The following are articles from local newspapers that can be found at the Public Library. These articles were gathered together by Jim Phillips, a native of Pulaski County. Jim manages a Facebook page, “Stalking My Hometown.” Find that page here.
Pulaski County Democrat Aug 9 1934, Microfilm
An ordinance was passed setting a fine of $25 as the penalty for jumping upon, climbing the cables or otherwise abusing the Memorial suspension footbridge across the river. Lads old enough to know better have been observed in unnecessary antics on the structure, and the ordinance was made of record so they can be handled in court. It is published in full elsewhere in this paper.
AN ORDINANCE
PROHIBITING CERTAIN ACTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUSPENSION MEMORIAL BRIDE OVER THE TIPPECANOE RIVER AT WINAMAC, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
SECTION I. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TOWN OF WINAMAC, INDIANA, That it shall be unlawful for any person to shake by grasping the cable or hand-rail, jump up and down upon or otherwise cause unnecessary vibration of, the suspension Memorial Bridge over the Tippecanoe River, connecting the two parks owned by the town of Winamac, Indiana.
SECTION II. Any person violating this Ordinance shall, upon conviction, be fined in any sum not exceeding Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00).
SECTION III. An emergency existing for the immediate taking effect of this Ordinance, the same shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage.
JOHN C. SHANK, FRANK H. KING, THEODORE H. DUNKIN, WILLIAM D. PATTISON, JESSE CLESTER, Board of Trustees, Town of Winamac. Attest: T.D. HOWE, Town Clerk, August 9.
Winamac Republican Aug 9 1934, Microfilm: No More Shimmying Suspension Bridge
At the August meeting of the Town Board Monday night an emergency ordinance was passed making it “unlawful for any person to shake by grasping the cable or hand rail jump up and down upon or otherwise cause unnecessary vibration of the suspension Memorial bridge over the Tippecanoe river.” Violators will be fined not to exceed $25.
This is a good move on the part of the Town Board as numerous boys and young men have been in the habit of indulging in the dangerous practice of shaking the bridge.