The Matchcover Storyteller

It’s not there anymore, the old original South Norfolk Bridge; a more permanent structure graces Route 337 today.

The old bridge of this 30-strike, front strike matchcover was built in 1928. It was a vertical lift bridge connecting Chesapeake and Norfolk, Virginia across the Elizabeth River.

It operated as a toll bridge (as you can see on the inside of this cover) and eventually became the oldest operating drawbridge in Virginia before it was replaced. The bridge closed in 2008 in the face of mounting safety concerns and the new modern high rise span opened in 2012

The toll shown on this matchcover appears to be the original levied in 1928 (it was called “:hefty” at the time!). The toll gradually dropped in later years to 15 cents, then 10, and then it was lifted completely.