Gillette Arch Bridge

by Mary Lynn Giacomini

Title

Gillette Arch Bridge

Artist

Mary Lynn Giacomini

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

Photography by Mary Lynn Giacomini
Photographed Gillette Memorial Arch Bridge Elkhart, Illinois
It was a beautiful Autumn morning as I drove to Elkhart, Illinois to capture the gorgeous historical Gillette Memorial Arch Bridge. The fall leaves and lighting so beautiful as it filter through the trees and on to the bridge.

Commissioned by former Illinois First Lady Emma Gillett Oglesby in 1915 as a memorial to her brother (Gov. Richard Oglesby, IL), this cast concrete bridge serves as a link between the family cemetery and the grounds of the historic estate. Located 20 miles north of Springfield in Elkhart, IL., the single-arch bridge is a unique visual feature along a scenic stretch of roadway. Over the years, family members and local residents have made efforts to maintain the bridge, which shows only minimal signs of wear..
After its inclusion in Landmarks Illinois’ Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois list, the 90 yr-old bridge and the adjacent cemetery and St. John's Chapel were determined eligible by the Illinois Historic Preservation to be protected by local landmark designation: (IHPA) for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Meetings between IHPA, the county roads division, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Representative Rich Brauer (R-100) resulted in an understanding that the county cannot demolish the bridge without permission from IDOT or IHPA, and both agencies are committed to its preservation. IHPA will continue to work with locals toward finalizing National Register listing for the bridge, which will make it eligible in the future for federal preservation funds.

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October 29th, 2019

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Viewed 321 Times  -  Last Visitor from Cambria Heights, NY on 03/29/2024 at 9:15 PM

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