Hunter Street Bridge Documentary Set to Premiere For Peterborough

As the Hunter Street bridge celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, a documentary marking the milestone called “Building the Ashburnham Bridge” will air on YourTV on Aug. 2.

Steve Russell, project manager of the documentary was the eldest of four children in his family. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The documentary was created by archivist Elwood Jones and former engineer Steve Russell. It tells the story of the planning and construction of the bridge — also known as the Ashburnham Bridge — between 1919 and 1921.

The project began in 2019 after a grant was given to the Trent Severn Waterway from the Trillium Foundation to take all the old pictures of Quaker Oats and the bridge construction according to Russell.

Russell’s grandfather, John E. Russell from the Russell-Townsend Company built the bridge during interesting economic and political times of Peterborough’s history.

That inspired Steve to do the documentary after learning that fact and discovered his grandfather in archived photos.

“Once I identified him (grandfather), that really accelerated my interest for the documentary,” said Steve.

Longtime retired broadcast journalist Graham Hart narrated the half-hour documentary where he met with Steve weekly to work on the project.

“Building the Ashburnham Bridge” airs at 7:00 p.m. on YourTV on Aug. 2.

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The Hunter Street Bridge Is Closed Until At Least September 1st

Yes, it's true. The Hunter Street Bridge will be closed from Saturday, August 25th, until Saturday, September 1st at midnight. This is in order for the bridge to be waterproofed and paved. One lane will remain open for emergency and transit vehicles only, and foot traffic will be permitted during this time. Should weather be a factor, the estimated dates may have to be adjusted. Other routes into East City include Ashburnham Road and Armour Road.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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Explore Peterborough's Spooky Side by taking a Ghost Walk

Bruce Fitzpatrick leads the walk through Peterborough's spooky past.

Every Friday night at 9 p.m.—through the rest of July and August—a hooded tour guide named Bruce Fitzpatrick will take you through some spooky stories on Eerie Ashburnham Ghost Walks. Ashburnham is chock full of interesting tales involving Quaker Oats, the Hunter Street Bridge and numerous old houses that date back hundreds of years.

The Ghost Walk is put on by the Trent Valley Archives and costs $10 to participate—no reservations are necessary. Meet your guide at the corner of Hunter St./Driscoll Terrace.

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