Visitor center brings fond memories

By Rick Sundin, Davenport | Sunday, July 20, 2008

During Memorial Day weekend, the Quad-Cities area gained a brand new tourist attraction.

The Centennial Bridge Visitors Center is housed in what was the office for the bridge until the tolls ended several years ago.

Located at the foot of the Centennial Bridge in downtown Rock Island, the center is small, only two rooms but very tastefully done. Mementoes, photos, drawings and well-done historical narratives tell the bridge’s fascinating story from its origins and its formal opening in 1940 until today. Also included is some history and photos of this area’s other bridges both former and current. Most people don’t realize that we have 12 bridges here spanning all or part of the Mississippi River.

Two photos were of special interest to me. The first photo was of the first vehicle to cross the new bridge. It was a Dohrn Company truck. The second was of the last vehicle to cross the toll booth, which was also a Dohrn truck.

Please treat yourself and take the time to tour this small, but delightful QCA attraction. Its admission is free and there is a gift shop. It’s open from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 1. Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to

6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For long-term area residents, this is a cozy trip down memory lane. For new residents, it tells a visual history of something dramatic standing right in front of them.

Rick Sundin

Davenport