Long before construction of Johnson Elementary began, work was done decades ago on what is now Bridgeport High School. This photo  was taken in the early part of winter in 1963. JES, which is to the right, was already more than 10 years old at the time. In the background is property of Abbie and Sam Steele that would eventually be the home to the future Bridgeport Middle School. Abbie Johnson Steel's father, John C. Johnson, once owned the property that encompasses the entire school complex as well as property making up the Woodside Heights development. Abbie Steele passed away in 1990 at the age of 101 and was the last daughter of John C. Johnson who was born at the brick house situated on the corner of Virginia and Main Street from 1840.

Today, the covered bridge in Philippi is one of the state's most attractive and signficant historic figures. However, on Feb. 2, 1989, a fire did major damage that, fortunately, wasn't major enough that it couldn't be restored. This car is on the end of the bridge where the fire started.

 

Editor's Note: This ongoing photo feature of pictures from Bridgeport and throughout the Mountain State is part of local historian Richard 

"Dick" Duez's collection. Duez, the unofficial historian of Bridgeport, would appreciate any scanned photos emailed to him for use here or to include in his ongoing efforts to preserve local history. You can email photos, or let him know how to acquire copies of photos you may have in your possession, to Duez at dick.do@frontier.com.