273 – Upper Free Bridge
Peoria Landmark #273
From the 1985 book Peoria! by Jerry Klein…
1888 – The wood-floored Upper Free Bridge at the narrows, the former site of “Little Detroit,” was opened. It had been designed by George F. Wightman, city architect. On February 27, 1943, the bridge was struck by the towboat, “Sylvia T.” It was repaired; but right before its reopening on May 17, 1944, the “Sylvia T.” struck the bridge again and put it out of business for good. The United States War Department ordered the removal of debris from the channel, but the city disclaimed ownership and the War Department ultimately removed the debris and the center pier in 1947. The pier on the west side remains in place today.
The pier can be accessed from a small park at the foot of Lorentz Ave. Original color photograph by Mitch Segler.
February 1st, 2009 at 6:35 pm
That’s what we call “the rock” down by the McCluggage Bridge. I forget the name of the little park it’s by, but it’s right next to the waterworks.
Interesting fact, that rock used to be a base of a wooden bridge going over the river, and apparently Lincoln crossed it. The bridge didn’t last very long due to some boats running into it because it was so low.
February 1st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Ross is right. Foot of Lorenz st.
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
The Upper Free Bridge ……..and “some boats running into it” is a bit of a understatement. It was hit by a tug called the Sylvia T in 1943, rebuilt, then hit AGAIN by the Sylvia T in 1944. Following the second hit it was put out of its misery in 1947.
extra point – Our Santa Claus Parade was originally a celebration of the building of this bridge.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
WOW! I am impressed with the knowledge of the previous posters! I have lived here all of my life and never heard of this bridge. So sad the bridge has come to this….
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Foot of Lorentz – a place to avoid. Even in the daytime.
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I read a saying once that said something to the effect that blogs exist not to just express ones opinion, but to garner knowledge from others. That is certainly the case here, and often is throughout this blog. I think that’s why I can’t quit it even when I try.
btw – Vonster is right about Lorentz, and it ain’t gang bangers you have to fear. That’s all I’m saying about that.
February 4th, 2009 at 9:25 am
What do you guys mean, “A place to avoid”, and why?
I go there and take pictures of the “rock”, an old structure and otehr misc. things I see. Should I honestly not go there?
February 8th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Yeah, what’s so bad about that place?
February 8th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I’m not so sure its really dangerous, but I certainly felt uneasy the first time I went down there alone. There is a small public park with a parking lot hidden from view of Galena Rd. Each time I’ve been there I see anywhere from one to several cars parked occupied with middle aged white males… sitting… and waiting… for something…
Draw your own conclusions.
February 8th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
“Our Santa Claus Parade was originally a celebration of the building of this bridge.”
What’s the story behind that?
February 8th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
PI has it: I was so unlucky to go down there to turn around while train watching with my son. We happened upon a pair of degenerates engaged in oral sex. I called the police and had to spell it out for them.
February 8th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
BTW, My Dad used to tell me stories of crossing the UFB,
February 14th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Do you think the owners of the Sylvia T gained anything by taking the bridge out?
February 14th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Maybe our esteemed Mayor Woodruff put them up to it!
February 16th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
In response to PeoriaIllinoisan’s question. It seems that the parade was held to celebrate the building of the bridge and somehow morphed into a Santa Claus Parade. I went on a search to find out where i originally heard that and it was this website:
http://www.historicpeoria.com/entry.php?eid=267&catid=2&cid=1
May 24th, 2009 at 10:30 am
My father has moved to another state, but called me to ask me if I knew anything about the Upper free bridge. I have lived here all my life, but never heard of it before. He and my uncle both have stories about crossing the bridge. One on a bicycle and the other trying to cross in a car! It was only large enough for 1 car to pass at a time. Not even a 2 lane bridge.
June 21st, 2009 at 12:11 am
The sword fighters seem to really populate that park throughout the day. They are easy to identify, due to their habit of backing into the tiny parking spaces. Before knowing this was a place of illicit activity, I took a walk along the river on a cool, fall morning. Just past the bridge, near the crumbling tower I sat down to view the scenery. While sitting there, looking across the river, and listening to the cars speed over the bridge, I heard some leaves rustling in the distance. Out of the woods comes this skinny, white guy, around 80, wearing nothing but a pair of tight, colorful underwear, glasses, and shoes, all the while holding his clothes in his hands, headed back towards the parking lot. These thrill seekers also seem to like to hang out at the park at Detweiller Marina too. If you are ever driving up Galena Road past the park, just take a quick glance down the road toward the park and more than likely you will see a car or two backed into a parking space.