New Bridge Dedicated

The Marietta Daily Times, May 1, 1916

Formal dedication of the Parkersburg-Belpre bridge, which has been open for travel since a week ago, drew an enormous throng of people to the Wood County seat on Saturday afternoon. The weather was ideal for the occasion, and a number of speakers made addresses during the ceremonies.

President E. M. Gilkinson of the Parkersburg Board of Commerce, who presided at the affair, introduced H. P. Camden, president of the Parkersburg-Ohio Bridge company, who spoke on behalf of the Parkersburg Board of Commerce. J. Mentor Caldwell, former president of the Parkersburg Board of Commerce and the man to whom is given credit of first conceiving the practicability of a bridge between the two towns, was introduced by A. E. Kennedy and gave an interesting talk. Former Governor White of West Virginia also made a brief address, as did also Dr. F. B. Ames.

An automobile parade, the largest ever witnessed in Parkersburg, was a pleasing feature of the affair. Many of the cars were gorgeously decorated.

Another charming feature of the ceremonies was the march across the bridge of little Misses Dorothy McGrew of Belpre and Mary Camden of Parkersburg, hand in hand, each carrying banners bearing the mottoes and coats of arms of Ohio and West Virginia.

More than 400 were present at the "Dollar Dinner," which was given at 6 o'clock Saturday evening, and at which many speakers, including Mayor Allen C. Murdoch of Parkersburg, U.S. Senator William E. Chilton of Charleston, former Governor White and Hon. James A. Wakefield of Pittsburgh, made addresses.