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THEN
& NOW
The George Hutchins
Covered Bridge # 35-23-13
was built in  1904 by James W. Buchanan at an original
cost of $700.00. The bridge is 58 feet long and has a multiple
kingpost truss, a single span with cut stone abutments. The Bridge
originally crossed Clear Creek with an average bed width of about
50 feet wide in the vicinity of the bridge. Clear Creek drains
into the southwestern portion of Fairfield County.
 In
the summer of 1986 this bridge was in a deteriorating condition.
Some white plank siding was missing, allowing the floor to be
exposed to the elements. The floor planking is laid lengthwise
and would last for years if the side planking was repaired. the
bridge has a rusted tin roof which seems to be preventing weather
damage. The bridge was originally located on Township Road #137
(Stricker Road).
 In
1987 the Lancaster Parks & Recreation Department took apart
the bridge and placed it in storage to be used at a later time.
As of 5 September 2000 the George Hutchins Bridge has been reconstructed
in the Charles F. Alley Memorial Park. Restoration costs were
$35 to $40,000.00. Only 25% of the original materials were used
in the reconstruction. Labor was provided by the Lancaster Parks
& Recreation Department.
 This
park was made possible by a gift and purchase agreement from
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Alley and the Land and Water Conservation
Act administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
and initiated by the city of Lancaster. Charles Alley Memorial
Park is located on Old Logan Road in Berne Township of Fairfield
County and has approximately 300 acres. There are over eight
miles of marked trails for hiking and two lakes have been stocked
by Division of Wildlife for fishing.
There are rules that help the
park rangers and attendants maintain the parks for the enjoyment
of everyone. The rules are as follows: no alcoholic beverages,
bikes, and motor vehicles are prohibited on the trails, please
walk only on marked trails, dogs must be on a leash at all times,
no swimming in the lakes, fishing licenses are required by Ohio
Law, bank fishing only, no firearms at any time, and please,
leave the wildflowers, ferns and any vegetation growing for everyone
to enjoy.
Parks are for your enjoyment, to
allow you to find the peacefulness and the serenity that is always
found in the quietness and dependability of nature. As you walk
through the park, leave only your footsteps and take only happy
memories.
DIRECTIONS: The
George Hutchins Covered bridge is located on scenic Lake Loretta
over a small cove. The Bridge dedication will take place at 2:00
p.m. on 8 October 2000.
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