Rain Christens Woodland Bridge
Before Crowd of 2,000 Enthusiastic Washingtonians $60,000 Span Opened.
Big Barbeque is Enjoyed.
Old Woodland Ferry, in Operation Since 1848. Tied Up For First Time in History After Having Won Fortunes for Owners.

The Sunday Oregonian
May 18, 1913

Undaunted by a heavy downpour of rain, 2,000 residents of Clark and Cowlitz Counties today celebrated the opening of the $60,000 steel bridge spanning the North Fork of the Lewis River here. The old Woodland ferry, in operation since 1848. was tied up today for the first time in its history, after having won several fortunes from her various
owners. 

Two steers, roasted whole in a pit, were devoured by the throng and later, speeches were made by notable persons of the Northwest, including Samuel Hill. "Father of Good Roads" in Washington, and W. J. Roberts, State Highway Commissioner of Washington. Bands from four towns participated and the parade, the first to cross the new bridge, was a mile in length and plowed through inches of mud and water.

Pacific Highway Link is Made

With the welding of this link in the Pacific Highway, Woodland today saw her greatest day since the town has been incorporated. For several months the Woodland Commercial Club and the Lewis Valley Development Association have worked jointly in planning for this gala event. The business houses were gaily decorated with flags, bunting and huge banners were swung across the street. Bands from Woodland, La Center, Kelso and Rainier were on hand to furnish music. 

At 11 o'clock the parade started from the depot and wound its way across the bridge to the Clark County side, where the barbecue and speaking were held. When the center of the bridge was reached the procession stopped, and the four bands struck up "The Star Spangled Banner" and a large United States flag was unfurled from the highest point on the bridge.

Umbrellas Found Necessary.

At 1 o'clock the speaking began. Thomas Harlan, 78 years old, editor of the official Bull Moose paper, of Vancouver, being introduced first by Dr. R. M. Andruss, master of ceremonies for the day. So hard was it raining that an umbrella was held over all speakers. Samuel Hill, known as "Father of Good Roads in Washington," followed with an interesting speech in which he told how he had been the first to have a survey made of the site of the bridge. Mr. Hill will leave tomorrow night for London, England, to attend a good roads congress. He remained over to be present today.

H. L. Bowlby, formerly State Highway Commissioner, when the bridge was first conceived gave statistics showing that it will be possible to have 30,000 automobile tourists come north over the Pacific Highway two years from now, and their expenses alone will leave $1,200.000 in Washington, and a similar amount in Oregon, not to mention the money investment which may follow.

Commissioner Roberts Talks

W. J. Roberts, State Highway Commissioner, who has had charge of the building of the bridge since the contractors failed to complete their contract, losing, it is said, about $10,000, spoke concerning the co-operation of the state and county in building roads and bridges. Among others who spoke were Rev. J. Y. Stewart, chaplain; H. G. Porak, the man who built the bridge; Senator French. A. B. Eastham, Representative O. B. Aagaard of Clark County; Henry Grass, president of the Vancouver Commercial Club: S. Fanning, of La Center, and A. M. Blaker, ex-commissioner of Clark County. 

La Center closed today and the residents chartered a steamer. The La Center, and came en masse to help celebrate. There were large delegations from Rainier, Martin's Bluff, Ridgefield, Felida, and Vancouver sent several hundred boosters. The people of Vancouver all wore large placards "One good bridge deserves another," (This refers to the proposed bridge over the Columbia between Portland and Vancouver that would not be built until 1917) and hundreds of these signs were posted up all over Woodland.

Tonight a smoker and banquet were held in Bozarth's Hall, more than 200 people being present. Speeches were made by Senator A. H. Imus, president of the Kalama Commercial Club, E. E. Beard of Vancouver, A. E. Jocelyn of La Center, Professor J. H. Kahmback of Castle Rock, F. W. Graham, Industrial agent for the Great Northern Rail road Company of Portland, and several others. A ball completed the festivities of the day.