Reaching Genoa back in the days of horse and cart was tougher than today. One intrepid traveller wrote in 1888 that there were two routes to Genoa - and neither was for the faint hearted.

One way was via Eden in New South Wales; either by rail from Melbourne to Sydney, or by steamer stopping on its way from Sydney or Hobart! Once in Eden, one only had 45 miles to go on horseback! This could be done in two days staying at the post office overnight.The other way to Genoa was via Bairnsdale and Orbost. The options were to ride one's own horse from Sale, or catch a coach in Bairnsdale bound for Orbost and ride on a borrowed horse the remaining 95 miles to Genoa.

HISTORY OF GENOA RIVER CROSSING

The existing timber bridge at Genoa is the third structure to be built over the Genoa River at Genoa.

The first Genoa Bridge was similar in design to the present parallel girder truss bridge. The original bridge was built entirely of timber piles and was opened in 1916 or 1917, the ribbon cutting ceremony being performed by one of the early district settlers, Mrs. Alexander Snr.

The early bridge was built to take the traffic loads of the day, mainly horse drawn drays, wagons, buggies and jinkers.

Unfortunately the first bridge did not last very long. After approximately three years of service and following drought conditions a severe flood occurred in February 1919.

Logs and other debris carried by the floodwaters built up around the bridge piers, concentrating the force of the water and eventually causing collapse. According to reports the tangled mess of debris and bridge components took 18 months to clear away.

For a time travellers once again had to use the river crossings or fords in the area until a low level timber bridge was constructed which provided an improved level of service for several years during times of normal river levels. However, the obvious shortcomings of a low level bridge and the increasing appearance of motor cars and trucks demanded something better.

In the early 1920's the Country Roads Board designed a Parallel Truss Girder Bridge, similar in design to the first bridge constructed at Genoa. However this time reinforced concrete piers founded on reinforced concrete cylinders were used to support the structure.

Building of the bridge commenced in 1926and was completed early in 1928; the official opening was performed by the then local Member of Parliament Mr. (Later Sir)Albert Lind. Mr. Lind called on Mrs. Emma Hetherington, one of the older residents to cut the ribbon.

The bridge was built by contractor T J Noble.Anderson. Following the official opening the large crowd enjoyed a sumptuous spread of food in the newly completed Genoa Public Hall.

Throughout the life of the present bridge regular maintenance has been carried out to many elements of the bridge. Major refitting was carried out in 1954 including strengthening with steel beams.

The 61 years of service provided by the old bridge, stand as a testimony to the skill and craftsmanship of the designers and constructors.

Post Office (General Store) Genoa, around 1922.

Left to right, store owner - Mrs. Harry Bridle - nee Nellie Maria Peisley, later Mrs. Jack Allan (Timbilica), her daughter - Ida Bridle, later Mrs. Angus Rankin, now Mrs. Bert Gavin, her daughter, Nellie Bridle, now Mrs. Bob Dickenson, her sister, Mrs. Reg Stephenson, nee Frances Peisley.

Historical photo of Old Genoa Bridge at Genoa, taken approximately January 1930 by Presyterian Minister Rev W.G. Lewis, then living in Orbost. The car in photo is a1924-6 Chevrolet.

The photo was taken with a Kodak folding camera, which is now owned by the Rev. Lewis's son David lewis, who lives in South Pambula. The photo was supplied by David Lewis.