Connecticut
Comstock Covered Bridge - CT 07-04-01 The Comstock Covered Bridge, one of only three historic covered bridges in the state, needs a complete overhaul and will be closed for a time while the state Department of Transportation completes the work. They have been working on the bridge since March 2005 and original plans were simply to restore the wooden bridge but tests completed by McFarland-Johnson, Inc., a New Hampshire engineering firm, showed that it could not support pedestrian traffic and the bridge was closed. During the summer, steel support beams were added and the bridge was temporarily reopened in August. According to Kevin Nursick, DOT spokesman, it appears it will have to be a full disassembly and full assembly. It is now closed while the state completes work on this historic covered bridge.

Indiana
Bell's Ford Covered Bridge - IN 14-36-03 Sad news. The western end of the remaining span of the Bell's Ford Covered Bridge in Jackson County, Indiana collapsed into the East Fork of the White River on January 2, 2006. It appears that the pier holding the eastern portion of the bridge deteriorated. The western portion of the bridge collapsed during a winter storm in February 1999. This bridge was the only surviving Post Truss covered bridge in the world and was recently named to the National Register of Historic Sites and Structures. Efforts to restore the remaining section have been underway since the loss of the western portion of the bridge.
Medora Covered Bridge - IN 14-36-04 Jackson County Commissioners are taking steps to save one of their, now two, remaining covered bridges. At 434 feet, the bridge is one of the longest covered bridges in the country. Much work will be necessary on the west and center spans of the bridge and a new roof is needed. The eastern span is in the worst shape and needs immediate work to keep it from collapsing. Plans are in place to stabilize that span for additional rehabilitation in the future. Let's hope these plans all materialize before we lose another one of our bridges.
Bridgeton Covered Bridge - IN 14-61-04 The ground breaking ceremony for Rebuilding the Bridgeton Covered Bridge was held on Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 4:00 pm. The Bridgeton Covered Bridge Association has set up a fund to rebuild the bridge. The final cost has not been exactly pinpointed but the ballpark estimate is between $800,000 - $1,200,000. People all over the country have rallied together to make cash and material donations.
      In an effort to help raise money for the bridge fund, Robin Tremble, author, songwriter and photographer has sponsored and set up (in cooperation with the Bridge Association) an online store with T-Shirts, clocks, teddy bears, commemorative plaques and Christmas decorations and much more, honoring the memory and encouraging the rebuilding effort of this magnificent historical monument. Other items include a beautiful 2006 Covered Bridge Calendar with photography donated by some of the foremost covered bridge photographers and historians in the country. A ‘Bridge Security Shirt’ and a screensaver with over 1,000 covered bridge images submitted by hundreds of people all over the country is also available.
      All proceeds from this store are being sent directly to the bridge fund for the rebuilding of the bridge. There are limited supplies so be sure to order your items soon. The Bridgeton Covered Bridge Association encourages everyone to visit the store and support the rebuilding effort by making a purchase. Own a piece of history and know that you helped rebuild the Bridgeton Covered Bridge. You can visit the store and subscribe to the newsletter at: www.cafepress.com/Bridgeton. You can also email the store at: Bridgeton@jarotek.com.

Kentucky
Good news from Kentucky! The Cabin Creek Covered Bridge - KY 17-68-03 in Lewis County, and the Johnson Creek Covered Bridge - KY 17-101-01 in Robertson County will soon be rehabilitated. These two structures are currently closed to traffic and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has no plans to allow normal vehicular traffic to resume once the rehabilitation is complete. The restorations will comply with the accepted standards of historic preservation and preserve the original aesthetics and traditional engineering of the bridges. The design capacity of these two structures will allow for a minimum of a 50 person pedestrian load and a 5 ton vehicular load (antique cars, etc.). They hope to begin the rehabilitation in March 2006.

North Carolina
North Carolina may get a new covered bridge in Trading Ford. How exciting! Ann Brownlee, President of the Trading Ford Historic District Preservation Association and David Fischetti, a Cary Engineer, would like to reconstruct the original, all-wood 1818 Beard Bridge across the Yadkin River -- the first bridge at Trading Ford and the first covered bridge in North Carolina. If built, the new bridge would be 660 feet long and could possibly be the longest covered bridge in the United States. The new bridge would be a double barreled with a divider in the middle to separate northbound and southbound traffic. The bridge would be made of Southern pine and white oak. The cost, which may reach $6 million, could be an issue, however. The project would be eligible for 80 percent enhancement grants from the US Department of Transportation. Preservationists might have to raise the rest. The Trading Ford Association is waiting for a decision on the eligibility of the area for protection by the National Register of Historic Places.

Oregon
Wimer - OR 37-15-05 Efforts to rebuild the Wimer Covered Bridge in Jackson County continues and area residents are working very hard to raise the necessary funds to rebuild this bridge. They have many exciting fund-raising projects under way and, as always, could use the support of other covered bridge organizations. To learn about their latest fund-raising efforts, and how you can help, be sure to visit their website at: http://www.wimercoveredbridge.org. We encourage everyone to visit the site and support the rebuilding effort in any way you can.



Larwood - OR 37-22-06 We have all heard about interesting and strange things happening at covered bridges, but I believe this is the first. Bill Cockrell, President of the Oregon Covered Bridge Society, reports that a young woman was murdered at the Larwood Covered Bridge in Linn County. The bridge was temporarily closed while officials searched the area for evidence. A few days later, an arrest was made. Yet later, a second arrest was reported. To date, no motive has been released to the public. It is sad to have one of our covered bridges connected with something so heinous. Our condolences go out to the family of this victim.
Lowell - OR 37-20-18 Work to rehabilitate the Lowell Covered Bridge began last fall when the siding and roof were removed. New decking, siding, rafters and nailers along with new cedar shingles soon followed. Small, external structures about the size of a doghouse were added to the end of each lower chord. These little 'doghouse' additions were constructed to hide the post-tension cables and to protect the ends of the lower chords from weather. The Lowell Bridge will be a centerpiece of an interpretative site to aid tourists to learn about the nearby dam, reservoir, forests, streams, history and folklore of the area, Native Americans and the covered bridges. To protect the bridge and to keep vandalism in check, workers installed roll-up doors at each end of the bridge. Purists may question this addition, but we all wish to protect the display panels and other memorabilia inside the bridge. One of these items will be the scale model bridge, built by John McWade, who made the model shortly prior to his death. Work will continue throughout the spring to complete this magnificent project. Congratulations Oregon on this wonderful endeavor!

Pennsylvania
Gudgeonville - PA 38-25-03 Sadly, this bridge is probably best known for its graffiti and vandalism. Town supervisors are considering various options as to just what to do with this covered bridge, including building a new bridge alongside it, or bypassing it with another bridge at a different location. There is also the option of moving the covered bridge to a park. A public meeting was held in January to gather input from the public. As bridge preservationists, we all know what happens when a bridge is bypassed. Given the past history of vandalism with this bridge it would be helpful if covered bridge enthusiasts expressed their concerns by emailing the Town of Girard Supervisors at: lbgrdtwp@adelphia.net. Please encourage them to preserve the Gudgeonville Covered Bridge and leave it in its present environment.

Vermont
Hammond - VT 45-11-05 This bridge is failing and is in danger of falling into Otter Creek, but it has been stabilized enough to carry pedestrians and cyclists. During the 1927 flood, the Hammond Bridge was carried downstream but was in good enough condition to be brought back upstream and put back on its crossing. But that incident left its mark. Repairs after the flood failed to replace or reinforce all the planks missing from the Town lattice truss. During the 1950's, timbers were added meant to improve the floor's weight distribution. However, the wood was green and soon shrank leaving the load distribution as bad as it had been before. Visitors to the bridge will now find metal cross bracing both inside the structure and its underpinnings. Pittsford is one of the state’s leading covered bridge towns with four covered bridges. In addition to the Hammond, there are the Cooley and Gorham bridges on the Pittsford-Proctor town lines and the Depot Bridge which has been stabilized and had its roof repaired this year following major damage from a dump truck that tried to go through the bridge without its box being completely down.

Virginia
Thanks to Leola and Steve Pierce for forwarding the following information on upcoming Covered Bridge Festivals and events happening in Virginia. Saturday, June 17, 2006 - 10:00-5:00 at the Jack's Creek and Bob White Covered Bridges in Woolwine, Virginia. For vendor information, contact Jeannie Frisco at: jfrisco@co.patrick.va.us. The Best Western in Martinsville, VA is offering discounted rates but you must mention you are with a covered bridge society. Their number is 276-632-5611. June 19, 21, 23, 2006 - 11:00-2:00 at the Humpback Covered Bridge in Covington, Virginia. Contact Janet Nelson for more information at: Jldelozier@aol.com. Saturday, September 16, 2006 at the Sinking Creek Covered Bridge in Newport, Virginia. This festival was held for years, but last year it was canceled because of flooding. It is going to be held again this year on Rt. 601. Please contact Robin Hypes for further information at: rhypes@pemtel.net

Other News:
If you happen to be a postcard collector (as many of us are), and would like to obtain postcards of the new Erwin Park Covered Bridge in Boonville, NY that were offered the day of the dedication, it's not too late! Contact Lori O'Connor at O'Connor Printing, 9472 Smith Road, Boonville, NY 13309. There are three beautiful views of this bridge available. You can also contact Lori by email at: oconnorprinting@citlink.net.

March, 2006 - Since our last update, the most significant enhancement to the Covered Spans of Yesteryear website (www.lostbridges.org) was the addition of Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario data and pictures. Over 350 covered bridges from New Brunswick are now documented. Gérald Arbour has reviewed the Quebec data, provided additions and corrections, and sent copies of over 400 pictures from his collection to be added to the website. Those pictures may be available by the time you read this.
      We are very fortunate to have people sharing their original research with us. Howard Rogers of South Carolina sent a well-documented notebook full of his North and South Carolina research. Thomas Kipphorn and Bill Cockrell regularly provide updates of their continuing research in Pennsylvania and Oregon. Their efforts are greatly appreciated. To hear about updates as they become available visit the website and sign up for our mailing list. In addition to exploring the website, reports from the states and provinces that we have researched to date are available at the Covered Bridge Museum in Bennington Vermont.
      Much of our information is extracted from published sources. The various covered bridge journals and newsletters that have been published over the years are a valuable resource to us. We are building a collection of newsletters and journals from the various covered bridge societies to be used as reference material for this project. To date, the Oregon Covered Bridge Society, The National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, the Indiana Covered Bridge Society, the Covered Bridge Society of Virginia, the Vermont Covered Bridge Society, and the Ohio Historic Bridge Association have each generously donated copies of their newsletters to assist us in this important endeavor and we are extremely grateful. Thanks to each of you.
      Some of these publications are nearly complete, while others are missing many issues. If you have any duplicate copies you would be willing to donate, we would certainly appreciate it. We are currently searching for copies of certain issues of the Kentucky Covered Bridge Association – Timbered Tunnel Talk. If you can assist us in this area, please contact Trish Kane at: bobtrish68@frontiernet.net. She will send you a list of the issues we are missing. (Note: The Spring 1986 issue of Timbered Tunnel Talk mentioned that the location of 276 former covered bridges in that state had been documented. Does anyone have a list of these structures?)
      If you are interested in offering pictures of the lost bridges in your area and have the ability to scan them, please contact me. There is still a vast amount of territory to cover and any help will be greatly appreciated. Email is usually the most effective way to contact me - bill@lostbridges.org.

File Cleaning

The News Tribune, WA, December 2,2005, Bridge Honors "A Top-Notch Guy." A group of friends and family helped Bruce Johnson's dream and goal of building his own covered bridge come true. He designed and started construction on the bridge before he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease.

The Republic, IN, January 3, 2006, Remains of Jackson County Covered Bridge Collapse. The Bell's Ford Bridge had been closed to traffic since 1970 and part of it had fallen into the White River during a 1999 winter storm. Now the surviving section of this 1869 covered bridge collapsed into the river.

The Tribune, IN, February 4, 2006, Commissioners Consider Fate of Bridges. The future of both the Bell Ford Bridge and the Medora Covered Bridge are in limbo. The Jackson County commissioners met with members of the county's park and recreation board to brainstorm ideas for funds to save these bridges.

The Union Leader, NH, February 14,2006, Tech Innovators Honored in White House Ceremony. Roger Easton was presented the National Medal of Technology, the nation's highest award for technology achievements, by President Bush in a ceremony at the White House.

Marietta Times, January 20, 2006, Cost to Rebuild Bridge Under $lM Estimate. The cost of restoring the Rinard Covered Bridge will be less expensive than county officials anticipated. The historic bridge, one of only 9 covered bridges in Washington County, had been closed to vehicle traffic since 1991.The remnants of Hurricane Ivan helped to wash the bridge off its piers and into the river. The contractor has until the end of October to complete the job.

Parke County Sentinel, IN, January 18, 2006, Ceremony Marks Beginning 'of Bridge Reconstruction. . The official kick-off of the reconstruction effort for the Bridgeton Covered Bridge was attended by donors and supporters of the project.

The Winterset Madison ian, lA, November 9,2005, ISU Experts Finish High-Tech Security for Cedar Bridge. A network offiber.;.optic cable, infrared'cameras and flame detection devices have been installed at the replica of the Cedar Covered Bridge near Cedar Lake as part of a U.S. Forest Service grant.

Statesman Journal, OR, February 22, 2006, Community Faces $334K Bill to Replace Bridge. The 100 foot Wimer Bridge fell into Evans Creek in 2003. Replacing the covered bridge is estimated to cost $887K. Federal funds will cover $407K, Jackson County will contribute $146K and the community will have to raise the remaining $334K.

CONTRIBUTORS: Bill Cockrell, Sandy Adrion, Brian McKee, Dick Roy, Roger Grover, Andy Howard.

Lawrence Apley Obituary: Lawrence passed away on May 25, 2005. He and his wife Margaret have been members since 1956 and have gone on many safaris. Margaret has written articles for Topics in the 1960's. Lawrence had received many medals from his service in the Battle of the Bulge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Margaret, his wife of 58 years.

Note from Dick Roy: Richard S. Allen. Does that name ring a bell? June and I started bridging about 42 years ago and very shortly the name Rick Allen came out of the blue. Rick is known as the foremost authority in covered bridge land. Rick is in a nursing home in Idaho. I volunteer in a nursing home in my area and when someone gets a letter or a card, their eyes light up. Can we give back to Rick what he has given us for the last 40 to 50 years. A note or card will suffice. He may not be able to answer all of the cards but at least let's tell him that we remember. Send a card or note to: Richard S. Allen, Life Care Center of Lewiston, 325 Warner Drive. Lewiston Idaho, 83501. Rick just passed his 89th birthday this past January.

Letter to the editor:

Dear SirlMadam:
Greetings fellow covered bridge enthusiast. Did you know that covered bridges have never been featured on U.S. Postal stamps and are currently under consideration for future stamp issuance?

Enclosed is a copy of a letter I sent to the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee encouraging them to make a prompt and favorable decision to feature covered bridges on stamps.

Please get the word out to your members and let's inundate the United States Postal Service with letters requesting that covered bridges be featured on U.S. Postal stamps.

Letters should be addressed to:

USPS Stamp Development
ATTN: Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
1735 North LynllStreet, Suite 5013
Arlington, VA 22209-6432

Sincerely, Randy Dietz

Dear SirlMadam:

I believe the subject of covered bridges would meet every criterion to become what I'm hoping to be not just one stamp but a series of stamps. The 880 covered bridges spanning 30 states should be more than enough to pique a broad national interest. As for standing the test of time, the oldest standing covered bridge was built sometime in the very early 1800's. But covered bridges are not just a thing of the past. The newest covered bridge was built in 1989. The numerous societies, associations, clubs, granges, and committees dedicated to the preservation of covered bridges is a good indication of them being consistent with public opinion. Playing an essential part to the antebellum economic growth of this country and the burning of the longest one in history in order to halt the easterly advance of Confederate forces are just two examples of the historical perspective of covered bridges.

Also known as kissing bridges, because that's what couples did when crossing them, covered bridges have been the milieu for numerous weddings. While 99% of all covered bridges have gabled ends, there is at least one covered bridge in Pennsylvania that has what's been known as a storefront façade. Of the 18 distinct truss configurations and multiple variations thereof, the five most popular designs are the Burr arch, Howe truss, town lattice, kingpost, and queenpost. The earliest covered bridges were built by farmers who would make the size of the opening based on the height and width of a load of hay. Again with 99% of all covered bridges, only this time pertaining to them being single-wide, there is at least one double-wide covered bridge in Vermont. The typical speed limit for crossing covered bridges was and still is no faster than a walk. According to some towns' local ordinances, some covered bridges were provided with walkways enhancing their usefulness and aesthetics.

With that said, I'm hoping it ~on't be long before covered bridges are featured on U.S. Postal stamps.

Sincerely, Randy Dietz

Note from Dick Roy regarding covered bridges on U.S. Postal Stamps:

I must offer some information at this time. In 1952, Scott No.1 0 12, was a stamp commemorating the Centennial of Engineers depicting, I believe the Brookline bridge in the lower left hand corner.

In 1982 a sketch of another covered bridge, Scott No. 2029,was depicted in a Christmas issue.

These are the only two U.S. stamps that I can think of with a covered bridge. There is also a proposed "Wonders of America" stamp to be issued this year depicting the Cornish Windsor bridge as the longest in the nation.

For a white Polo Shirt with a blue NSPCB logo, send $15.00 plus $3.95 for shipping and handling to June Roy, 73 Ash Street, Manchester NH 03104-4906. Specify, Medium or Extra Large. This is a fund raiser for the preservation fund. Buy several as gifts for your family and friends. Shirts are 100% pre-shrunk cotton.