Portage Lake Bridge Co. token

Started by brandm24, November 25, 2022, 05:15:31 PM

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brandm24

The Portage Lake Bridge was built in 1875 to connect the Michigan towns of Houghton and Hancock. From the 1840s on ferries were the only means of access but over time that method became cumbersome and insufficient.

In the spring of 1875 the leaders of both cities agreed to have a bridge built that would largely replace the outdated ferry system. As a result a contract was awarded to partners George Sheldon and James Edwards in the amount of $10.000 to connect a wooden center-swing bridge across Portage Lake.
Amazingly, the span was completed by December,1875.

Although I didn't find a toll schedule for freight, carriages or livestock I did find that the toll for foot traffic was set at 1 cent and paid by way of these tokens. There were four types. The material was vulcanite or copper and measured 24 or 25mm. The reverse of all are blank.

The fares were to be discontinued after the cost of construction was satisfied but of course this didn't happen. Finally in 1891 fueled by harsh criticism ownership of the bridge was turned over to the two cities and the tolls were dropped.

(Token Image courtesy of Steve Hayden)

BrucePortage Lake Bridge Co.jpgPortage Lake Bridge showing swing section.jpgPortage Lake Bridge-1880s.jpg   
Always Faithful

brandm24

Nothing found on Numista in regard to this token but this listing popped up for a festival token featuring the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/exonumia317814.html

Bruce
Always Faithful

Figleaf

I found the narrow stretch of water difficult to understand and the area difficult to find, until I created this map. I am happy to report the bridge still stands.

Peter
An unidentified coin is a piece of metal. An identified coin is a piece of history.

brandm24

That picture must be the lift bridge shown on the token on Numista. I'm not sure if it's in the same location but must be at least close.

I like these non-metallic transportation tokens but it's an area I don't collect.

Bruce
Always Faithful