Mail: PO Box 368 Niles, Ohio 44446

Main St. iron bridge - the 180 ft. span was built by the Morse Bridge Co. of Youngstown in 1882. At one time a covered bridge stood here, Later a bridge was built with a pier set in the middle of the river. It was replaced by the iron bridge when high water washed one side away. The iron bridge was replaced by the viaduct in 1933.

S. Main St. bridge - sometime after the Pennsylvania Railroad station was built in 1901(middle right of photo)

Niles-Alliance railroad covered bridge over the Mahoning River. It was built in the late 1880's. Later became part of the Pennsylvania RR.

Memories of the viaduct…………….
The “Iron Bridge” built by Morse Bridge Company of Youngstown, in 1882 was replaced by the viaduct in 1933.

After experiencing the 1913 flood, members of the South Side Improvement Club were glad to see the viaduct become a reality. The south side was frequently isolated from the rest of the city by the rising of the Mahoning River.

For 20 years the members of the South Side Improvement Club fought to get this project to become a reality. The viaduct was built at a cost of $378.000 with 843 tons of steel. 300,000 paving bricks and 16,200 barrels of cement were used.

The opening of the viaduct with the ribbon cutting ceremonies created a real celebration in Niles. A full course dinner consisting of roast beef, potatoes, gravy, corn, salad and dessert was served. The program started at 1:00 PM and was held in the McKinley Auditorium (Old Edison School).

Mayor E.C.Ferguson welcomed the guests and Governor George H. White gave the dedicatory address. Flowers were presented to the Governor by little Jean Lally. Listed on the back of the program were 80 names of persons serving on various committees to make it a grand event. Everyone was elated that the viaduct was finally finished.

Reminiscing about the many trips he took over the viaduct, Bill Bauman sent the following note to us. Bill now lives in Cleveland, Ohio, but has never forgotten his home town of Niles, Ohio. . Bill wrote ;

Oh beautiful for patriot dream, that sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears,
America, America, God shed his grace on thee.
Somewhere over the viaduct blue birds flew,
If I would have known how, perhaps I could have too.
Walked it six times a day to high school and to play.
Our town to me was like New York’s great white way.
A wonderful down home memory, wouldn’t you say….

Bill included this picture taken October 28, 1933 of himself as “Uncle Sam” and Delores VanAmbergh “Miss America”at the dedication of South Main Street Viaduct in Niles.

The 'Other Viaduct'