A Bridge to History

The history of Hightstown is built into the new Greenway Bridge — literally. Not only will the bridge replace the footbridge that spanned the Peddie Lake Dam on Hightstown’s North Main Street for more than 80 years, but the design of the bridge also tells tales of the town’s history.

Six handmade, steel medallions will adorn the upper part of the bridge’s railing, according to Charlie Spademan, who is constructing the medallions. The medallion designs include the Hight Gristmill, an early settlement pioneer house, the John Bull Locomotive, a sheaf of wheat, the American flag and a turtle, representing the Lenni-Lenape path, which later became Main Street in Hightstown.

These subjects were drawn from various periods of Hightstown history, Spademan said. According to the town’s website, John and Mary Hight founded the town in 1721, which is the inspiration for the pioneer house, along with the sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes the Gross Brothers’ Mill, which was part of their settlement. The Gross Brothers Flour Mill later burned down on the site of the settlement in 1920. The land was later turned into Memorial Park, which is symbolized by the American flag medallion –– which represents the park’s dedication.

History plays a role in the construction of these medallions. Spademan has worked with metal his entire life. He said he considers himself an “artist blacksmith,” as he carefully crafts a variety of objects and designs, often organic images such as vines and leaves. He studied sculpture and metal forging at the Cleveland Art Institute and has worked professionally as a blacksmith for eight years at his business, Iron Art.

Each medallion requires a unique process, Spademan said, and is crafted to create a “sense of age.” In true blacksmith fashion, Spademan forges the different designs by heating metal bars and hammering them into shape on an anvil. The medallions, which are 16 inches in diameter, will be placed on the railing of the pedestrian bridge. The designs will face the walkway, but Spademan said thought was given to the design of the reverse side as well, “as they will be seen as silhouettes from other vantage points.” He aims to finish the medallions by July 8, after which they will be shipped to the bridge manufacturer in Alabama to be attached to the remainder of the bridge.

Funding the bridge has been a community affair. Darek Hahn, chairman of the Greenway Bridge Committee, said the Hightstown community raised approximately $50,000 at six different fundraisers, and 120 people donated individually, with amounts from $5 to $500.

“People have just come out of the woodwork to make this happen,” he said.

The bridge itself cost approximately $35,000, with additional costs required for structural work to the dam where the bridge will be placed.

The idea to replace the pedestrian bridge, in April of last year, originated as a simple design, Hahn said. However, the historical concept for the bridge emerged in the planning stages and was adopted.

“It morphed into this great idea… so we pursued that path,” he said.    

Spademan said he was particularly impressed by the town’s collective efforts to make this bridge a reality. “The spirit of the town has really shown in this,” he said. “I was pleased to be asked to be a part of this.”

Though Hahn wouldn’t disclose the projected date that the bridge will be installed, he said the committee will reveal “exciting news” and a status update at the next council meeting on July 18.