Archive Record
Metadata
Title of Record Series |
Bridge Dockets Photograph Negatives |
Year Range from |
1915 |
Year Range to |
1915 |
Collection/Office |
Commissioner |
Catalog Number |
CO-34 |
Description |
Photograph negatives of County-owned bridges for those recorded in the Commissioner's Bridge Dockets. Photograph negatives record repairs done to County bridges during the early twentieth century. Bridges are named for the creek that it spans and consist of the following by their arrangement: Cocalico, Conowingo, Hammer, Muddy, Middle, Peters, Mill, Little Conestoga, Conestoga, Conewago, Big Chickies, Little Chickies, Pequea, Octararo (East Branch), Octararo (West Branch), Coon, Kelley, and Penn Township at Manheim. Many creeks have multiple bridges that span them. |
Admin/Biographical History |
Beginning in 1722, the Office of County Commissioner was a three year elected term consisting of three members. Since this time Commissioners were given additional duties which originally belonged to the court system. The statute which created Lancaster in 1729 provided for two persons to be chosen as commissioners for raising taxes and levies. The Commissioner's office is also responsible for the building and maintenance of all County bridges. Through the early twentieth century this office was required to furnish bounties for the destruction of all undesirable wild animals. Some of their earliest responsibilities were caring for the poor, providing polling places, and securing appropriate taxes. The Commissioner's Minutes detail some of the earliest duties performed during the establishment of Lancaster County in the early eighteenth century. |