Big Four Bridge in Winter (Sidney)

The Big Four concrete arch bridge located in Sidney Ohio, is one of the largest landmarks in the area. Simply known as the Big Four Bridge - so named after the four large railroads that ran the line (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis Railway's). Constructed in the 1920's it is still in use to this day. The railway is currently owned and operated by CSX Transportation.

While I played sandlot football at the base of the bridge, I never ventured upon it as a youth. My cousin and others have over the years, some of them leaving their mark with graffiti in the arches beneath the tracks.

This picture was taken just outside another landmark of sorts. I was standing at the top of the hill on Childrens Home Road at the foot of the steps of the old orphanage. The orphanage was still in operation when I was a very young lad. Now it stands deserted and abandoned.

I remember the area well because my dad would bring me here every year to watch the soapbox derby. The derby used the road that went up the hill next to the orphanage. Staring down the hill I couldn't help but imagine the cheering crowds lining the road and those Oh-So-Marvelous derby cars racing down the hill.

John W. Carey Tribute

John Carey not only had an influence in nearby Sidney, but is the founder of my hometown Anna. He had originally named the town Carey's Station but later changed it to Anna in honor of his daughter.



Anna is also home to the local High school's Anna Rockets as noted by the town water tower.



The latest town renovation was a complete overhaul of the main street through town. Street lights now escort you from one end of town to the other.

There are two churches in the town, Anna Methodist and St. Jacob Lutheran pictured here.



There is a placard memorial that gives the details of our founding father beside the Village Hall.

In the town of Sidney just 10 miles south of Anna, Carey built Carey's Hall along with the local jail and did work on the Big Four Railroad Bridge.



"The Old Jail" was closed in 1994 when a new facility was opened. The jail was operational from 1875 till then.



The "Big Four Bridge" is named for the four major railroads that had ownership at one time (Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis). It truly is an engineering feet and back in the day people would come just to see this marvel in concrete.



The bridge spans the Great Miami River and two roads.



Check out what Rich Wallace a local historian has to say about the Big 4 Bridge for more information on this unique landmark.