Family, friends, members of the community and city leaders joined the Cuthbert family to dedicate a bridge placed in honor of their parents, Dr. Thomas Cuthbert Jr. and Earnestine Cuthbert.
The ceremony was held at the Greenwood City Lake boat ramp on Saturday, June 10 at noon.
For 30 years the Cuthberts lived in Greenwood, serving the city. The couple made a monumental impact in the community. What a truly fitting tribute to the couple who constructed a home overlooking the Greenwood City Lake.
The bridge placement and construction was a labor of love for their son, Tom Cuthbert III and City Alderman, Daniel McDaniel.
Originally built in 1931 by Virginia Bridge and Iron Co., in Roanoke, VA, the bridge was decommissioned and donated by ARDOT to the City of Greenwood in March of 2009. It was kept in storage awaiting a worthy cause and funding until 2022.
“Tom, who lives in San Antonio, TX, asked me if I would take the lead in finding some worthy project in Greenwood that would honor his father,” McDaniel added. “I told him I would be honored to do so and began to look for something that could be done around Greenwood Lake. Dr. Cuthbert loved to kayak and fish on the lake, and he greatly admired the old existing iron bridge and lobbied for its preservation.”
The plan was set into motion in phases, with McDaniel overseeing the project. By the fall of 2022, significant progress was being made, earthwork and preparation for the bridge landing. By May of this year, the bridge was ready to be moved into its destined place at the Greenwood City Lake.
Saturday’s celebration marked the finality of the project. Mayor Doug Kinslow opened the ceremony with a welcoming speech. Tom Cuthbert III was joined by his family and spoke about the history, both of the bridge and his family. McDaniel tied the significance of that history to the future, honoring the Cuthbert’s legacy and passion and ensuring that others have the opportunity to do the same for years to come.
With a great deal of planning, construction and labor, the Cuthbert Bridge was officially opened.
McDaniel took a moment to thank those who have contributed to the project, including Mayor Kinslow, the city councilmen, the park commissioners and parks director. Additionally, Randy Coleman; Mickle Wagner, Coleman Engineering; Larry Schmalz, Schmalz Engineering; Kolby Holmes, Homes Erection; Josh Belk, Josh Belk, Inc.; Jacob Burton, MJE Construction; ARDOT, Arkansas Community Foundation, and the Cuthbert family.
*Editor’s note: It has been an honor to follow this story from 2022 through today’s opening. I am grateful to Alderman McDaniel who never wavered in his determination to see this project through. It is truly a reflection of the spirit within our community. It was a day full of emotion, as the months of planning and labor came to fruition. What a wonderful celebration of a family worthy to be remembered for all their contributions to our community.
