East Haddam Swing Bridge Celebrates 100 Years June 15!

The East Haddam Swing Bridge first opened on Flag Day in 1913, and in honor of the historic anniversary the Towns of East Haddam and Haddam, their respective economic development committees and historical societies, and other local business's have organized an upcoming celebration of the Bridge’s historic anniversary. The event is set to take place on Saturday, June 15 and will include a variety of events!

One featured event will feature the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: Residents are invited to ride to the anniversary festivities aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat. They will be providing a free trip for 150 passengers up the Valley Railroad and across the Connecticut River to the landmark bridge in East Haddam. According to the press release concerning the event, this is a must reserve event and tickets are strictly limited to 150 people.

The release also stated that "To help recapture the essence of the original 1913 grand opening, the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat is offering a unique excursion aboard their steam locomotive and Becky Thatcher riverboat." 

Here are some details on the ride, according to the press release: 

The train will depart Essex Station at 7:45am on June 15, making stops all the way north to Eagle Landing State Park. Once the train reaches the park, guests can hop aboard the Becky Thatcher riverboat to view the vintage automobile procession across the bridge at 9am. Guests can also take a shuttle bus to East Haddam village for the anniversary ceremonies and activities starting at 9:30am. When the celebration ends, the 12:15pm train will travel back down the river valley to bring all passengers home.

Also, during the celebration, the Becky Thatcher riverboat will also offer a half hour harbor cruise from Eagle Landing at 10:15 AM. This cruise open and free to everyone!

Another event taking place during the celebrations will be a collectible car show. 
Antique automobiles will assemble at Haddam's Eagle Landing State
Park and some will take part in a historic Bridge crossing to East Haddam at
9:00 AM as part of a commemoration ceremony. The show will include over 50 cars from all decades. The automobiles will will be on display at Eagle Landing after the
ceremony until approximately 1:00pm.  

Included in the show will be several autos that would have been crossing the
new Swing Bridge a century ago, paying the toll before rolling along to
locations in Haddam or East Haddam, according to a press release about the event.   

According to the press release, other activities along the river will include Swing Bridge exhibits by the Haddam and East Haddam Historical Societies, free tours of the Goodspeed Opera House, Nathan Hale Schoolhouse, and history of the St. Stephen's Church bell, a Family Lawn Party celebrating 50 years of Goodspeed Musicals, a free Children's Carnival, and more!

To reserve your spot on the train, please contact the Valley Railroad Company at (860) 767-0103 or email valley.railroad@snet.net. For more information click here.