Monday Oct. 15 marked the official reopening of the 1922 Historic Arch Bridge that connects West Linn and Oregon City. 
The bridge has been under re-construction for 21 months, forcing traffic to use alternative routes since January of 2011. The bridge is featured in my book, Images of America: WEST LINN, and was considered the most beautiful bridge in America at the time.
My twins were able to play in the West Linn High band 
during last weekend’s three-day festivities to celebrate the re-opening. They met the Oregon City High band in the middle of the bridge 
for a sort of friendly battle of the bands. Though the weather had been nice for 80 days, it rained on their parade. No worries though. Spirits were high and the kids had fun slopping through the puddles as they met in the middle of the bridge, stopping to see the view of the Falls.
I love that my twins are in the band. Their older brother also was a band member, under the same teacher, Mr. Kevin Egan. 
We all went on Friday to hear the bands play and we also attended Sunday’s celebration on the bridge. It was fun to be there, to walk on the bridge– in the middle of the bridge–which will not be an option after 
Monday’s opening. 
I told my kids we just had to go, to make history!!
