New Bridge to be Built in Dog River

Dog River – 12 June 1810 – Plans are underway to construct a bridge over the Dog River. This new bridge will make a significant impact on the daily lives of the people in the community as they transport goods to sell at the Farmers Market. Winter has provided us with a shorter trip to Charlotte Town, but now we can enjoy a good route all year round.

One older man in the community well-known for his sense of humour said, “You’ll start seein’ new romances happening now among the ladies and gents in Clyde River and Meadowbank. My father always told me to only date a girl no further away than the horse could go without gettin’ tired. The bridge is going to change all that.”

This new bridge is bound to decrease boat traffic on the Elliott River. There has been some resistance by local residents, but many say that it is hard to hold back time and the road to progress.

J.B. Palmer has provided us with a sketch and description of the intended bridge dated 22 May 1810.

Palmer’s Notes:

At the intended site of the bridge the channel is 65 feet broad and about 2 1/2 feet deep at low water. High tides raise 9 feet. The water flows over 325 feet across the river, on each side at the channel is marshy ground into which a man’s strength will, at a blow, drive an oar about six inches and about 12 inches in the bottom of the channel. The banks are flat, but are near covered with water beyond 325 feet. There is not a stone near the place. Timber small, very scarce, and claimed as private property. The bridge should be 15 feet high in the centre of the channel, from the bottom, and the pier next each bank should be six feet high. 9 piers would be required, and two abutments, one at each edge of the channel. No ice, or current, to hurt.

Special thanks to Doreen Pound for finding this historical treasure.