Newspaper Article
Contributed by: Beverley Windbigler of Blocksburg
A Letter From Blocksburg
Daily Standard, Second Edition, April 6, 1893
Editor Standard:-- After several days of sunshine the clouds have again gathered, and, during the past twenty-four hours, 3/4 of an inch of water has fallen.
Vegetation is growing fast, and the pastures and fields are looking well. With the exception of spring lambs, all stock is in excellent condition.
And now we southern Humboldters feel that we have a right to growl. Three weeks ago, the east approach of the Alder Point bridge across Eel river, was carried away by a landslide, but leaving the bridge proper, as firm and solid as ever. The bridge has not been strained and there is no danger of its going to pieces, as a local paper would have us believe. The paper's assertion is unfounded. The road master, G. Burgess, says that the bridge is wholly uninjured. No sooner was the approach injured that word was wired to our supervisors asking for instructions. This was three weeks ago, and no steps have as yet been taken by the supervisors towards repairing the approach. In order to cross the bridge one must need climb a ladder, 65 feet in length.
We ask that the supervisors take immediate action, and repair the damage done by the landslide. There is no excuse for longer neglect, for among our citizens are able mechanics, and timber is plentiful.
Yesterday a gentleman on his way here from the south, having crossed the bridge and come down the sixty-five foot ladder, said that many people were on the other side of the river, but they were waiting so as to enter the county across the overland bridge.
A.C. Pumphrey is on the road with 3000 head of sheep with which to stock his ranch, but he is unable to get them across the river.
Word was brought in yesterday announcing the death of Frank Cook. He was mail carrier between Harris and Garberville. When found, he was lying beneath his horse, with his breast badly crushed. The horse was not killed, but it took two hours to clear away the timber and free him so that he could again stand on his feet, as both horse and rider were wedged between trees. Mr. Cook was a resident of Harris, and was much respected by his many friends.
Bella
Blocksburg, April 4th, 1893
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