Vandals spray-paint graffiti at historic covered bridge in Antrim Township
Shawn HardyVandals recently hit the historic Martin's Mill Bridge in Antrim Township with graffiti.
Words, symbols and images were spray-painted on the walls and floor inside the 1849 covered bridge, as well as on the road outside the bridge and the gate blocking it off to traffic.
It is believed the vandalism occurred Monday night, March 8, according to Brad Graham, township administrator.
"Vandalism of any kind is always disappointing and frustrating. Nobody has money just sitting around that they want to spend on cleaning up someone else’s foolishness," said Graham, noting Cheryl Walburn, parks director, has already painted over the graffiti.
"This is additionally sad because of the historic nature of the bridge and how much it means to the area," Graham said. "Anytime someone commits such an act, it obviously defaces something of great value as well as wastes the resources of the community."
The bridge has been saved by the community several times over the years, including when it faced condemnation by the county in 1962 and after it was swept downstream by Hurricane Agnes in 1972. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
More:Antrim Township adds full-time parks director
More:Class ring lost 45 years ago returned to its owner
More:All-terrain amphibious vehicle bolsters Conococheague cleanup
Ownership of the bridge and adjacent 7-acre park was transferred to the township in December 2003 by the Martin's Mill Bridge Association.
East Weaver Road dead-ends at the bridge. The possibility of protecting the span across the east branch of the Conococheague Creek by closing off access was mentioned in relation to the purchase of additional land at the nearby Antrim Township Community Park last year. At the time, Graham said a new route to the bridge could be created from ATCP and East Weaver Road closed to traffic at Grant Shook Road.
The vandalism is being investigated by Pennsylvania State Police. Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 717-264-5161 or the township office at 717-597-3818.