Stearns Bayou Bridge

Stearns Bayou Bridge was constructed about 1905, replacing a 40-year old float bridge built before the Road Commission came into existence.  The float bridge had a 150 foot section that swung out to make room for timber to pass to the Grand River and then to the various sawmills. In 1899 Charles E. Stearns was hired to build a permanent bridge.  He accomplished the task by stacking the float bridge with logs until they were nine feet above the water line and surfacing it with sand.  In 1905 the Grand Rapids Bridge Company constructed another, more traditional span.  The new bridge had a pedestrian path that became a favorite place to fish.  This one was replaced in 1966 by a poured concrete structure.  

The library wishes to thank Wallace K. Ewing, PhD. for permission to use text from his book A Topical Directory of the History of Northwest Ottawa County, distributed by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum.

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