Sweeper toils in tribute to old bridge
April 27, 2013, Saturday
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Print Edition
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CHEN Fuzhou, an 86-year-old resident of Zhudi Village in the Minhang District, has been a volunteer sweeper on Helong Bridge for more than 12 years.
The 300-year-old, 20-meter span, the only ancient stone bridge in Huacao Town, sits at the border of Minhang and Qingpu districts. It has been designated a local cultural relic.
Once every morning and again in the late afternoon, Chen is on the bridge sweeping.
"When I was 14, I started as an apprentice in a grocery store on the north side of the bridge," he said. "Later, I got married and settled close to the bridge. It has always had a special place in my life."
Before retirement, Chen worked in a warehouse. When he retired about 12 years ago, he noticed that the bridge was looking a bit neglected and decided to tidy up its appearance.
Chen made the broom and dustpan he uses by himself.
"The broom is made to adapt to the uneven surface of a stone bridge," he said. "That makes it easier to sweep up rubbish, or even snow in winter."
Chen, who is slightly disabled, added, "I'm getting too old to care for the bridge. I hope some volunteer will come forth to take over the task from me."
The 300-year-old, 20-meter span, the only ancient stone bridge in Huacao Town, sits at the border of Minhang and Qingpu districts. It has been designated a local cultural relic.
Once every morning and again in the late afternoon, Chen is on the bridge sweeping.
"When I was 14, I started as an apprentice in a grocery store on the north side of the bridge," he said. "Later, I got married and settled close to the bridge. It has always had a special place in my life."
Before retirement, Chen worked in a warehouse. When he retired about 12 years ago, he noticed that the bridge was looking a bit neglected and decided to tidy up its appearance.
Chen made the broom and dustpan he uses by himself.
"The broom is made to adapt to the uneven surface of a stone bridge," he said. "That makes it easier to sweep up rubbish, or even snow in winter."
Chen, who is slightly disabled, added, "I'm getting too old to care for the bridge. I hope some volunteer will come forth to take over the task from me."
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