December 9, 2006

Spiral Bridge Mural With Trolls?

I'm not sure about the trolls, but they are in the painting. This mural can be found downtown Hastings. I believe it is on the side of the Scandinavian Marketplace building which can be seen in this photo from an earlier daily photo of mine. The spiral bridge in the mural is actually what the original bridge looked like as you crossed the Mississippi River leaving Hastings.

I've found an archive photo of the original spiral bridge from around 1900. Here is an aerial view of the bridge that shows a lot clearer photo and just where the bridge was located, I'm not sure of the date of this photo. I believe the bridge at the time was for horse and buggy plus people crossing only. I'm not sure when the bridge was torn down for replacement, but I'm sure it couldn't have lasted too long once automobiles started crossing the bridge.

I'm rather curious if anyone knows of any other spiral bridges that are in place or had been in place at one time. I would have to believe this is quite original for it's time. I've never seen another and with today's automobile use, it certainly isn't practical.
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5 comments:

  1. Kate12/09/2006 10:56 PM

    Good information; according to google, Hastings had the ONLY spiral bridge in US. This post is a bit humorous for me because I have a framed print of the spiral bridge, inherited from my mother-in-law and for some unknown reason, I've hung onto it for years altho it's residing now in my basement.

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  2. Steve Cuddihy12/09/2006 11:35 PM

    I too have a photo of the spiral bridge hanging on my wall in my home that was given to me by my in-laws, but for a Christmas gift.

    So that was the only spiral bridge. I thought I had heard that someplace, but wasn't 100% sure. Thanks for the info and enjoy your upcoming Hastings trip with your camera this time :)

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  3. Olivier12/10/2006 12:49 AM

    cette peinture murale est superbe. beau talent et bravo au peintre.


    this mural is superb. beautiful talent and cheer with the painter

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  4. The Wellspring12/11/2006 7:49 AM

    I think this is a lovely mural - it's very "fantasy-ish" - I know that isn't a word, but you know what I mean. :)

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  5. Deb12/11/2006 9:07 AM

    Have enjoyed your tour through beautiful Hastings! We love strolling along the downtown streets, but have never seen this mural! Next time for sure!

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