A year or so ago, when I was just starting to put the details together on the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd, I spoke to a county commissioner over the area. He gave us his blessing, but said something about a new bridge being built just down-river from the old iron bridge near the start/finish at Eagle Bluff Resort.
This old bridge has charm--adds to the spirit of the Illinois, and our race. Everyone with a camera at the race has taken pictures of it. Crossing the bridge at the beginning is an experience like no other.
The plans are for the bridge (aka Combs Bridge) to be dismantled and removed. I, for one, think this would be a tragedy.
Ray Cook, a supporter of our Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd, forwarded me a thread of email discussing the possibility of saving the this icon as a pedestrian bridge. According to Ray,
I think this is an awesome idea, and will do whatever I can do to help make that happen.
Bridges like these are an endangered species. At least one bridge like this per week is torn down in the US.
I am thinking we'll need petitions signed, letters written, and possibly some financial help to save this bridge. A certain amount of upkeep would be necessary, but in my way of thinking, the upkeep surely would be less in cost than demolishing the structure. Wouldn't it?
Comment here, email me at trailzombie@yahoo.com, or Facebook me. I'll try to rally the troops. I can forward the email chain, which has a few addresses of people who are decision makers in this matter. From what I have read, no one is adamantly in favor of tearing the bridge down. Keeping it as a pedestrian bridge will require people who are willing to maintain the upkeep and basic bridge responsibilities.
Below is the thread of emails between Ron Cook, Melvena Heisch with the Oklahoma Historical Society, State Representative Will Fourkiller, and his assistant Juliet Abdeljawad. All parties involved are not opposed to the preserving of this bridge, but as of now, ODOT is scheduled to demolish the bridge in 2013.
From: Ron Cook
To: mheisch@okhistory.org
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 2:30 PM
Subject: Saving Combs Bridge
Melvena,
This is Ron Cook. I live near Tahlequah , Oklahoma . Do you have any information at the Oklahoma Historic Society concerning Combs Bridge ?
If it helps in finding it; Combs Bridge was built in 1926, and is located on the Illinois River along highway 10, just South of Moodys, Oklahoma . It is a one lane bridge with a wooden deck that has recently been upgraded with a steel catwalk taken from the demolition of the old Terisita Bridge .
According to Representative, Will Fourkiller's Office, Combs Bridge was reported by Brian of the Oklahoma preservation Society, as per the following: The Combs Bridge is in severely bad shape. It is a threat to the well being of the public.
Is this true?
Thanks,
Ron
--- On Fri, 3/9/12, Melvena Heischwrote:
From: Melvena Heisch
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Date: Friday, March 9, 2012, 3:53 PM
Dear Mr. Cook:
Thank you for your message. the project to replace Combs Bridge was reviewed in our office in September 2008. The bridge does not qualify for the National Register of Historic Places. So, the review process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is complete. We understand that the new bridge will be constructed 2,300 feet away from the old bridge on a new alignment. However, it is not clear what is to happen to the old bridge. sometimes they are left in place and other times demolished for liability reasons.
I suggest that you contact Scott Sundermeyer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Cultural Resources Program (405/325-7201) for more details. We have no other information here because the bridge is not National Register eligible. I do know that there are hundreds of structurally deficient bridges in our state, but I cannot confirm the statement in your message about the Combs Bridge being a threat to public safety. Very narrow bridges are considered dangerous and that is often why they are being replaced.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Melvena Heisch
Deputy SHPO
State Historic Preservation Office
Oklahoma Historical society
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma city, OK 73105-79174
405/522-4484
FAX 405/522-0816
mheisch@okhistory.org
----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Cook
To: Melvena Heisch
Cc: fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 1:37 AM
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
Melvena,
There is a growing interest here locally, to save Combs Bridge as a pedestrian bridge, Due to the nature of it being a one lane bridge, traffic speeds are greatly reduced, making it a safe place to traverse the River crossing on foot, between the two campsites located on opposite sides of the River.
It is also a great shady place to find shelter from the hot sun while fishing, and to seek shelter during heavy down pours while canoeing or fishing. It serves as a scenic overlook above the deep blue waters, and is a great place to take a leisurely walk along the river for daily exercise. It has a peaceful atmosphere, and is also the starting line and the finish line for the annual Tatur, Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Miler; a 100 mile foot race held each Autumn along the 31 miles of dirt roads that the bridge connects to. Not to mention, the shade it provides, creates shelter for a wide variety of fish seeking refuge from the burning Summer sun.
Any help in finding ways of preserving this legacy will be greatly appreciated.
Blessings,
Ron
--- On Mon, 3/12/12, Melvena Heischwrote:
From: Melvena Heisch
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Cc: fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, March 12, 2012, 9:48 AM
Good morning Mr. Cook:
The most important first step for you is to determine who owns the bridge. Is it a county bridge? You can confirm this by contacting the Board of County Commissioners. It is important to let owner of the bridge know of community interest in keeping it in place and in a condition that accommodates the use you describe.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation administers the transportation enhancements grants program that was created under federal law. For information about the program, you can contact Rick Johnson at 405/521-2454 (ODOT, Special Projects). The enhancements program has several categories of activities that are eligible for funding, such as pedestrian and bike routes, etc.
You might also contact the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and ask about any federal funds they may have for trails and park improvements.
I hope this is helpful. If you have further questions, just let me know.
Melvena Heisch
Deputy SHPO
State Historic Preservation Office
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917
405/522-4484
FAX 405/522-0816
mheisch@okhistory.org
--- On Mon, 3/12/12, Melvena Heischwrote:
From: Melvena Heisch
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Date: Monday, March 12, 2012, 1:31 PM
The bridge is clearly old enough to qualify for the register, but there must be significance associated with it. It appears that it was found ineligible because it is a very common bridge type.
You might be interested to know that even when bridges are eligible for the National Register, they are often lost to demolition. Whether an old bridge can be retained in place depends on engineering factors related to the old bridge's location in relation to the new one, the condition of the old bridge, identification of a use for it, and an entity willing to maintain the bridge for that use.
You might find the following website of interest. It contains some case studies on bridge rehabilitation:
http://environment.transportation.org/cop/groups/historic_bridges/media/default.aspx
Melvena
From: Ron Cook [mailto:fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 6:49 PM
To: Will Fourkiller
Cc: Juliet Abdeljawad
Subject: Fw: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
Honorable Representative Fourkiller,
This is Ron Cook, Below, is a copy of a letter I sent Melvena, at the Oklahoma Historical Society, concerning the slated demolition of Combs Bridge .
Regards,
Ron Cook
--- On Tue, 3/13/12, Ron Cookwrote:
From: Ron Cook
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Melvena Heisch"
Cc: fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 6:22 PM
Melvena,
The significance of Combs Bridge is not it's bridge type, but it's Bridge History.
Combs Bridge was built less than 20 years after Statehood, from Oklahoma 's meager, newly founded, State Treasury. It was during a time of great upheaval in the area that had recently been known as, ' Indian Territory ;' a place where outlaws could still out wit the Law.
Combs Bridge was the main crossing between Cherokee and Adair Counties , North of Tahlequah, Oklahoma . Pretty Boy Floyd's family lived in Sequoyah County , Combs Bridge ties these three counties together.
In 1931 Pretty Boy Floyd and George Birdwell robbed the Bank in Tahlequah , Oklahoma and took leave of the place down long, and lonely, dirt roads, via Combs Bridge . Famed Sheriff Grover Bishop gave chase.
(excerpt from Sheriff Bishop's obituary) It wasn't unusual to see the 16-year veteran officer toting a sub-machine gun in those days. He learned to use a machine gun while serving in France during World War I and utilized that experience while sheriff. "If I hadn't used one, I wouldn't have lasted as long as I did"
Bishop was awarded the "Gangbuster" radio program "Public Hero no. 1 Award for heroism and valor in 1933. The two men, Floyd and Birdwell were shot at, but escaped to resume their lives of crime that frequently had them running the back roads and using Combs Bridge to make their escapes into Adair and Sequoyah counties, where relatives and friends put them up and hid them out.
During this same crime spree, pretty Boy Floyd, and Birdwell, also robbed banks in Maud , Okla. Earlsboro, Konawa, Morris, and Shamrock. The gang hid out in the Pumpkin Hollow, proctor Region, using Combs bridge as the 'back door' the newly established State's Banking system. On December 12, 1931 the duo robbed two banks in one day, causing Bank's insurance rates to double nearly over night. Also causing the Governor of Oklahoma to put a substantial Reward on their heads "Dead or Alive".
(excerpt from Pretty Boy Floyd Bio):
In time he ended up hiding out back in the Cookson Hills near his hometown, where he was accepted and protected by the people. Floyd became known as 'The Robin Hood of the Cookson Hills'.
Proof of these high speed excursions across Combs Bridge lie in the fact that, In 1994 Joe Ford and his Son found Pretty Boy Floyd's get away car; a 1929 Ford Model A, just 8 miles upstream from Combs Bridge...
(Excerpt from KTUL Report May 21, 2007).
There are 52 bullet holes in the back of the car, got 'em one night in 1932 down near Ada, Oklahoma in a run in with federal agents.
"He just took off through the corn field, corn stalks were just a flyin' over the top of the car, the agents run out of the timber, they fired 110 rounds at the car. There's 52 of them that hit the body of the car," said Ford.
None hit “Pretty Boy,” he had armor plate on the back of the seats.
Joe Ford and his sons did all the restoration work on the ’29 themselves, except the upholstery, and it took five years to restore the Model A. They wanted to drive it on the street so they added some stuff like the engine, a 327 Chevy.
"That's what everybody says that looks at it, if the car had this in it there wouldn’t be any bullet hole in the car," said Ford.
Joe Ford takes the car to car shows all over Oklahoma . It has won lots of awards, and it isn’t hard to recognize, it’s the only one with 52 bullet holes in the back.
-------------------------------------
Now, to more recent Combs Bridge History: In 2003, the Walt Disney Movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows"; a full length motion picture, was filmed on location at Combs Bridge . In fact, Combs Bridge remains the most recognizable landmark in the entire film, about a boy and his two coon dogs, "Little Ann. and Ol' Dan".
I have one of these coon dogs, and live just three miles from the bridge. I watched the film crews on location for several days.
There are few, more, significant landmarks in this region, than Combs Bridge. The reason for this being, our wanton demolition of things that tie us to our past.
Regards,
Ron Cook
FW: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
1 recipients
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 12:55 PM
Ken,
This is Ron Cook. Below is a copy of the response I got from Representative Fourkiller's Office this morning. Do you know anyone interested in saving Combs Bridge as a pedestrian walkway to be used as the starting and finishing point of your pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Miler?
If so, they had better get on the band wagon pretty quick. The bridge is scheduled for demolition in 2013.
Regards,
Ron
--- On Wed, 3/21/12, Juliet Abdeljawadwrote:
From: Juliet Abdeljawad
Subject: FW: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "'Ron Cook'"
Cc: "Will Fourkiller"
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 10:32 AM
Good Morning Ron,
Thank you for providing us with the letter that you have mailed out to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Our office has continued to follow up with this issue over the past week. I have been in recent communication with Richard ODOT’s special projects division. As an update they have discussed a potential source of funding with me this morning. It is known as the enhancement funds that the bridge would be eligible under. In order to qualify for this there is an application process. The application is found online at http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/projmgmt/enhance_prog/index.htm. There are sample applications which I would highly recommend as an idea to go off of. The funds are available once every two years so we are in luck as they should be announced this spring. Application cycle should open around April/May with preliminary applications due the 1st of October. Please continue to check this website for their announcements and feel free to contact us if you would like a letter of support or something of that nature. Again we thank you very much for taking an interest in protecting the combs bridge, should we be of any additional assistant do not hesitate to ask.
Thank You,
Juliet Abdeljawad
Legislative Assistant
Representative Fourkiller, HD 86
405-557-7394
Representative Lockhart, HD 3
405-557-7413
________________________________________
From: Ron Cook
Re: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
1 recipients
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 1:59 PM
Thanks Ken,
This will be a great help! Lots of noise is needed, beyond the 'local yocals'. When I first started writing letters, there was very little interest in Oklahoma City. (I am just one person). Maybe if enough people get together, we can make a difference. Currently, no formal group to save the bridge exists. Do you have resources to follow up on the below mentioned application process? This morning Representative Fourkiller's office wrote:
Good Morning Ron,
Thank you for providing us with the letter that you have mailed out to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Our office has continued to follow up with this issue over the past week. I have been in recent communication with Richard ODOT’s special projects division. As an update they have discussed a potential source of funding with me this morning. It is known as the enhancement funds that the bridge would be eligible under. In order to qualify for this there is an application process. The application is found online at http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/projmgmt/enhance_prog/index.htm. There are sample applications which I would highly recommend as an idea to go off of. The funds are available once every two years so we are in luck as they should be announced this spring. Application cycle should open around April/May with preliminary applications due the 1st of October. Please continue to check this website for their announcements and feel free to contact us if you would like a letter of support or something of that nature. Again we thank you very much for taking an interest in protecting the combs bridge, should we be of any additional assistant do not hesitate to ask.
Thank You,
Juliet Abdeljawad
Legislative Assistant
Representative Fourkiller, HD 86
405-557-7394
Representative Lockhart, HD 3
405-557-7413
--- On Wed, 3/21/12, Ken Childresswrote:
From: Ken Childress
Subject: Re: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 1:41 PM
Ron,
I have blogged on this issue, and Facebooked about it as well. There is a considerable amount of interest--people willing to make calls, sign petitions, and write letters. When it comes to financial support, the interest wains somewhat. What do we need to be doing? I copy and publish your latest email correspondence. We can make a little noise I am sure.
Ken
CLICK HERE for the application mentioned above. You have to then click another link to open the app in Word or Adobe. I have briefly read it, and it's a bunch of legal smeegal mumbo jumbo--but we need to wade through it and go through the required process to get the ball rolling. With the history that the bridge has, with the retro-charm, and the fact that it makes the PH100 so darn cool, we need to rally.
This old bridge has charm--adds to the spirit of the Illinois, and our race. Everyone with a camera at the race has taken pictures of it. Crossing the bridge at the beginning is an experience like no other.
The plans are for the bridge (aka Combs Bridge) to be dismantled and removed. I, for one, think this would be a tragedy.
Ray Cook, a supporter of our Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd, forwarded me a thread of email discussing the possibility of saving the this icon as a pedestrian bridge. According to Ray,"I've been in contact with the Historic Bridge Foundation, but have not received a reply. The bridge is on the National Historic Inventory, but there needs to be a 501(c)3 in place if the bridge is to be saved."
I think this is an awesome idea, and will do whatever I can do to help make that happen.
Bridges like these are an endangered species. At least one bridge like this per week is torn down in the US.
I am thinking we'll need petitions signed, letters written, and possibly some financial help to save this bridge. A certain amount of upkeep would be necessary, but in my way of thinking, the upkeep surely would be less in cost than demolishing the structure. Wouldn't it?
Comment here, email me at trailzombie@yahoo.com, or Facebook me. I'll try to rally the troops. I can forward the email chain, which has a few addresses of people who are decision makers in this matter. From what I have read, no one is adamantly in favor of tearing the bridge down. Keeping it as a pedestrian bridge will require people who are willing to maintain the upkeep and basic bridge responsibilities.Below is the thread of emails between Ron Cook, Melvena Heisch with the Oklahoma Historical Society, State Representative Will Fourkiller, and his assistant Juliet Abdeljawad. All parties involved are not opposed to the preserving of this bridge, but as of now, ODOT is scheduled to demolish the bridge in 2013.
From: Ron Cook
To: mheisch@okhistory.org
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2012 2:30 PM
Subject: Saving Combs Bridge
Melvena,
This is Ron Cook. I live near Tahlequah , Oklahoma . Do you have any information at the Oklahoma Historic Society concerning Combs Bridge ?
If it helps in finding it; Combs Bridge was built in 1926, and is located on the Illinois River along highway 10, just South of Moodys, Oklahoma . It is a one lane bridge with a wooden deck that has recently been upgraded with a steel catwalk taken from the demolition of the old Terisita Bridge .
According to Representative, Will Fourkiller's Office, Combs Bridge was reported by Brian of the Oklahoma preservation Society, as per the following: The Combs Bridge is in severely bad shape. It is a threat to the well being of the public.
Is this true?
Thanks,
Ron
--- On Fri, 3/9/12, Melvena Heisch
From: Melvena Heisch
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Date: Friday, March 9, 2012, 3:53 PM
Dear Mr. Cook:
Thank you for your message. the project to replace Combs Bridge was reviewed in our office in September 2008. The bridge does not qualify for the National Register of Historic Places. So, the review process under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is complete. We understand that the new bridge will be constructed 2,300 feet away from the old bridge on a new alignment. However, it is not clear what is to happen to the old bridge. sometimes they are left in place and other times demolished for liability reasons.
I suggest that you contact Scott Sundermeyer with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation's Cultural Resources Program (405/325-7201) for more details. We have no other information here because the bridge is not National Register eligible. I do know that there are hundreds of structurally deficient bridges in our state, but I cannot confirm the statement in your message about the Combs Bridge being a threat to public safety. Very narrow bridges are considered dangerous and that is often why they are being replaced.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Melvena Heisch
Deputy SHPO
State Historic Preservation Office
Oklahoma Historical society
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma city, OK 73105-79174
405/522-4484
FAX 405/522-0816
mheisch@okhistory.org
----- Original Message -----
From: Ron Cook
To: Melvena Heisch
Cc: fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com
Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2012 1:37 AM
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
Melvena,
There is a growing interest here locally, to save Combs Bridge as a pedestrian bridge, Due to the nature of it being a one lane bridge, traffic speeds are greatly reduced, making it a safe place to traverse the River crossing on foot, between the two campsites located on opposite sides of the River.
It is also a great shady place to find shelter from the hot sun while fishing, and to seek shelter during heavy down pours while canoeing or fishing. It serves as a scenic overlook above the deep blue waters, and is a great place to take a leisurely walk along the river for daily exercise. It has a peaceful atmosphere, and is also the starting line and the finish line for the annual Tatur, Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Miler; a 100 mile foot race held each Autumn along the 31 miles of dirt roads that the bridge connects to. Not to mention, the shade it provides, creates shelter for a wide variety of fish seeking refuge from the burning Summer sun.
Any help in finding ways of preserving this legacy will be greatly appreciated.
Blessings,
Ron
--- On Mon, 3/12/12, Melvena Heisch
From: Melvena Heisch
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Cc: fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, March 12, 2012, 9:48 AM
Good morning Mr. Cook:
The most important first step for you is to determine who owns the bridge. Is it a county bridge? You can confirm this by contacting the Board of County Commissioners. It is important to let owner of the bridge know of community interest in keeping it in place and in a condition that accommodates the use you describe.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation administers the transportation enhancements grants program that was created under federal law. For information about the program, you can contact Rick Johnson at 405/521-2454 (ODOT, Special Projects). The enhancements program has several categories of activities that are eligible for funding, such as pedestrian and bike routes, etc.
You might also contact the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and ask about any federal funds they may have for trails and park improvements.
I hope this is helpful. If you have further questions, just let me know.
Melvena Heisch
Deputy SHPO
State Historic Preservation Office
Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma History Center
800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73105-7917
405/522-4484
FAX 405/522-0816
mheisch@okhistory.org
--- On Mon, 3/12/12, Melvena Heisch
From: Melvena Heisch
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Date: Monday, March 12, 2012, 1:31 PM
The bridge is clearly old enough to qualify for the register, but there must be significance associated with it. It appears that it was found ineligible because it is a very common bridge type.
You might be interested to know that even when bridges are eligible for the National Register, they are often lost to demolition. Whether an old bridge can be retained in place depends on engineering factors related to the old bridge's location in relation to the new one, the condition of the old bridge, identification of a use for it, and an entity willing to maintain the bridge for that use.
You might find the following website of interest. It contains some case studies on bridge rehabilitation:
http://environment.transportation.org/cop/groups/historic_bridges/media/default.aspx
Melvena
From: Ron Cook [mailto:fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 6:49 PM
To: Will Fourkiller
Cc: Juliet Abdeljawad
Subject: Fw: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
Honorable Representative Fourkiller,
This is Ron Cook, Below, is a copy of a letter I sent Melvena, at the Oklahoma Historical Society, concerning the slated demolition of Combs Bridge .
Regards,
Ron Cook
--- On Tue, 3/13/12, Ron Cook
From: Ron Cook
Subject: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Melvena Heisch"
Cc: fourteenmilecreek@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 6:22 PM
Melvena,
The significance of Combs Bridge is not it's bridge type, but it's Bridge History.
Combs Bridge was built less than 20 years after Statehood, from Oklahoma 's meager, newly founded, State Treasury. It was during a time of great upheaval in the area that had recently been known as, ' Indian Territory ;' a place where outlaws could still out wit the Law.
Combs Bridge was the main crossing between Cherokee and Adair Counties , North of Tahlequah, Oklahoma . Pretty Boy Floyd's family lived in Sequoyah County , Combs Bridge ties these three counties together.
In 1931 Pretty Boy Floyd and George Birdwell robbed the Bank in Tahlequah , Oklahoma and took leave of the place down long, and lonely, dirt roads, via Combs Bridge . Famed Sheriff Grover Bishop gave chase.
(excerpt from Sheriff Bishop's obituary) It wasn't unusual to see the 16-year veteran officer toting a sub-machine gun in those days. He learned to use a machine gun while serving in France during World War I and utilized that experience while sheriff. "If I hadn't used one, I wouldn't have lasted as long as I did"
Bishop was awarded the "Gangbuster" radio program "Public Hero no. 1 Award for heroism and valor in 1933. The two men, Floyd and Birdwell were shot at, but escaped to resume their lives of crime that frequently had them running the back roads and using Combs Bridge to make their escapes into Adair and Sequoyah counties, where relatives and friends put them up and hid them out.
During this same crime spree, pretty Boy Floyd, and Birdwell, also robbed banks in Maud , Okla. Earlsboro, Konawa, Morris, and Shamrock. The gang hid out in the Pumpkin Hollow, proctor Region, using Combs bridge as the 'back door' the newly established State's Banking system. On December 12, 1931 the duo robbed two banks in one day, causing Bank's insurance rates to double nearly over night. Also causing the Governor of Oklahoma to put a substantial Reward on their heads "Dead or Alive".
(excerpt from Pretty Boy Floyd Bio):
In time he ended up hiding out back in the Cookson Hills near his hometown, where he was accepted and protected by the people. Floyd became known as 'The Robin Hood of the Cookson Hills'.
Proof of these high speed excursions across Combs Bridge lie in the fact that, In 1994 Joe Ford and his Son found Pretty Boy Floyd's get away car; a 1929 Ford Model A, just 8 miles upstream from Combs Bridge...
(Excerpt from KTUL Report May 21, 2007).
There are 52 bullet holes in the back of the car, got 'em one night in 1932 down near Ada, Oklahoma in a run in with federal agents.
"He just took off through the corn field, corn stalks were just a flyin' over the top of the car, the agents run out of the timber, they fired 110 rounds at the car. There's 52 of them that hit the body of the car," said Ford.
None hit “Pretty Boy,” he had armor plate on the back of the seats.
Joe Ford and his sons did all the restoration work on the ’29 themselves, except the upholstery, and it took five years to restore the Model A. They wanted to drive it on the street so they added some stuff like the engine, a 327 Chevy.
"That's what everybody says that looks at it, if the car had this in it there wouldn’t be any bullet hole in the car," said Ford.
Joe Ford takes the car to car shows all over Oklahoma . It has won lots of awards, and it isn’t hard to recognize, it’s the only one with 52 bullet holes in the back.
-------------------------------------
Now, to more recent Combs Bridge History: In 2003, the Walt Disney Movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows"; a full length motion picture, was filmed on location at Combs Bridge . In fact, Combs Bridge remains the most recognizable landmark in the entire film, about a boy and his two coon dogs, "Little Ann. and Ol' Dan".
I have one of these coon dogs, and live just three miles from the bridge. I watched the film crews on location for several days.
There are few, more, significant landmarks in this region, than Combs Bridge. The reason for this being, our wanton demolition of things that tie us to our past.
Regards,
Ron Cook
FW: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
1 recipients
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 12:55 PM
Ken,
This is Ron Cook. Below is a copy of the response I got from Representative Fourkiller's Office this morning. Do you know anyone interested in saving Combs Bridge as a pedestrian walkway to be used as the starting and finishing point of your pumpkin Holler Hunnerd Miler?
If so, they had better get on the band wagon pretty quick. The bridge is scheduled for demolition in 2013.
Regards,
Ron
--- On Wed, 3/21/12, Juliet Abdeljawad
From: Juliet Abdeljawad
Subject: FW: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "'Ron Cook'"
Cc: "Will Fourkiller"
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 10:32 AM
Good Morning Ron,
Thank you for providing us with the letter that you have mailed out to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Our office has continued to follow up with this issue over the past week. I have been in recent communication with Richard ODOT’s special projects division. As an update they have discussed a potential source of funding with me this morning. It is known as the enhancement funds that the bridge would be eligible under. In order to qualify for this there is an application process. The application is found online at http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/projmgmt/enhance_prog/index.htm. There are sample applications which I would highly recommend as an idea to go off of. The funds are available once every two years so we are in luck as they should be announced this spring. Application cycle should open around April/May with preliminary applications due the 1st of October. Please continue to check this website for their announcements and feel free to contact us if you would like a letter of support or something of that nature. Again we thank you very much for taking an interest in protecting the combs bridge, should we be of any additional assistant do not hesitate to ask.
Thank You,
Juliet Abdeljawad
Legislative Assistant
Representative Fourkiller, HD 86
405-557-7394
Representative Lockhart, HD 3
405-557-7413
________________________________________
From: Ron Cook
Re: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
1 recipients
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 1:59 PM
Thanks Ken,
This will be a great help! Lots of noise is needed, beyond the 'local yocals'. When I first started writing letters, there was very little interest in Oklahoma City. (I am just one person). Maybe if enough people get together, we can make a difference. Currently, no formal group to save the bridge exists. Do you have resources to follow up on the below mentioned application process? This morning Representative Fourkiller's office wrote:
Good Morning Ron,
Thank you for providing us with the letter that you have mailed out to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Our office has continued to follow up with this issue over the past week. I have been in recent communication with Richard ODOT’s special projects division. As an update they have discussed a potential source of funding with me this morning. It is known as the enhancement funds that the bridge would be eligible under. In order to qualify for this there is an application process. The application is found online at http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/projmgmt/enhance_prog/index.htm. There are sample applications which I would highly recommend as an idea to go off of. The funds are available once every two years so we are in luck as they should be announced this spring. Application cycle should open around April/May with preliminary applications due the 1st of October. Please continue to check this website for their announcements and feel free to contact us if you would like a letter of support or something of that nature. Again we thank you very much for taking an interest in protecting the combs bridge, should we be of any additional assistant do not hesitate to ask.
Thank You,
Juliet Abdeljawad
Legislative Assistant
Representative Fourkiller, HD 86
405-557-7394
Representative Lockhart, HD 3
405-557-7413
--- On Wed, 3/21/12, Ken Childress
From: Ken Childress
Subject: Re: Re: Saving Combs Bridge
To: "Ron Cook"
Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 1:41 PM
Ron,
I have blogged on this issue, and Facebooked about it as well. There is a considerable amount of interest--people willing to make calls, sign petitions, and write letters. When it comes to financial support, the interest wains somewhat. What do we need to be doing? I copy and publish your latest email correspondence. We can make a little noise I am sure.
Ken
CLICK HERE for the application mentioned above. You have to then click another link to open the app in Word or Adobe. I have briefly read it, and it's a bunch of legal smeegal mumbo jumbo--but we need to wade through it and go through the required process to get the ball rolling. With the history that the bridge has, with the retro-charm, and the fact that it makes the PH100 so darn cool, we need to rally.
I wish I had seen and known about this back when it was going on. I was raised a short distance away from Comb's Bridge. My four siblings and I all learned to swim right under that bridge! There was an old log sticking out, where we would take turns lining up to jump off into the deeper water. Back in those days, which is unbelievable to some people, as I'm only in my early forties, we didn't have air conditioning. I remember that old country house getting so hot during those long summer days, and we all looked forward to the evenings, when we would jump in the back of the truck and go down to the river to swim. We, also, used to cross that bridge on Sunday mornings, on the way to Comb's Church, just down the road past the bridge. A tiny country church, I remember the elders would get excited when we had thirty or forty people show up on special occasions. I learned a lot about life and love at that old church. The older ladies would pick me up on the way to church and drop me back off at home. Although the congregation was tiny, and nobody had much money, they used to pay for me and my siblings to attend camp for a week each summer, which was so exciting for us! My best friend since kindergarten, as we were the only two girls in our grade at Lowrey Elementary school, and 9 days apart in age, lived on the other side of the old Comb's bridge. I remember excitedly riding her bus home with her, as we rattled across the old bridge that we all loved. So many wonderful memories in my heart, as well as those of many others I'm sure! Thank you for your beautiful photos of our beloved bridge, and for trying to help save it! I think back about the bridge and those days, and for a time, I feel like I am six years old again, a refreshing break from my busy life as it is!
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