My brain couldn't wrap itself around how to rate this bridge,
Built in 1928, the swinging bridge was demolished in August 1970. Memories of it have existed vividly in my mind for over 70 years.
My sister and I were deathly afraid of the bridge during our childhood. We called it the Shackeldy Bridge. Long before we approached it, we each curled up on one side of the floorboard of Daddy's car.
It was terrifying as a child in the 50's to travel over the wood planked swinging bridge that couldn't have been wide enough for two vehicles to pass. I remember the car stopping so a car coming from the other direction could pass. Not once would I get up to see what was happening. When our turn came, the rattling of the planks as our car traveled over the shakeldy bridge sounded and felt as if it was falling apart.
Each time we drove over it I just knew we would end up far below in the waters of the White River.
After the terrible journey over the bridge, we were in Des Arc, Arkansas and the loving arms of my Grandmother. She soothed the fear her two little girls had just gone through. read more