Praising the bridge...

"Praise the bridge that carried you over." ~George Colman

  

When my friend Darlene saw my blog about barns on facebook, she commented, “Maybe you could do a group of covered bridges.  Please!”  Well…I happen to think that probably 93.72% of all people who will stop to look at an old barn most likely will go out of their way to see a covered bridge.  At least, I am in that percentage.

Greg and I have seen what is purported to be the World’s Longest Covered Bridge in Hartland, New Brunswick, Canada.  The Hartland Covered Bridge reaches 1,282 feet over the St. John River and was officially opened in 1901.  It’s an impressive sight, to be sure.  There are more than 60 covered bridges still standing in New Brunswick.  Most are operational.

We have traveled down State Route 26 in southeastern Ohio, a scenic route known for the covered bridges (and Mail Pouch barns, by the way).  I've read that Ohio has 2,000 covered bridges.  We sure have a lot left to see.  But we will go out of our way to see one if we notice one in a guide book or see a road sign pointing one out.

We like to drive through them if it is feasible, but when it’s not, we will often get out of the car and walk through taking in the old wood, the graffiti and the wonderful man-made workmanship.  I admire the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the people who built these structures and feel much appreciation for the people who work

to keep these wonderful bridges intact.

Maybe I could do a group of covered bridge photos, indeed!  Here you go, Darlene…

The Knowlton Bridge along SR 26 in southeast Ohio.  One of the two longest covered bridges in Ohio.

The Sanborn Covered Bridge, Lyndon, Vermont.

Inside the Sanborn Bridge.

The Gilbertville Covered Bridge (aka the Ware-Hardwick Covered Bridge), built in 1886 and restored and reopened in October of 2010.   My personal favorite.

Inside the Gilbertville Covered Bridge

Covered bridge in Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Massachusetts

The Hartland Covered Bridge, New Brunswick (during restoration in 2008)