Illinois Covered Bridges - Amerock

Amerock Covered Bridge in
Lockwood Park - Rockford, IL
10/6/2018 dwm photo

This bridge caught my attention because it was included on a web page, "9 Beautiful Illinois Covered Bridges that Reminded Us of a Simpler Time."

When I read the description of the Amerock Bridge which said it was built in 1970, I thought I could skip it.

However, it wasn't too far from the Young Covered Bridge and a reasonable drive from my home.  That made it appealing.  It looked like a pedestrian bridge in the picture, which didn't mean much.  Its age, turning 50 next year, tipped the balance.

Its name, Amerock, suggests that the American Cabinet Hardware Corporation had something to do with it.

Amerock was the brand name for the business started in Rockford, Illinois back in 1928 as the Aldeen Corporation.  It was a thriving business into the 1970s.  In 1977, it reportedly had 70% of the market for kitchen products.

The bridge over Fork Kent Creek ties
the two sides of the park together.
10/6/2018 dwm photo

I suspect Amerock played a role in establishing this park, which includes an equestrian center, observatory, and BMX track.  The company made equipment for cabinets, so they could build a bridge.

The bridge uses a Howe Truss.
10/6/18 (dwm)

Newell Rubbermaid bought Amerock in 1987.  This bridge, some buildings, and former employees may be all that's left of Amerock.

Thinking about the impact the business and its employees had on the area over 70 years - I'm glad the name remains on a Rockford park bridge.

Amerock Covered Bridge Facts

Built: 1970 as a pedestrian bridge in Lockwood Park, Rockford

Length:  45 feet over Fork Kent Creek

There are a lot more bridges to see - click the link to see the whole list.