The FIRST BANK building which houses the RCGS library, has had a portion of the roof cave in. This happened on the third floor IN THE HALLWAY. It is my understanding that the books and papers of RCGS have not been damaged, but we do not know this for sure.
NO ONE can ENTER the building and this closing might last for up to six weeks Before coming to Chester to go to RCGS library, please call and ask if the building has been re-opened. Call 618-826-4169 or 618-826-5334.
Thank you, Velda
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Link to Randolph County Genealogical Society Web Site
Chester Bridge
Chester Bridge is a truss bridge connecting Missouri's Route 51 with Illinois
Route 150 across the Mississippi River between Perryville, Missouri and Chester,
Illinois. The bridge, opened on Aug 23, 1942 and was a toll bridge until Dec 31,
1988. Two years after opening, its main span was destroyed in a storm in July of
1944 and took 2 years to repair. My father-in-law, Charlie Moore, worked for the
Massman Construction Company which was instrumental in repairing the bridge
between 1942 and 1944. The roadway is 104 feet above the water and 2826 feet in
length.
Velda Moore