie troop used to
    march from the Venice Cemetery to the school on Memorial Day, passing over this bridge.

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  2. Dan BradyMarch 29, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    Hi Dorene!

    That's pretty neat that you are so familiar with this bridge--its looks like it had a lot of character. That whole area is so great, our car automatically heads out there on weekends! (I'd love to have a cottage in Bay View.)

    Dan

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  3. Randall ChetMarch 30, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Hi Dan-

    I was thinking the same thing - so many public infrastructure projects were engineered with aesthetics as well as function in mind. We are poorer for it. It is quite stunning actually. Pre fab steel buildings are now everywhere.

    I remember bike riding out in the middle of nowhere near BGSU and stopping just to admire a WPA bridge.

    One of my favorite sites is Shorpy.com. The cityscape photos are amazing and are hi enough resolution to really examine the gorgeous details.

    ReplyDelete