Photo courtesy of David Montalvo
On January 9, 2016, at our annual business meeting, the subject of the accident and damage to the marker stone from the Trout Creek Bridge on West Valley Forge Road was brought up. Concerned members were worried that the marker stone was damaged in the accident, as it no longer appeared to be intact.
Following the meeting, board members Russell Rubert and David Montalvo both visited the scene and were able to locate the marble marker. David moved it to a safe location next to a tree by the stream, and both he and Russell left, knowing that no damage appeared to have befallen the marker.
Bridge before accident
In February, Russell Rubert again visited the site and noticed that the marker was no longer in the spot where he and David Montalvo had left it. Both David and Russell began a series of inquiries to the township, local newspapers, and the state, to see if anyone had the marker in their possession. He soon learned that neither the state nor the township had taken possession of the marker, and set out to find it. On February 10, he discovered that the marker had slipped from its resting place and slid down the bank, coming to rest by the edge of Trout Creek. Russell then took possession of the stone, and removed it. His thinking was that the historical society would keep it safely in their possession until such time as the bridge was repaired and it could be reinstalled, all with the blessing of one of the township supervisors. He also contacted PA Department of Transportation, to let them know that the stone was safely in his possession.
On February 19, Russell Rubert was contacted by Steve Bartkovich, E.I.T. (Bridge Inspection, PA Department of Transportation / Engineering Districe 6-0 / Bridge Unit / 7000 Geerdes Boulevard / King of Prussia, PA 19406), thanking him for “your interest in the historic bridge and the lengths you took to preserve this irreplaceable plaque for us.” He also went on to say that PennDOT would like the plaque back in their possession so that when they rebuild the bridge it could be reinstalled.
On February 23, 2016 a PennDOT representative met Russell Rubert at his place of business to receive the plaque. It is now in the hands of PennDOT. Russell Rubert commented that he hoped the plaque would indeed be reinstalled on the historic bridge in a timely manner, and not end up in a warehouse somewhere next to the Arc of the Covenant!
The King of Prussia Historical Society would like to thank both Russell Rubert and David Montalvo for their efforts in saving an irreplaceable piece of history. We commend your dedication to local history and thank you for your hard work.
(Printed in The King of Prussia Gazette, Spring 2016 issue)