From Joyce A. Williams, Director Glen Carbon Historical Museum.
The history of the covered bridge is recent. It was built in 1976 as bi-centennial project at the suggestion of our then Village Clerk Glenda Kovarick. It was built by the Glen Carbon Kiwanis Club with guidance by other volunteers. The Village of Glen Carbon paid for the materials. Soon after it was built, it was burned down by vandals and it was rebuilt with insurance money by an outside construction company. The bridge spans Judy Creek or Judy Branch. It is built on the concrete bridge that was built during the depression public works project time. The concrete structure is still present with the wooden bridge bolted to it.
From the Godfrey NEWSETTE, Friday May 28, 1976
Glen Carbon covered bridge to be dedicated As our country prepares to celebrate its 200th Birthday on July 4, 1976, there comes a renewed feeling of patriotism and a renewed love for many of the better things of the past. Many old items of the past are being reconditioned, some recreated, duplicated or copied, and many are being created for the first time. Throughout our country comes a renewed love for things of an historic origin. On the Mississippi River Bluffs near Edwardsville lies a small community with a rich historic background. This is Glen Carbon, Illinois, incorporated in 1892 and named for the valley of coal, which was its very beginning. In keeping with the present trend toward renewal of historic and valued landmarks, the people of Glen Carbon have renewed several old buildings in the business district. The latest project is the construction of a covered bridge over Judy Creek with construction on the bridge to be completed May 8. Dedication is to be June 5 at 1:00 P.M. President of the local chapter of the Kiwanis, George Micik, said that although the bridge is called a Bicentennial project it has been planned for over 7 years. Built at a cost of approximately $4,000 for material, all labor was donated by volunteers of the Kiwanis and other citizens. The bridge will add greatly to the restoration theme of the area. Local area engineer, Bill Kaman, drew up the plans and Jim Kovarik, local contractor, donated his time to oversee construction. The site for the bridge was Directed on Main across Judy Creek for its historic value. The creek was named for Colonel Judy, an officer in the Union Army, who settled the area in the 1800's. When completed, the bridge will be the only covered bridge in approximately a 100-mile radius. It will be viewed by many and will be a fitting memorial to Colonel Judy, Glen Carbon, and all those persons who so unselfishly helped in its construction.
Bicentennial moment — Glen Carbon mayor Les Munzert reads the names of those who made the village's covered bridge a reality. The bridge dedication	ceremonies were held Saturday afternoon. Behind Munzert, from left, are Bill Kaman, John Elliff and Jim Kovarik. — Herald photo by Bill Brinson