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RESTORATION OF THE WEISEL BRIDGE

Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA - September 2006

Project Background:

The Weisel Bridge near Quakertown, Pennsylvania is proof positive of the amazing things people can accomplish when they set their minds to it. In two weeks, 20 people worked in rain and sun to complete the restoration of this arched stone bridge. Workshop participants, under the guidance of masonry expert Andy deGruchy, diverted the creek, rebuilt the fallen arch, made a new keystone, rebuilt fallen stone parapets, removed Portland cement mortar, repointed with mortar made of natural hydraulic lime and local sand, and more.

The restoration of the Weisel Bridge was a huge undertaking and volunteers initially thought the work would take months to complete. The bridge was badly deteriorated: large sections had to be totally rebuilt; a significant area of the arch was completely missing; several new capstones had to be re-made using lime concrete; and the entire bridge had to be stabilized as well as restored. In addition, a huge root that had grown through the bridge side wall and down the center path of the bridge had to be removed.

To have completed this restoration within the allotted timeframe was a credit not only to the hard-working volunteers, but also to Andy deGruchy who never faltered with his ‘can do’ attitude and enthusiasm for the project. With years of preservation experience to draw from, Andy DeGruchy not only directed the work, he went out of his way to explain the principles behind the preservation methods. Volunteers received a great deal of information that they will be able to use in the future.

Participants found the experience particularly satisfying due to the incredible, interesting people from all kinds of backgrounds, who came together on a volunteer vacation and worked so hard for this worthwhile conservation project. The volunteer crew included a retired physician, a structural engineer, historic preservation students and graduates, an attorney, an architectural historian, a bus driver, a few masons, a retired Air Force Colonel and nurse, a retired steelworker, an engineer, an environmental scientist and a historian. The team effort and cohesiveness was exceptional. And seeing the project from beginning to completion was a great benefit to all who played a role in the project.

Participants loved the fact that the workshop was held at a hostel that provided an atmosphere and venue for sharing ideas and becoming acquainted. Thanks to the Weisel Hostel managers for initiating this project and for being great hosts.

Mr. deGruchy summed the effort up as more than just a workshop. "We stabilized, restored and got the historic and cultural resource ready for another 100 years of service.”