The Outlaw Bridge

According to an October 11, 2005 Thunder Bay newspaper article sent to me by Dave Fernie, the plaque has been stolen from its location in Pigeon River Provincial Park. Thomas Kirkbride has sent me a copy of the police report. It reads:

Stolen Historical Marker
Sometime during the month of August a large and rather heavy historical marker was stolen from Pigeon River Provincial Park (formerly Middle Falls Provincial Park) on Highway #593 just off Highway #61. This theft is being investigated by the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and they could use your help in its recovery.
The marker is actually a sign titled "THE OUTLAW BRIDGE" and it was erected in the park to commemorate the construction of the first bridge across the Pigeon River back in 1917. It is very distinctive as it measures about 60 by 75 cm and it is made of brass and bears the Ontario coat of arms at the top. The brass lettering is on a painted sky blue background. These types of signs should be familiar to many as they are located in a number of historical places across Ontario.
The marker valued at several thousand dollars was attached to a metal post that was cut at its base. Due to its size and weight a large vehicle such as a pick up truck or van was probably used to remove the sign from the park.
This sign may have been taken as a trophy or a collector's item and it's certainly out there somewhere. If you have any information that might help police recover it, call Crime Stoppers.

Plaque Location

The District of Thunder Bay
The Municipality of Neebing
At the bridge, Pigeon River Provincial Park, Highways 593 and 61 - southwest of Thunder Bay

Plaque Text

The first bridge across the Pigeon River was opened near here on August 18, 1917. In the previous year the government of Ontario had completed a road from Port Arthur to link up with one which the state of Minnesota had earlier constructed from Duluth. Since no provision for a bridge had been made, the Rotary Clubs of Port Arthur-Fort William and Duluth collected funds and materials to construct one and bore the greater part of the cost. The bridge, erected without any formal international agreement, was therefore locally named "The Outlaw". This route soon became a popular tourist road, thus greatly benefitting the Lakehead area. The original wooden bridge was replaced in 1930.

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Information