Covered Bridge Tawawa Park (Winter)

The William Ross Covered Bridge in Tawawa Park in Sidney Ohio is one of my favorite subjects to photograph when I am in the park. The bridge was dedicated in 1971 and closely resembles several covered bridges constructed in Central Ohio by bridge designer, Rueben L. Partridge (1823-1900).

To get this picture I had to venture out in the cold, single digits no less. Surprisingly I was not the only lunatic out and about on such a cold morning. I ran into three people out walking their dogs. BURRRRRRR

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.