Main Street Bridge Balusters Available

So what should we do with the 30, count 'em, 30 antique balusters from the old Main Street Bridge over the Yahara River?

Each baluster came from between the concrete railings of the old bridge, is about two feet high and 'vase-shaped'. The bridge was built in the 1920's and is now being replaced with an appropriate, approved by the City Landmark Commission, and structurally sound version that will complement the Yahara Parkway design; the same Yahara Parkway that together with Tenney Park is officially a National Register of Historic Places site. (Look downstream of E. Washington Ave. along the Yahara River to see the ongoing bridge reconstruction.) Those of you who attended the Annual Meeting and Spaghetti Dinner at Christ Presbyterian Church on October 14 had a chance to view one of the balusters.

The Neighborhood Council remains open to any and all ideas for what to do with the balusters. The two main concerns are that we want to give everyone a chance to participate in deciding on how to distribute the balusters in the best and fairest manner, and that we do so publicly. If you are not a fan of antiques, or not interested in souvenirs of an earlier historic period along the Isthmus, or more enthused about postmodern than the romantic, or are more keen to decrease the clutter in your life than collect a forty (?) pound momento - what happens to the balusters just doesn't matter. However, for the rest of you -- many of whom moved into our older neighborhood because it is fairly overflowing with interesting character(s), quality and patinas of one kind or another - here is a chance to make the most of a one time opportunity.

Among the latter group, enthusiasm is running very high. Good suggestions came up at the last Council meeting but we all agreed not to bias anyone, and instead to make an open solicitation for more ideas. Here it is.

Send in your suggestions or come to the next TLNA Council meeting at 7 PM Thursday, November 18 at the Tenney Apartments, corner of Gorham and Baldwin. Suggestions can be sent to Baluster Brainstorms at 1331 E. Johnson St., Madison, WI 53703 or to tpolsen@email.msn.com.

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