Bradford Era – Ken Stroup of Mount Jewett, a long time Kinzua Valley Trail Club (KVTC) member, was honored Friday for his considerable contribution in completing the construction of the new covered bridge on the Kinzua Valley Trail.

Although originally designed as a traditional pedestrian bridge, after consulting with project engineer Curt Wallace and club members, the Board of KVTC decided to convert the design into that of a historical covered bridge.

At this point, on his own initiative, Stroup contacted a neighboring landowner who wanted to remove pine trees from his property. He then proceeded to fell the trees and haul them to his farm in Mountt Jewett.

Using his home-built bandsaw, he then milled and cut the trees into different-sized timbers and planking that would make up the timbered portion of the new bridge.

Stroup donated all the timber, along with many hours of his time and expertise to complete the finished structure, which is located just off the Westline Road at the old settlement of Olivedale.

To recognize Stoup’s commitment, the KVTC Board of Directors unveiled a permanent bronze plaque attached to the Olivedale bridge in his honor.

Additionally, Greg Davis, vice president of the KVTC read a statement from Don Cummins, President of the group, praising Ken for his “willingness to do whatever it takes” in advancing the Trail.

Davis then presented Stroup with the KVTC’s “2021 Volunteer of the Year’’ award plaque and a gift certificate for battery-powered implements of his choice.

Following the ceremony, Board members and spouses Mike (Mary) Angello, Jim (Mary) Paterniti, Jonathan (Trudy) Pomeroy, Greg (Maxine) Davis, Julie Chittester and Dan (Mary) Cukierski hosted a dinner at the Westline Inn for the Stroups. Read More