To the editor,

“…ferry or rowboat, or dog sled, or by foot across a freezing, floating walkway in the dead of winter…” The Journal, July 11, 2012. Sounds like the latest in survival television or maybe a new version of the Arrowhead 135 doesn’t it? Actually, this is a description of what it took to get from International Falls, Minnesota to Fort Frances, Ontario before Aug. 1, 1912, when the bridge opened.

For those of us used to the automobile and other modern conveniences, it takes an effort to think back to the early days and ponder what life was like without a bridge to cross over to Fort Frances. Even if we aren’t regular travelers across the bridge, we all understand just how connected our two communities and economies have become because of the bridge; take a look at the Ontario license plates outside the mall or the movie theatre.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the opening of the bridge, cross over and visit the centennial exhibit at the Fort Frances Museum, 259 Scott Street in downtown Fort Frances. And please come to the museum on Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 4:30 for a free wine and cheese reception and celebration of 100 years of connecting the easy way. The exhibit helps remind us of how lucky we are to have the bridge although there is another way to be reminded; go over by “…ferry or rowboat, or dog sled, or by foot across a freezing, floating walkway in the dead of winter…”  No thanks. I like the bridge better.

Rod Otterness

city administrator

International Falls, MN