newyork.news 070701

Spanning New York State
Covered Bridge News

By Bob and Trish Kane

CAMBRIDGE, NY - The Covered Bridges Advisory Committee of Washington County, NY, will host a ribbon cutting event on August 4, 2007 to re-open three covered bridges, built in the 19th century, and recently restored: Buskirk's Bridge, Eagleville Bridge and Rexleigh Bridge. The events begin at 10:00 am at Buskirk's Bridge, move to the Eagleville Bridge at noon and then to the Rexleigh Bridge at 1:30 pm. All participants of the Covered Bridge Tour will be welcomed at the Historic Salem Courthouse at 2:00 pm for an afternoon celebration. State-level and local dignitaries will be on hand to celebrate the reopening of these historic bridges.

Invited guests include US Senators Hillary Clinton and Chuck Schumer of New York and Jim Jeffords of Vermont; US Congresswomen Kirsten Gillibrand of New York; New York State Senators Joe Bruno and Betty Little; and New York State Assemblyman Roy McDonald. Local guests include the town supervisors of Cambridge, Hoosick, Jackson and Salem, and representatives of the Preservation League of New York, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and local volunteer fire departments.

Acknowledgements will be offered at each bridge. In addition, a group of Irish step-dancers will dance "The Bridge of Athlone" to live music. Following the ribbon cutting, a procession of ox-and horse-drawn vehicles and antique cars will cross each bridge. Participants will proceed to each bridge on roads that were in use at the time the bridges were built, winding their way through the hills and valleys of southern Washington County. The tour will make its way through the hamlet of Shushan, where the Shushan Covered Bridge will be open to the public.

At 2:00 pm, all are welcomed at a celebration at the Historic Salem Courthouse, just a few miles from the Rexleigh Covered Bridge. The Courthouse, built in 1869, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most important historic public buildings in the region. Designed by noted Troy architect Marcus F. Cummings, the Old Courthouse contains one of the best preserved late-nineteenth century courtrooms in the entire state. The entire complex includes the adjacent jail, a rare, intact facility from 1906, the jailor's house, and several barns.

The celebration includes refreshments, door prizes, covered bridge artists, period music, and an opportunity to purchase a souvenir booklet as well as Eric Sloane's book "American Barns and Covered Bridges." At each bridge, volunteer docents will distribute a free brochure with a ticket. Visitors who get their tickets stamped at all three bridges will be eligible for door prizes at the Courthouse. A commemorative T-shirt will be available for sale throughout the tour.

The day concludes with a chamber music concert by Music from Salem at historic Hubbard Hall, an opera house built in 1878. The program will highlight composers of the period during which the bridges were built, including Samuel Barber's "Dover Beach" (string quartet and voice); and the songs of Steven Foster. The music of John Adams will also be featured with "Shaker Loops," one of the best minimal pieces about the ecstatic "shaking" of the Shakers (for string septet).

For more information about the ribbon cutting events and the celebration, call Jackie Keren at 518-854-9120 or email ikeren@att.net. Information will also be posted at the website for the Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley at http://www.visitbattenkillvalley.com/

Call for Artists -- As part of the afore mentioned celebration, the Covered Bridges Advisory Committee is looking for artists and artisans, authors and organizations with an interest in Covered Bridges to participate in a fair at the Historic Salem Courthouse on August 4, 2007. The fair will run from 2:30 - 5:00 pm. Arts, crafts, books and information are limited to works on a covered bridge theme. Set up begins at 12:30 pm. Electricity will not be available. In case of rain, the fair will move into the first floor lobby. Parking is available on the street, at the Courthouse and around the Salem Central School. Please bring your own table and display materials. The application fee covers advertising and space. To participate in the fair, contact Jackie Keren at (518) 854-9120 or jkeren@att.net for an application. The fee is $25. Information is also available at the website for the Towns & Villages of the Battenkill Valley at: www.visitbattenkillvalley.com.

Oxford Bridge -- David Kennicutt, PE, Delta Engineers Project Manager explained at the May bridge meeting that the NY Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is now involved with this project. They determined that the crossing itself was integral to the development of the Village of Oxford, therefore the bridge is considered "historically significant". They did not establish any design or aesthetic guidelines (which includes any Burr references). SHPO requires more impact studies, documents, and procedures which are expected to set the project back by nine months. Construction will likely be in 2009.

Delta Engineers have designed a bridge to serve the community well and meet all state and federal regulations. Despite numerous requests for a Burr-style wooden covered bridge (even several from out-of-state) it was out of the question due to its expense and impracticality. There were, however, no alternate designs choices or suggested options as proposed for Oxford's (mostly pre-Civil War era) style, nor were there even suggestive Burr elements as were mention at the first Oct 17th meeting. In a recent email, Dave Kennicutt stated, "We understand the significance of Theodore Burr to the community and continue to look at ways in which we can incorporate a Burr theme into the structure."

Hyde Hall Covered Bridge -- NY-39-01 On Friday, June 8th, the historical marker signifying that the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge is not only the oldest covered bridge in New York State, but in the United States as well, was permanently set in place not far from the covered bridge. The marker stands proudly on the right hand side of the main roadway entering the park and can easily be seen by anyone using the facilities at Glimmerglass State Park. The event was attended by the new Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Carol Ash. Be sure to stop by and see it the next time you are in the area.

	Photos by Trish Kane

Once again, we hear from our neighboring friends from Canada, this time with some bitter sweet news. I'm sure many of you have heard the rumor about a Covered Bridge in Canada that stands so far back in the wilds you literally need to fly or hike in to see it. We understand that not many folks have taken on the challenge to actually visit this bridge because of its remote location. But, on May 5, 2007, Eric Costello and Annick Roy did just that and they sent along these photos of, or what is left of, the Pont du Canton Laas Covered Bridge (QC 61-01-30).

We shared these photos with our friend Joseph Conwill and he, in turn, referred us to an article he wrote on the Covered Bridges of the Bell-LaFlamme Watershed in the summer 1981 issue of the Connecticut River Valley Bulletin. Here is an excerpt from that article. Two covered bridges were built as part of the colonization works in Laas Township. One (61-01-23) was a three-span, 399-footer which crossed the Laflamme on Route 37 until 1974. The other (61-01-30) serves a now-abandoned colonization road in the north part of the township, over Laas River, in a particularly remote and desolate region. Its metal roofing was removed by hunters in the late 1970's and used to build a shack nearby. It has been reported gone, but few bridge hobbyists have been able to find it anyway due to the poor roads. Old guidebooks listed a third covered bridge nearby, but this was apparently a clerical error. What a shame to lose such a wonderful structure! Thanks to Eric and Annick for sharing these photos with us and to Joseph Conwill for the past history. For more information visit: www.lostbridges.org.

New Hampshire -- Bob Durfee, PE, Vice President with Dubois & King, recently presented a paper at the International Bridge Conference in Pittsburgh, PA on the "Rehabilitation of the Haverhill/Bath Covered Bridge". About 125 engineers, contractors and bridge enthusiasts were on hand to hear Bob's presentation. Also, Dubois & King was recently selected by the New Hampshire Division of Historic Resources to design improvements and structural repairs on three (3) State owned covered railroad bridges in New Hampshire (Wright's and Pier Bridges in Newport, and the Contoocook Village Bridge in Hopkinton). Congratulations, both to Bob on his presentation and to Dubois & King on being selected for these projects.

Calendar of Covered Bridge Events - Wow, we didn't realize this calendar was going to be such a hit with our covered bridge associates! And, thanks to each of you who emailed to thank us for compiling it. We really appreciated hearing your positive feedback. You can view this calendar by visiting the Covered Spans of Yesteryear website at: www.lostbridges.org or Joe Nelson's website at: www.vermontbridges.com. Please note however, that it is impossible to keep this calendar up to date on a "daily" basis, but we will try to update it as often as possible. Please remember to contact each group or organization sponsoring an event directly for any last minute changes we may not be aware of. Just as a reminder, if you have an event you would like added to the calendar, please contact Trish Kane at: bobtrish68@frontiernet.net.

Covered Bridge Postcard Show - We have been asked if we would be willing to organize a Covered Bridge Postcard Show. We immediately said, "Sure", but in order to do this, we need to know if there is any interest in such an event from other members of the Covered Bridge community.

Economically, it seems sensible to host a postcard show in conjunction with another covered bridge event. Wayne Seifiert, organizer of the Bucks County Covered Bridge Festival has extended a warm invitation to be part of their festival in June 2008. They have even offered to furnish us with tables. If you have duplicate covered bridge postcards you would like to offer to other covered bridge collectors, (who are no doubt tired of paying the exorbitant prices on eBay) please do let us know. Please note, however, that this show would be dedicated solely to covered bridge postcards.

In order to keep the space Wayne has temporarily reserved for us, we would need to hear from you by September 1st, 2007. At this time, we only need to know if you are interested in participating in this event either as a seller or a spectator. If we receive enough positive responses to continue organizing this event, more details will be forthcoming. Please email us, or drop us a note if you are interested. Thanks.and happy collecting.

News Clippings.

Bucks County, PA - On May 23, 2007 at around 3 am, yet another attempt was made to burn the Knecht's Covered Bridge (PA-09-02) and thankfully, they were unsuccessful in their efforts. This is the second attempt in less than three years to burn the 134 year old bridge. The first attempt was in 2004. Fortunately a passer-by saw the flames and used his lunchbox to scoop up creek water and douse the fire.

Public Works Director, Joe Bush, said vandals placed two bales of hay on the bridge deck, poured gasoline from the bales to the end of the bridge and lit the gas. Fortunately, the hay was wet and didn't catch, and the fire burned itself out. Damage to the bridge was relatively minor, but sufficient enough that the Bucks County bridge maintenance crew closed the bridge until the necessary repairs are completed. Hopefully, by the time of this writing, the bridge will be open to traffic again.

Lancaster County, PA - This information will be of particular interest to those of you who may be traveling in Lancaster County, PA. The Weaver's Mill/Isaac Shearer's Mill Bridge (PA-36-02) was severely damaged by an oversized cab of a tractor trailer rig sometime during the weekend of May 11-13. The cab tore out many of the knee braces and some stringers supporting the roof structure. The roof is still in place, but the damage was sufficient to force the closing of the bridge. Let's hope the repairs can be finished soon and the bridge back in service quickly.

Indiana County, PA - To ensure Indiana County's Covered Bridges remain intact for future generations, the county commissioners have voted to establish an Indiana County Covered Bridge Committee to act as stewards and promoters of these historic structures. Serving on the committee will be representatives from the county office of planning and development, the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, the Welcome to Indiana Committee and Washington and Rayne townships. Indiana County is home to four Covered Bridges: This committee will act as a steward for these bridges: Trusal/Dice Bridge (PA-32-03) which is the oldest in the county; Kintersburg Bridge (PA-32-05); Thomas Bridge (PA-32-06 #2); and the Harmon Bridge (PA-32-04). The Thomas Covered Bridge is the only one still in use. All of these bridges are in need of some repair. Four other people who live near the historic bridges have asked to be involved with the committee as well. Anyone wishing to join them should contact the county parks office at: 724-463-8636.

It is so encouraging to see more and more counties across the country take a pro-active role in preserving their covered bridges. Kudos to these folks for working with covered bridge enthusiasts, societies and preservation groups to make this happen.

Canada, Quebec - The Milby Covered Bridge (61-67-03) is slated for major restoration work. Within the limits of the Town of Waterville, this bridge will soon be receiving an overhaul worth $100,000. The town has received grants of $60,000 and $50,000 from the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Transport receptively, and the contract has already been awarded to a Rimouski-based firm. Built in 1873, this bridge is one of the oldest surviving covered bridges in Quebec. Special thanks to Gerald Arbour for sharing this news with us.

Mystery Bridge - Some time ago, our friend Richard Donovan asked if we knew the location of this Covered Bridge. Unfortunately, we did not and we have been on a quest to locate it ever since. We called the magazine, which put us in touch with the photographer, but he did not recall the location. We were wondering if any of you might recognize it. The only clue we have as to its location is the brief description that indicates this bridge is located in Connecticut's Berkshire Mountains. Wonderful, but where? It looks like it might be an entrance to a housing development or perhaps a community park. If you have any information on this bridge, please do let us know.

New Books - Some wonderful new covered bridge books have recently been published and they are absolutely fabulous! No doubt, you will certainly enjoy having them as part of your Covered Bridge Library so feel free to contact the authors in regards to how to order your copies. Kentucky Covered Bridges by Robert W. M Laughlin and Melissa C. Jurgensen. Published by Arcadia Publishing. Covered Bridges - Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia by Miriam F. Wood and David A. Simmons. Published by The Wooster Book Company. Pennsylvania Historic Bridges by Fred J. Moll. Published by Arcadia Press.

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