A historical Taylor bridge is being renovated, but you can’t drive your vehicle through the structure.
The Taylor Conservation and Heritage Society (TCHS) and the Taylor Garden Club recently announced that with oversight by the Taylor Parks and Recreation Department, contract work has been established to restore the Dickey Footbridge. The total cost of the project is $14,775.
The bridge is located near East Second Street between Robinson and Dolan streets and also crosses Bull Branch Creek near Taylor’s hike and bike trail. Dr. James Lee Dickey, a notable figure in Taylor history, led a fundraising campaign before the bridge was constructed. African American students living on the west side of the creek had to use a log to cross the creek to get to the segregated Blackshear and O.L. Price school on the east side. There were many falls into the sewage and snake filled water.
After work by David Legere, TCHS was able to place a Texas Historical Commission marker at the site a few years ago. However, after 82 years, many bridge features need restoration or replacement.
The Garden Club has donated $2,000 for the renovation project, and the Heritage Society picks up the rest of the tab. The Garden Club is also credited for bringing the need to the attention of the city and TCHS.
After the repairs are completed, a rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the bridge in Fannie Robinson Park June 27 at 9 a.m. A reception will follow at the Dickey-Givens Community Center, 260 S Dolan St. Attendees should park on East Third Street between Dolan and Robinson streets for the ceremony and then drive to the center.
