Butler County Bridge Tour--Bridge #10
From
Bridge #9, return to Hwy. US-400 via the same route. Follow
US-400 West to Stoney Creek Road and turn South (left) and continue into the
city of Latham. Turn West (right) onto 200th Street to Satchel Creek Road.
Turn South (left) on Satchel Creek Road at cemetery, and follow to Bridge #10.
Built in 1901 at a cost of $395.
A car rolls slowly to a halt as the Flatlander scrambles back up the steep bank after taking photos of Bridge #10. Along much of my tour of Butler County's stone bridges, I'd driven past countless small acreages with chained and locked gates at their entrances and signs like "The Watkin's Country Acres" right next to "Security by ADT" signs. What real estate people proclaim as "Country living at its finest!" has turned out to be nothing more than city living in the country. All these folks have done is traded a 500 square foot yard for a 5 acre one. So, after all the "No Trespassing", "Trespassers Will Be Shot", "Warning--Stay Off My Land!", etc. signs posted throughout the county, I was a little paranoid. Not to worry, this local was--as the vast majority of folks I have encountered in my sojourns across this state--quite friendly and helpful. She shared my interest and appreciation of these beautiful old stone bridges, and had photographed this one many times. The graying lady related how fascinating it was to photograph the bridge at different times of the year, and during different times of the day. The very character of the bridge changes with the changing light and seasons--the same things which intrigue the Flatlander about photography in general. She said that at one time this bridge had been threatened with removal since it wasn't up to modern standards. This and flash floods has meant the end to many a stone bridge. But, in this case at least, the road was modified and the bridge left standing for future generations to enjoy. She also believed the bridge to be listed on the Historical Register.
Proceed to Bridge #11.