The Saga of 'Free Bridge'

Free Bridge as it appeared in the early 1900s, crossing Seneca River. View is looking west. This is today's Routes 5 and 20.

Onondaga Register, September 28, 1825

Livingston Journal, Geneseo

May 5, 1830

   At a meeting of inhabitants of the town of Phelps, at Stearns’ Hotel, in the village of Vienna, on the 24th April, 1830, called in consequence of having received a copy of the decision of the Chancellor dissolved the injunction issued by the former Chancellor, at the suit of the “Cayuga Bridge Company,” restraining Thomas C. Magee and his associates from erecting a “Free Bridge” across the outlet of Cayuga Lake -

   Resolved, That a general meeting of the inhabitants of the western part of the State be held at Matthews’ Tavern, in the Town of Tyre, in the County of Seneca, on the road about four miles west of the site of the aid Free Bridge, on the 27th day of May next, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, for the purpose of adopting measures for the speedy erection and completion of said Bridge.

   All those towns that feel friendly to the measures, are requested to appoint at least three Delegates to represent them in said meeting. A punctual attendance is requested.

          DAVID McNIEL            )   Committee.

          ASAHEL BANNISTER.)   

   Editors friendly to the measure, are requested to publish the above Notice until the time of the meeting.

Geneva Daily Times, April 30, 1921