KAWARTHA LAKES-Most communities along the Trent-Severn Waterway had a swing bridge to accommodate boat traffic—particularly steamers with their tall smokestacks. Lindsay and Campbellford both employed lift bridges, which were spectacular to watch. Joseph Strauss (remembered for his Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco) designed the structure, which opened around 1910—shortly after the peak of steamboat traffic.
Strauss’ bridge was a mechanical marvel, attracting many visitors to watch it operate. A large counterweight made it possible to lift the entire bridge with relative ease. As time passed fewer steamboats passed through Lindsay. Captain Charles Gray’s Lintonia was the last to offer regular passenger service, retiring in 1931. Motor launches (later called motorboats) were not nearly so high. By 1956 the lift function had become obsolete and the bascule bridge was replaced by a fixed concrete span.
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Ian McKechnie.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to:Â [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
