What's Happening in Lancaster, OH…

The historic Mary Ruffner Bridge, currently located on private land in Perry County, will be moving back to Fairfield County in the fall, according to Dave Fey, director of Fairfield County’s Historical Parks Commission.

The move will cap about two years of effort, according to Fey, who said part of the problem was finding an appropriate location for the bridge so it can be located as intended above a stream. The commission has decided to place the bridge over Fetters Run.

The Mary Ruffner Bridge, built in 1875, is 84 feet long, and originally carried Gun Barrel Road over Little Rushcreek. It was one of more than 200 covered bridges that were located in the county; today, there are only nineteen. Many of the structures have been washed away.

The bridge’s current owner, George Cenky, is donating the bridge to the county, but even with his generosity, the move is likely to be costly. Much of the expense depends on how well the structure stands up to being dismantled, moved, and reassembled. It is intended to become a part of the Lancaster Sensory Trail, which is part of the Lancaster Heritage Trail. While the sensory trail will appeal to the general community, it was designed for the enjoyment of students at Forest Rose, a school for the developmentally disabled, and their families.

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