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The original/first Big Four Bridge had a pedestrian walk-way on the west (downriver side). It was opened in 1895 and in use till 1929 when a newly constructed replacement bridge using the same bridge piers replaced it. Everything old is new again- the pedestrian usage is an idea that was put into use over 100 years ago.



The viaducts or high trestle elevated structures of the Big Four Bridge stretched out for a little over three miles and in three different directions. On the Kentucky side one arm split off crossing over the current skate park and toward Louisville’s Baseball Park-this formerly housed the big four rail freight terminal. The rail touched down just east of the expressway at Hancock Street.

The other split, the lengthier of the two, crossed over dozens of streets with another access ramp at Franklin and Wenzel Streets. It continued airborne for many more blocks until finally touching down at East Main Street and Mellwood Avenue (east of the Old Bourbon Stockyards).

On the Indiana side the elevated structure continued northward with the exception of the access ramp immediately after crossing which touched earth about three blocks later. The elevated structure carried on for another 3/4 of a mile northward finally coming to rest just west of The Quartermaster Depot.

Louisville’s elevated trains ran day and night over many homes and businesses They carried all manner of goods, merchandise, passengers, and daily commuters, all of which created a scenario more likened to Chicago or New York.

A high speed lightweight electric train of the Indiana RR crosses the Big Four Bridge some time in the 1930’s. The last electric trains crossed this bridge in October 1939, while electric trains continued on the K&I Bridge until the eve of 1946.

One organized outing by the 4-H clubs in and around Columbus, Indiana chartered three trains, each consisting of 3 cars cars each for a trip into Louisville in September of 1939. The 800 or so farm kids and their escorts then took a river cruise and returned the same day.

Electric trains were smart, swift and a thrifty buy for either group or individual travel.

All information contributed by Ron Schooling- Thanks!

No Open Houses- Check Back Often

In these old postcard you can see the Big Four Bridge

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP/WHAS11) — The fire burning on the abandoned Big Four railroad bridge is now out after burning for hours Wednesday.

Louisville fire officials and Waterfront Development Corp. officials say they don’t know the extent of the fire, which broke out shortly after noon.

The Coast Guard shut down river traffic for about a mile around the bridge because debris was falling off the aging bridge and it’s keeping watercraft away.

The railroad bridge is being turned into a pedestrian walkway connecting Louisville and southern Indiana. The span was completed in 1895 and abandoned in 1969.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Slide Show of Fire from WHAS

Fire On Big Four Railroad Bridge

Present Day

K&I Bridge

Click on the link to learn more about another Louisville bridge

• 1 gallon of white vinegar
• 1 cup of table salt
• 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap

Mix Your Own Cleaning Solutions

• Ammonia, diluted with 3 parts water in an empty spray bottle can be used to clean windows, appliances and counters.
• Full strength pine oil is great for deodorizing garbage cans, and scrubbing the kitchen and bathroom floor.
• Baking soda can be used instead of scouring powder and also removes stains and odors from refrigerators and coffee pots.
• A sprinkle of dry baking soda before vacuuming will freshen the carpeting.

Seniors Most Susceptible to Fire Death Says US Fire Administration

The fire death rate among people over the age of 65 is twice as high as the national average, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). In addition, the fire death rate among people between ages 75 and 85 is three times the national average and after age 85, it increases to four times the national average. These statistics are especially alarming when researchers estimate that by 2030, the 65 and older population will exceed 70 million people.

Adults 65 years and older can reduce their fire death rate by changing five major fire safety habits:

Change Smoke Alarm Batteries Having a working smoke alarm can more than double your chances of surviving a fire. Make sure alarms are installed on each level of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If sleeping with bedroom doors closed, the smoke alarms should be installed within each room. Test each alarm monthly and replace the battery at least once a year. Adults who are deaf or hard of hearing should invest in visual aids such as alarms with strobe lights. Flashing or vibrating smoke alarms should also be tested every month.

Change or Update Escape Routes Many older adults are still using escape routes that were planned when the kids were in the house. Plan and practice your home fire escape. Consider your capabilities when preparing escape routes. Have two ways to get out of each room and if needed, make sure all exits are accessible for walkers or wheelchairs.

Change Unsafe Smoking Habits Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths among Americans 65 years and older. Make sure that you are alert when you smoke and never smoke in bed. When you are finished smoking, soak the ashes in water before discarding them. Never leave smoking materials unattended, and collect them in large deep ashtrays.

Change Unsafe Cooking Habits Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire injuries among older adults. When using the stove, never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to step away, turn it off. Also, wear tight-fitting clothing when cooking over an open flame; a dangling sleeve can catch fire easily. Keep towels and potholders away from the flame.

Change Unsafe Heating Practices Install and maintain heating equipment correctly. Do not store newspapers, rags, or other combustible materials near a furnace, hot water heater, or space heater. Keep flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture, at least three feet from space heaters. Never use a stove as a substitute for a furnace or space heater.

Thunder Over Louisville

Click on the link below for any Open Houses

Open Houses

If you haven’t already filed your income tax here are some helpful things to keep in mind. If you have-then start saving those receipts for next year!

Certain kinds of deductions are called itemized deductions. If you have enough of them to beat the standard deduction, it’s usually a good idea to itemize. For most taxpayers, owning a home makes itemizing worthwhile. To deduct expenses of owning a home, you must file Form 1040 and itemize your deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040). There are four primary discussions: real estate taxes, sales taxes, home mortgage interest, and mortgage insurance premiums. Generally, your real estate taxes, home mortgage interest, and mortgage insurance premiums are included in your house payment.

Energy credits. You can claim a credit for energy-saving home improvements made in 2007 — 10% of the cost of skylights, outside doors, windows, pigmented roofs and high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters and central air conditioners installed this year in a primary home. The maximum credit is $500, and no more than $200 can be attributable to windows, and no more than $150 claimed for furnaces and water heaters.

Medical Expenses - In addition to what you’ve spent on doctors, hospitals and medicine, other deductible items include health insurance premiums, prescription eyeglasses and contacts, hearing aids, medical transportation, equipment for disabled people, and nursing home expenses.
State and Local Income Taxes - Also includes personal property taxes.
Charitable Contributions- These include cash, volunteering expenses, property such as new and used household goods and items, securities, and vehicles donated to qualified charitable organizations.
Casualty Losses - If you suffered a loss because of theft, fire, storm damage or other casualty, you can deduct an unreimbursed loss if it is more than the sum of $100 and 10% of your adjusted gross income.
Unreimbursed Out-of-Pocket Job Expenses - Deductible expenses include vehicle expenses (other than commuting), travel expenses, uniforms, union dues and continuing education expense.

• Insurance (other than mortgage insurance premiums), including fire and comprehensive coverage, and title insurance.
• Wages you pay for domestic help.
• The cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity, or water.
• Forfeited deposits, down payments, or earnest money.

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