The east Maple Street bridge spanning the Raquette River, as seen in 1924. Potsdam photographer Clarence Premo took the photo, which was provided by the Potsdam Public Museum.

POTSDAM -- As the Department of Transportation starts a six-month project to overhaul the Maple Street bridge, Mimi Van Deusen of the Potsdam Public Museum is pointing out that it is actually the structure built there.

She says:

“In 1809, Benjamin Raymond built the first bridge across the Raquette River in Potsdam. It cost around $450.

Before then, people crossed the river by boat or ferry, usually near the gristmill.

In 1819, new bridges were built by the Parishville Turnpike Company and cost $900.

In 1831, the bridges were again rebuilt by the commissioner of highways, and they cost nearly $1,300.

Again in 1849 and 1850, they were rebuilt at a cost of $1,400.

The fifth bridges were built in 1864 and 1865 and cost $8,500.

In 1897, new bridges were voted on and built of iron and cost $7,900. They were very good and lasted until 1922.

That year, the present concrete bridges were built at a cost of $83,000.”

The total cost of all seven bridges was $103,450, although that is not adjusted for inflation.

The DOT is spending $3.7 million on the current overhaul. A story about the project can be read here.