Bridge Builders

The town of Hanover will boast a new bridge early in June, thanks to Professor John Minnich '28 and sixteen first and second year students of the Thayer School. The town needed a new bridge over Mink Brook in Etna, and the construction class needed practical experience, so an agreement between the town and officials of the School has brought about a happy solution.

Plans for the 36-foot bridge were drawn up by Prof. Minnich, who had a major part in building the Ledyard Bridge in 1935, and all the work is under his supervision. A temporary bridge was raised to carry the traffic until completion of the new structure, which will be 16 feet and 3 inches wide and strong enough for any load. Equipment is furnished by the town, and the students are paid laborers' wages. During the first week, beginning May 3, they put in eight working hours each day, but since then they have attended classes in the morning and worked on the bridge from one to five in the afternoon. A town truck transports the gang to the job, where the work is directed by five second year men serving as foremen. According to Prof. Minnich, the students are all good workers and the arrangement will probably save the town money.