The Sound of a Steel Bridge

Sturgeon Bay’s Steel Bridge creates more than a passage across water – but a means to experience the historic, faced-paced Door County community (well, face-paced for this part of Wisconsin). Photo by Len Villano.

It does not take much convincing to believe that the steel bridge on Michigan Street in Sturgeon Bay has much historic value. The characteristic worn steel and many visitors snapping photos lends to the idea that there is significance within the nuts and bolts of the site. The plaque capping each end stating its designation as a part of the National Register of Historic Places after being opened on Independence Day in 1931 solidifies its place in Sturgeon Bay history.

Many people walk the bridge both to appreciate its historic value as well as recognize and support the cause set forth by the Steel Bridge Songfest, which did much to keep the site up and active when the city was looking to bring in the wrecking ball. The bridge is to remain untouched for many years to come as the Songfest continues to grow as one of Sturgeon Bay’s most anticipated events. Yet when I, along with a few other tourists, found themselves walking across the water, I realized that there was something truly Door County about this bridge.

I reached to grab the steel railing along the walkway of the bridge and I felt the rumble of the many passing cars through my fingers. Hundreds of cars passed by the time I reached the other side, halfway done with my walk and wondering what significance I was personally going to draw from this steel bridge on a dreary day.

The horn from Stone Harbor’s Harbor Lady cut the air to the west as it embarked. The light on the bridge turned from yellow to red and it yawned to the sky, allowing passage for a few boats in motion. The cars and the people stopped; some pulling out cameras just in time to get the thick steel angled straight up into the damp air.

I looked up to see the row of drivers lining either side of the bridge, many looking in wonder at something many people don’t see every day. I put my hand on the steel rail and felt nothing. With the bridge upright, the cars were stopped and all that could be heard was the sea bound horns of passing boats and the lapping of water against the bridge’s supports.

The bridge forced the community to take a short break from the usual hustle and bustle to appreciate the sounds of the harbor city on a very average rainy day. The bridge lowered and the wonder passed. The cars continued and the bridge rattled. The day moved forward. But for that simple pause in time, those on the bridge got to experience what was truly Door County; a fast paced community dotted with special moments that help make the area truly unique.