About 200 people gathered Friday morning, May 9, for the opening and dedication of the new Richard P. Eastman Hyde Road covered bridge. The structure crosses a section of the Little Miami Scenic Trail. Present at the ribbon cutting are Richard Eastman's wife Wilberta "Billie" Eastman, at front, with son John at left. (Photos by Carol Simmons)
Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge opens
- Published: May 12, 2014
About 200 people gathered Friday morning, May 9, for the opening and dedication of the new Richard P. Eastman Hyde Road covered bridge. The structure crosses a section of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the bike and recreation path that Eastman, as a longtime Greene County Engineer, was instrumental in funding and building.
The dedication ceremony included the reading of proclamations from the Village, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and the Ohio House of Representatives and the reading of a resolution by the Greene County Board of Commissioners, all honoring the life and legacy of Eastman, who died in 2012 at the age of 92.
Among those in attendance were representatives of the Village of Yellow Springs, Miami Twp. and Greene County governments; the companies and work crews that designed and constructed the bridge; Green County Parks & Trails staff; area engineers; and Eastman’s family, friends and former neighbors.
Speaking for the family, son John Eastman, a Miami Twp. Trustee, said he wanted the gathering to know “how much it means to the family that this bridge was named in Dad’s honor and so much represents who he was an his love for the community.” The first official drive across the bridge was given to Eastman’s wife, Wilberta “Billie” Eastman, with John at the wheel.
3 Responses to “Richard P. Eastman Covered Bridge opens”
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How much did the Bridge cost in who paid for it?
We were taking my Granddaughters Senior pictures today at the Eastman covered bridge when a car stopped and a lady told us that the bridge was named for her husband, it was very obvious that she was very proud, I really felt honored to meet Mrs. Eastman. I would like to give my Thanks to those who are responsible for making Mrs. Eastman feel this good as well as everyone that will cross and enjoy this bridge in the future. Things like this is the reason we moved to Yellow Springs twenty two years ago. What a great village, living the American Dream.
Such nice pictures!