IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A version of article was originally published by ThoroldToday on August 16.
Port Robinson is such a tight-knit community that even a ship crashing into the bridge, connecting its east and west side, has not been able to tear it apart.
50 years ago, on August 25, 1974, the 600-foot ore carrier Steelton, travelling northbound on the Welland Canal, struck, and destroyed what was Bridge 12, operated by the St. Lawrence Seaway. The east tower of the bridge toppled over, while the west tower collapsed in on itself. The bridge span was pushed into the water, severely deformed.
The damage to the bridge was estimated at that time to be between $15 and $20 million (that’s $92 to $123 million in today’s dollars) so it was scrapped in its entirety.
But today, The 'Bridge-It' ferry services runs daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from mid-May through to October, providing a quick – and unique way for residents and visitors – to cross the canal.
And now, Port Robinson Proud (PRP), a group of current and former residents, are looking to mark the 50th anniversary of the collision along with the village’s resilience, on Saturday, August 24.
Geography has contained growth on the east side of the canal, allowing the village to keep its quaint character, while to the west, new subdivisions are cropping up.
“I have been here for 34 years – It is a great, quiet town,” said PRP’s Manon Keay, adding that it’s not far from amenities in Welland.
She said that the village’s ice cream shop and pub – the Bridge 12 Pub and Eatery – has become a popular spot for visitors.
The anniversary event will include historical presentations from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Port Robinson Community Centre, located at 40 Cross St., including one from Historical Niagara’s Dave Bennison and another from Charlie Lemmex from Fort Erie, who will be speaking about the Fenian Raids.
The east side of the community has a historical cemetery a short walk from the ferry dock – The Carl Misener Bald Cemetery – which is the resting place of some of the earliest settlers of the Port Robinson village and is closely associated with the United Empire Loyalists.
“Port Robinson boasts some of the most interesting history during the era of the 1800s right through to today,” said Nancy Waters, one of PRP’s founding members. “It was once the hub of ship building with a strong economic and social presence.”
Today, Port Robinson is a quiet village which has become a favourite stop for visitors, including cyclists navigating the Greater Niagara Circle Route.
The celebratory event on Aug. 24 will feature refreshments, a memorabilia display, exhibits, and photos.
Following the historical presentations, Bridge 12 Pub and Eatery will be hosting a street dance and BBQ from 3 p.m. to midnight at 10 River St.
Port Robinson remains united, added Judy Sauriol, another member of the group.
“We’re all still together,” she said. “East and west, with or without the bridge.”