On Monday, June 27, community members are invited to take a walk over history.
The Dickey footbridge, located near east Second Street between Robinson and Dolan, has been restored. The bridge crosses Bull Branch Creek nears the hike and bike trail. A rededication and ribbon cutting will be held Monday, June 27, at 9 a.m. at the bridge.
A reception will follow at the Dickey-Givens Community Center, 260 S. Dolan Street.
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 bridge. The total cost of the project is $14,775.
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.
