Historic Contexts Study and Phase II Inventory (Downtown Elk River) 2022

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Elk River roadside development on an unidentified section of Highway 10 in 1950. Photo: MHS. Elk River and its Bridges At least four bridges have connected the north and south banks of the Elk River. The first crossing of the Elk River was probably over Godfrey's dam, which was of simple crib and boulder construction.46 A bridge over the Elk River was built in Orono in 1860. 47In 1886 a steel bridge was erected in the same location as the present bridge. It was erected by the Wrought and Iron Bridge Co. of Canton, Ohio and had two 128-foot spans. Other lightweight bridges were attempted, apparently by mill owners, including the Hastings Bridge below the sawmill, which collapsed in 1898 shortly after its construction. In 1912, a spring flood washed out much of the dam and undermined the flourmill. The mill machinery was sold in 1913 and by 1914 a plan to build a new hydroelectric dam was in place. In 1915 Waterman formed the Elk River Power and Light Company. On January 20,1916 the first electricity was produced by two hydro generators. A new bridge was discussed as part of the dam improvements, but was not constructed. The new concrete bridge was finally completed in 1919 as part of the Jefferson Highway improvement through Elk River. 'It was designed by William A. Hewett of Minneapolis, a local innovator in reinforced concrete construction. 49 The Highway 10 crossing over the Lake Orono portion of the Elk River was first completed in the late 1940s. The present bridge dates from 19xx? Elk River interests lobbied for a bridge over the Mississippi, which was opened in 1906. Its replacement was completed in 1985. Elk River Historic Contexts Study Draft 412002 17