Free enterprise bridges gap.

Richard Ruelle was a man with a dream. During the late 1950s, while bow hunting and exploring the woods of Michigan, he had discovered an unusual geologic feature known as a sinkhole. Despite its less-than-glamorous name, a sinkhole is a fascinating example of natural beauty, typically featuring a stream that flows into a depression in the ground, cascading into the unknown depths.

Rick (as he is known) became so intrigued by this natural phenomenon that he sought them out all over northeastern Michigan, compiling maps of their locations. His travels eventually led him to a discovery that made a strong impression on him. In his book, Mystery Falls Bridge, Ruelle describes it as "the most spectacular sinkhole I had yet seen--a rock-rimmed hole with a huge waterfall entering at the North and disappearing at the bottom." This particular sinkhole sported not one, but two, waterfalls. Because none of the local people Rick questioned had any idea where the water went, he named the site "The Mystery Falls Sinkhole."

Over a period of years, Mr. Ruelle repeatedly offered to buy the land from owners who were very willing to allow him to visit the property but initially unwilling to sell. He eventually was able to buy the land and is now the owner of his beloved site. He continued to research not only the geology, but also the history, of the area, and each interest built upon the other. His conclusion: "It became apparent to me that the two waterfalls themselves and the history of the property were of great scenic and historical interest to many people." The only problem was that the waterfalls and sinkhole were not visible from any safe viewing location. He decided a bridge and observation platform over the site were needed.

It was a daunting challenge, but through skillful organization of many generous volunteers, Mr. Ruelle made it happen. And while he solicited the help of the state of Michigan in locating an old bridge, the financing and labor necessary to complete the project came from private sources, including his own resources of money and hard work. The bridge had to be completely disassembled, transported more than 200 miles, and reassembled at the new location.

Rick diligently documented the project from start to finish and compiled the photos in a book-length photo essay, the aforementioned Mystery Falls Bridge. It is the story of a dedicated group of volunteers who simultaneously achieved two objectives beneficial to the public: first, they preserved one of the last historic, 19th-century wrought-iron bridges in Michigan, carefully restoring it to its original appearance; second, Rick's group used the bridge to provide access to a beautiful natural wonder. A less generous man would have kept the wonder to himself. In contrast, Ruelle went to extraordinary lengths to make the site accessible so that others might enjoy it. The project represents altruism at its finest.