Cheryl Heath / Clinton News-Record
Wednesday October 04, 2006

Though I’ve been wandering around the county for more than three years’ now, I am still learning new things about all of the amazing places it houses.
One of those sites is the Ball’s Bridge, which until only a few weeks ago, I didn’t know even existed.

Being a history buff, I must admit that I’ve counted myself among the disheartened when I’ve seen things like the Vanastra gates, which have since been blessedly repaired, fall apart because no one wants to ante up with the dough to preserve them.

Being an outsider as it were, I realize fifth-generation folks may cast a weary eye my way if I were to whine too much, but in my way of thinking the Ball’s Bridge is an outstanding symbol of something that not only deserves protection, but demands it.

When I took a trip out there the other day (obeying all posted signage, naturally), I was awed by the site’s beauty.

And the story of how it came to be? Pure romance, which naturally, is something sorely missing in the cynical world of today where the young uns think that horrible TV show The Bachelor is what it’s all about.

Now I realize there are politicians who will gnash their teeth about the cost of upkeep, but to me the sad thing is that it has been left without proper maintenance for 20 years. I mean, even a laywoman like myself can see that the stonework has been in need of repair for some time, and to tear down such a beautiful thing because some bolts are missing is just plain nutty.

I must say I also find no small irony in the fact rural communities are perceived to be places where heritage is treasured when, sadly, the bottom line is often given priority status over what should be a common-sense realization some bills are worth paying.
On my most recent vacation, the ol’ ball & chain and I took a little day trip up to McNeill’s Mansion (The Corran) north of Wiarton. Let me tell you, as a lover of all things historical, and especially old houses, it was heartbreaking to read this massive mansion, that once had its own spiral marble staircase, was abandoned, terrorized by vandals, and later destroyed by fire.

There are things, like McNeill’s Mansion in Bruce County, that cannot be restored and saved.

And then there are things, like Ball’s Bridge in Huron County, that are still in such relatively pristine shape they deserve every dollar they need to be preserved for generations to enjoy.
What a thing it is that a testament to an engineer’s love in 1885 is threatened by both an engineer’s report of today and because politicians dislike spending money on redundant structures.

Simply put, if the county stopped covering the cost of everything redundant, we’d all be privy to even fewer services today. For example, why have a King Street when London Road is just over there? Why cut grass when it’s just going to grow back? And why mark momentous occasions, like Sept. 11, because in time they’ll just lose their significance anyway?

Shall I grab a tool and hammer at the point a little longer?