Old Bridge Preservation Society was formed in the summer of 2010 by three Sunset Beach women who thought the iconic swing bridge deserved to be saved. Founders Karen Dombowski, Chris Wilson, and Ann Bokelman (left) were determined to save the bridge.
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Their initial efforts were geared toward encouraging the Town of Sunset Beach to relocate the bridge, but when that didn’t succeed the group moved forward independently. By summer’s end, more than 6,000 residents, visitors and property owners had signed letters to save the bridge from demolition.
Finding a home for the bridge was the Society’s top priority with the clock ticking toward its last days. To the rescue came Ronnie and Clarice Holden, owners of Twin Lakes Restaurant and Island Breeze. They generously donated use of land just west of the new Mannon C. Gore bridge.
With the help of many people, the land was prepared and the old bridge was moved in sections to its new home. (
Today the bridge and tender house are nestled in a shady spot surrounded by beautiful oak trees and restoration work is underway. We need your support to finish the work and share the story of the bridge with her many friends. We hope you’ll join us!
Old Bridge Preservation Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions are fully tax deductible!
