MINOCQUA, WI (WSAU-WXPR) – Students and alumni gathered outside Lakeland Union High School Friday to celebrate the resurrection of the iconic “T-Bird Country” railway bridge.
The bridge over Highway 51 was built back in 1937. Students at the time spray painted the bridge with the words “T-Bird Country” – recognizing Lakeland Union’s mascot.
When the bridge was taken down several years ago, community members like Bob Metropulos were sad to see it go. “It was like a funnel right here to the Northwoods and a lot of people were sad, in tears about it coming down. And I thought, maybe there’s some way I can save this thing.”
So, Metropulos launched a community-wide effort to raise the $30,000 needed to restore and resurrect the bridge outside Lakeland Union.
Six years later, that effort is nearly complete. The bridge was recently placed outside the high school’s entrance.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday commemorated the effort. “It’s just a blessing, something that I’ll leave behind for years and that means a lot to me.”
Metropulos says his fundraising committee still needs to raise $5,000 more. They’re selling bricks to be placed at the base of the bridge. Any additional money raised will be used for to provide scholarships for students with disabilities.
