Preservation Month Photo Contest 2021: And the winner is…
Update 5/31: We’ve tallied the votes and we’re pleased to announce the winner of the 2021 Preservation Month Photo Contest:
Devin Brautigam of Sidney submitted this striking image of the Big Four Bridge, Sunrise Over Big Four, and the voters have voted. Congratulations, Devin!
We’ll feature Devin’s winning entry on the cover of a future issue of Revitalize Ohio.
Thanks to all of our photographers who submitted their images, our finalists who provided five stunning entries for us to choose from, everyone who voted, and our website chatters who talked up their favorites and supported our photographers.

Photographer’s statement:
Sunrise Over Big Four
The “Big Four Bridge” in Sidney, OH. Many call it the “Gateway into Shelby County”. The bridge was constructed in 1923-1924. Some folks lost their lives during the construction of this, which I believe, adds to the historical nature of the structure.
The bridge has been deteriorating over the last several years. While downtown Sidney has started alot of revitalization, improving it’s courthouse area, I really hope one way or another we can keep this bridge maintained before it’s too late. In the photo you can see the cracks and chucks of concrete that’s either been weathered away or have fallen. The condition of the bridge has been a popular topic among the community, many folks worrying about safety. As a hometown photographer of Sidney, this bridge has not only served a purpose for what it is, but it’s allowed me to really be creative and grow as an artist.
Awesome photo
Fantastic picture of a historic landmark. A gateway to the town.
Beautiful!
Beautiful Picture!
Lovely view of our great downtown
#1 our town landmark!
Beautiful photo. I love it.
Nice shot of history..
Beautiful Picture and it is a great Railway!!
Colorful, beautiful, and amazing capture of this great bridge.
A huge part of Sidney’s history. Wonderful shot from a viewpoint most of us cannot see.
Perfect timing! Amazing view of this Sidney landmark!
Beautiful photo, very talented photographer
Awesome
awesome bridge and sunrise.
The bridge by far!
Love the Big bridge😍
I vote for #1 Sunrise Over Big Four. I find it hauntingly beautiful.
Big Four All the Way.
I so remember the days, walking around town in the snow. I love all the photos. I was born and raised in Sidney. Maiden name is Diana Roach.
Love this bridge! Love the colors that were captured!
More than just a great photo…
Incredible photo
I vote for Snowy April Dawn in Main Street Wadsworth. It’s pretty all the time.
Stunning, elegant view!
beautiful
I vote for #4, what a rare event!
Great pic
As a resident of Wadsworth, this picture captures the feeling of time standing still for just a moment.
Wadsworth. A friendly city with great heritage.
That’s my awesome town!
above aerial rocks!
Nice pictures
“Preservation Month Photo Contest 2021
Big Four all the way!!!!
This Picture absolutlely speaks a 1000 words!! Beautiful
Lovely picture
This is amazing. A shot of the bridge that, even those who grew up in Sidney, would never see from this angle. This picture is educational as well as inspirational.
great photos
I would live to see the Big Four Bridge repaired. The picture is breathtaking.
Its Amazing..
The Big 4 bridge is so awesome a site and still in use.
Sidney, Ohio is my home town and the picture of the big four
Is beautiful but I must say the other pictures are
Lovely too.
Love this photo!
Love love love this photo!!!!!! Very talented!!
The Big Four bridge 🌉 represents
hometown Sidney to me. The photo is
inspired!
none
Beautiful
I have heard all the stories about this bridge from the time I was a tot to my adult life. It is a beautiful piece of Sidney’s history. The photographer captured an amazing picture! I hope Sunrise Over Big Four by Devin Brautigam is selected as the winner.
Amazing Photo! Deserves to win!
Beautiful
Love the photo
nice pictures
Sunrise over big four bridge
Awesome photo
Magnificent bridge
Traditional of Sidney! I love this photo
The Big 4 bridge is a magnificent engineering feat for the time period it was built.
#1 beautiful
Awesome
Please save our bridge!
Love the pics!
1. Outstanding photo!
#1
Love the big four Bridge
Captivating!
All of the photos show Ohio. I think #4 of the April snow in Wadsworth speaks to Ohio’s small towns and Ohio weather wonderfully!
I voted for the church because it is most deserving of preservation. But the photograph I fell in love with was the rainbow of hope, promises and new beginnings. It’s a promise from God that He’s got us.
Gorgeous
Absolutely beautiful
Breath taking
Sunrise Over Big Four Bridge is stunning
The big Four Bridge is a classic structure with much history. I have walked over it and also through it at the archway level. Wonderful sense of peace.
Rainbow over Ashland is beautiful!
Love picture #2-awesome town!
God’s beauty
Beautiful
Beautiful photo of downtown Ashland!
The endless possibility’s. Ashland is on the rise more than ever! I grew up in Ashland a lot of memories in this town. And I am loving the things that are going on here❤️❤️❤️
Love the picture of our downtown Ashland!
These are lovely photos. I appreciate the sign of hope in the Ashland photo.
Stunning photo of Rainbow over Ashland!!!!
All beautiful. @2 absolutely stunning
Nice piece of History
They are all well done photos. Hard to choose just one. But, the rainbow over Ashland, i think is best choice. Good luck to all.
amazing
Beautiful. Maybe the photographer could sell prints and a bit of the purchase price could go to preservation? It would also increase knowledge of the bridge and its condition.