Trimpey & Whipkey Bridges
These bridges were built by Frederick E Trimpey, b. abt 1880, son
of
Ephriam, grandson of Frederick b. in Germany. Looking for
his partner, Mr. Whipkey.
Bridge #1, Garrett, PA
.
This first bridge was found quite by accident. We were looking at the site
of an old grist mill that once belonged to my father's side of the family,
when I looked down at the plaque and saw the Trimpey name. I had
heard of the bridge builder, but this was the first identified bridge.
Directions: From Garrett, Somerset Co., go across the Railroad bridge
and across the Cassleman River, following the Rails to Trails signs.
Go past the Rails to Trails parking lot, several hundred feet, to Decker
St. on the left. The bridge is just about 100 feet onto Decker St.
.
.
The brass/bronze sign on the Garrett bridge reads:
1923
SOMERSET COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
C. H. SHOCKEY
W. H. HANNA
J. H. BENDER
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DON M. KIMMEL CHIEF CLERK
PHIL A SHAFFER
COUNTY ENGINEER
TRIMPEY & WHIPKEY
CONTRACTORS
Bridge #2, West Salisbury, PA
.
The location of the second bridge was shared by Linda Trimpey Golby.
Although older by one year, it's much longer. Located on the road
connecting Salisbury and West Salisbury, PA
This bridge just survived the tornado of 1997.
.
.
The brass/bronze sign on the West Salisbury bridge reads:
1922
SOMERSET COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
C. H. SHOCKEY
W. H. HANNA
J. H. BENDER
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DON M. KIMMEL CHIEF CLERK
PHIL A SHAFFER
COUNTY ENGINEER
TRIMPEY & WHIPKEY
CONTRACTORS
Although similar in shape and composition, the second plaque is
different in the spacing of the letters.
Bridge #3 (aka the apple butter bridge), Listonburg, PA
Photos of Bridge #3 by Tom Trimpey
Tom says, "The long lost Trimpey Bridge near Listonburg. Traveling
east on Route 40, right on top of Negro Mountain, there is a sign for a
picnic table. Turn lest at sign on Zayer Road. Proceed about 2 to 3 miles
to Whites Creek Road. Turn left and go down mountain. You will
see a sign for 'Bridge 1 mile.' this is the Trimpey Bridge over Whites
Creek.
"Coming from Listonburg, turn left off Rt. 40 onto Rt. 523 North.
Go two miles to Listonburg where you turn right onto Deer Valley YMCA Camp
Road (sign). Go only 1/10 mile to Whites Creek Road (sign) Bridge
is 5.1 miles up this road. Note: Do not go down Whites Creek Road
from the top of Negro Mountain in bad weather. Very steep and winding
road."
This plaque show this to be the oldest bridge, and different in
style than # 1 and 2.
Good job Tom!
These bridges are aging and will soon disappear.
We need to document them while they are still here.
Please email
Linda if you have information
on the location of other Trimpey & Whipkey bridges.
Reward:
One pint of Linda's homemade apple butter for each photographed and
documented bridge!
Hint - next rumored bridge is near Draketown, near Confluence, southern
Somerset Co.