Recently, Mr. Wayne German visited the Atlas Cement Memorial Museum, sharing a local newspaper column from Dec. 29, 1930. The column traced the history of the Siegfried-Cementon Bridge. The current 1930 structure is scheduled for replacement.

Before a bridge spanned the Lehigh River, a ferry conveyed people, livestock and wagons across the river. The ferry dates back to 1760, a long time ago. It was called "Siegfrieds Ferry." Col. John Siegfried, a Revolutionary War soldier and friend of General George Washington, owned a tavern on the banks of the river.

In 1828, a group of businessmen decided to form a company of shareowners to construct a bridge. The company was named the Siegfried Bridge Company. The original officers were George Kleppinger, president, and David Deshler, Thomas Kern, Adam Lerch and John Rice. Jacob House was awarded the contract. The bid was $4,500, yes that's correct! Construction was basically wood with stone piers. The bridge was completed in one year. Presently it would probably take years to obtain the necessary permits.

Here is a list of the tolls: Foot passengers, 20 cents per month; one rider and horse, 10 cents; horse and wagon, 20 cents; three horses and wagon. 25 cents; four horses and wagon, 30 cents.

Both sides of the river were named Siegfrieds Ferry. The name Cementon appeared in 1901 to honor the cement plant in the village. It continues to be the oldest operating cement plant in the Lehigh Valley.

Over the years, the bridge was damaged by floods and storms. It was actually washed away in 1862. The bridge was later rebuilt, as it was vital to the commerce between Lehigh and Northampton counties. One of the men who asked to assist with the project was Captain Theodore Howell, Northampton's most famous Civil War veteran, who was wounded in the epic battle at Gettysburg. He would later sell the land which brought the Atlas Portland Cement Company to town.

The bridge was again damaged in 1869. Solomon Butz rebuilt the bridge for $3,500. He also would construct the Coplay Bridge. Both bridges were protected with roofs, the Siegfried Bridge also had the sides covered.

In 1891, the officers of the bridge company decided to sell and dissolve the corporation. After prolonged negotiations, the bridge moved from private to public ownership. Lehigh County commissioners agreed to a $12,392 judgment which allowed the company to have a substantial profit.

The sale marked an end to an era. Public ownership now replaced private companies. The present steel bridge was constructed in the 1930s. Unfortunately something occurred which would be very controversial today (it should be). The level of West 21st Street was raised, thus covering the graves of our first settlers and Revolutionary soldiers at the Siegfried Memorial and Cemetery.

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More in two weeks.