The Courier from Waterloo, Iowa • 57

Expeeidence Jayetje Co. On NE Iowa, paG1 5 i i 's i I Sneak preview DUIDCjES continued from page 4 ing set up, the river basin was covered with an inch of ice during a sudden storm. Three inches of rain followed the ice, flooding the Turkey. Part of the bridge was torn away by the rushing waters and carried downstream. Fortunately, everything that was washed away was recovered and fastened back on, remaining in tact for 73 years.

The county road W51 bridge that once stood on the edge of Wadena was the type of bridge Waller's characters would have appreciated: It was known to the locals as a "courung bridge," and older residents and historians there might be willing to share more information about how that reputation was earned. (Editor's Note: Even if you're equipped with a natural sense of direction, finding the bridge you're looking for isn't always that easy. The engineer's office, located at the courthouse in West Union, will give free, hand-size copies of the 91 1 maps listing the names of all roads in the county to help bridge-hunters). for 'Bridges DES MOINES Warner Brothers and the Iowa Film Office have announced the "Bridges of Madison County" will appear in movie theaters across the country on June 2 but, Iowans will get a preview the day before. The $20 million "Bridges of Madison County" stars Clint Eastwood who as Robert Kin-caid, a National Geographic Photographer, falls in love with an Iowa woman, played by actress Meryl Slreep.

On Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m., the first screening will take place at the Iowa Theater on the Winterset town square. Tickets can be purchased at the Winterset Chamber of Commerce. In Dcs Moines, also on June 1, another screening will take place with the proceeds going to the Variety Club of Iowa. The theater and other details were to be released later. "It will be very rewarding to see the results," said Wendol Jarvis, manager of the Iowa Department of Economic Development's Film Office.

"We spent a year working to attract the production, then many Iowans put in some very long days helping the movie company build sets Right on the Fayette-Bremer county line It's official name is the Sumner Bridge, but this structure is also known as the County Line Bridge. It's Avenue, just northeast of Sumner, and sits right on the Fayette-Bremer county line. onY 1 Is IVJO The two-span configuration of the Otter Creek Bridge, 1-12 miles northwest of Oelwein on 40th Street, distinguishes it from other standard beam designs. A vanishing breed The wooden bridges, like the Agnes Blong Bridge in Auburn Township, are a vanishing breed in Fayette County. The wood used construction is beginning to rot, so the bridges are being replaced at the rate of about 15 a year.

and film the many scenes." Employees at the Northside Cafe in Winterset experienced film making first hand. The famous restaurant was shut down for a week while scenes were shot in and around the town square. "We're getting braced for the crowds," said Dec Evans, manager of the Northside Cafe. "I made 23 pies for two busloads of people yesterday. I can't imagine what it will be like this summer after the movie comes out.

It will bring our community a lot of attention." Dave Lyons, director of the IDED, said economic development is an important element in film making. "Motion pictures bring a truck load of benefits to Iowa communities. From lumber to groceries, film makers purchase many Iowa products and create new jobs. Then, the film's public exposure attracts tourists. The impact may be felt for years," said Lyons.

The IDED director noted that each year hundreds of people still visit the "Field of Dreams" ball diamond near Dyersville. Warner Brothers hired 35 Iowans for speaking parts while another 150 appeared in non-speaking roles. Jarvis hasn't had much time to think about the "Bridges" box office release. The Film Office Manger has been scouting Iowa communities for two upcoming motion pictures that may rival the budget and scope of the Bridges motion picture. Information on these projects will be released later this spring.

Meanwhile, Dee Evans and her staff at the Northside Cafe are looking forward to seeing the movie that was shot in Winter- It's typical Avenue A-frame The A-frame bridge on Avenue is another bridge built in the day when the loads they were expected to support were not as great as today. Typical of many bridges built between 1912-1920, this through girder structure on Avenue, in Center Township, remains structurally sound today. Large amounts of concrete were used, making the bridge nearly invulnerable to vehicles and wide farm equipment. set. "It was a once in a lifetime experience," she said..