Goderich Signal-Star — It’s been said that at the heart of every good tale is a love story.
When talking about a historic wrought iron bridge on Little Lakes Road near Auburn, Ball’s Bridge reminds residents of another era.

Stretching across the Maitland River, Ball’s Bridge is believed to be one of the last of its kind in the province. For more than 120 years, it has provided the neighbourhood with quick and easy access from one side of the river to another.
Yet, there’s more to this bridge than just its function. This bridge, local residents said, inspires romance.
The love story starts right at the beginning, says Daryl Ball, a descendant of the family who owned the property on the east side of the river.

Several generations ago, a young Miss Ball and her mother needed to travel to Goderich.
In 1884, the trek from Ball’s property to the region’s centre was not the convenient jaunt into town it is today. It was a labourous experience through forested paths and across the Maitland.

In those days when the Balls forged the river, Daryl says, they had no choice other than to take off their shoes and socks and wade across.

It was on a trip to buy sugar, Daryl adds, that Miss Ball was spotted by the engineer for the new Goderich bridge, built on the banks of the Maitland in Saltford.

“The engineer for the Goderich bridge fell in love with the Ball daughter,” Daryl reveals.
In the months that followed, one can only speculate at the intrigue, initial encounter and the blossoming courtship.
A year later, the engineer decided that instead of the wading, the Balls and other local residents could travel to Goderich without getting wet.

In the summer of 1885, construction began on a metal truss bridge and was led by the Goderich engineer. Daryl says that a family diary indicates it was a wet, cold summer. Construction workers who lodged in neighbourhood homes were given cold medicine after a day of setting iron beams in place, pouring concrete footings or nailing the wooden base into place.
“When the bridge was built they had a big gala and the workers climbed up the beams and walked across the top,” Daryl says.

After its construction, Miss Ball and the engineer married and eventually moved to Michigan where they settled.
“Bridges like this one were built in Upper Michigan but I don’t believe there are any more left,” he comments.
In fact, local residents who recently formed a Friends of Ball’s Bridge group, say there are few of this kind across Canada.
It was a love of another kind that banded this group of farmers, cottagers, retirees and others together – a love for the bridge.
After 120 years of use, this spring the Huron County Highways Department blocked access to the bridge by placing cement barriers in front of it.

Neighbours say the Penfounds, who farm on both sides, went home for lunch across the bridge on April 18 and when the returned to resume their afternoon field work barriers blocked their way.

In a letter from County Engineer Don Pletch, residents were told Ball’s Bridge would be, “Temporarily closed to traffic pending a structural review and passing of an appropriate load limit bylaw.”

While the letter states the bridge inspection was planned for late May or June, at the end of August it still remains closed. The bridge’s future now sits on the agenda before county council as they broach its status in upcoming meetings. In July, county council was told to keep the bridge open it would cost an immediate $100,000 to $150,000. Also it’s possible that another $100,000 to $150,000 could be spent in further repairs over the next two to five years.

During that meeting, several councillors made it clear that they thought Huron shouldn’t spend the money it would take to repair the bridge. In 1986, a new bridge was built south of Ball’s Bridge on a new highway link from Benmiller to Londesboro. At that time, talk of demolishing the bridge raised anger among supporters of Ball’s Bridge and council then approved keeping the bridge open at its existing standard for a minimum of 10 years, except if it was damaged or removed by natural causes.

Ken Oke is one of the councillors opposed to spending more money.

“The council of the day (20 years ago) didn’t have the nerve to close the old bridge,” Oke said at the July meeting. “I don’t think we should be spending money on a bridge we replaced.”

While nothing was concluded at that meeting, the Friends of Balls Bridge will appear before county council at upcoming meetings.

“Over the years it has been neglected,” admits Donna Crawford, one of the Bridge Friends.
Keeping the bridge open for traffic, adds Bill Seers, is important because it closes the gap between places for local residents.

“Without the bridge this corner here is just as isolated as Northern Ontario,” Seers comments.
The Friends have started collecting signatures for a petition and created a web site at www.friendsofballsbridge.com
to help save their beloved bridge. On a Monday afternoon some of the Friends spoke out at the bridge but add they’re willing to work with county council.

“It’s a wonderful history,” says Joy Davids.

And the romance continues, her husband Lee says.

Over the years, stories of engagement proposals on the bridge have been heard and on a warm summer’s night other lovers have been spotted.

“ Maybe it’s the whispering of the wind through the pine trees,” Lee says smiling. “This place does something to people.”
To take a look at Ball’s Bridge for yourself, drive from Goderich to Benmiller. Follow Londesboro Road, until River Line and turn left. At Little Lakes Road turn right and stop before the bridge barrier.

For more information visit www.friendsofballsbridge.com
– with files from The North Huron Citizen