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I am saddened to report that Hurricane Irene has damaged several of our historic bridges. Two are being reported as swept away and several are damaged. We are receiving lots of concern from covered bridge enthusiasts from all over the nation. Many of you have sent in reports and pictures that will be seen over the next weeks and months.

Thanks to Trish Kane for collecting and posting video, photographs and reports for all to see. Her report which is constantly being updated is contained in this issue.

Joe Nelson tells me that he has had several interviews from press on our damages. It is heart warming to see the interest on our bridges on the national news media and on the internet.

Fall is an excellent time for bridge watch activities, as the foliage is waning and our covered bridges become more visible.

Also, some construction projects to watch: Gifford CB in Randolph will finish rehabilitation this fall and Middlebury-Weybridge Pulp Mill CB construction will get under way by late October.

VCBS elections are coming up this winter. Please consider running for a VCBS office and/or appointment as a committee chair/member. To date, no new candidates for office have declared themselves. Let me know of your interest and your name will be put on the ballot or appointed to whatever committee work you desire.

I Hope to see you all at the VCBS meeting in October, in Windsor.

Yours in bridging, John Weaver, President

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• 9:00 AM: Doors open - setup, fellowship, refreshments, sale of tickets for drawing.
• 10:00 AM:
  • Welcome
  • Business Meeting
  • Reading of minutes of last meeting (Assembly to vote to hear)
  • Committee reports
  • Old Business
  • New Business:
    Attendees are asked to bring their photos of hurricane damaged covered bridges.
• 11:15 AM:
  • Presentation:
    Robert Haight; Architect and architectural historian, will explain the features of the toll house.
• 12:15 PM:
  • Drawing
  • break for lunch.
    Tables will be reserved for us at the Windsor Diner.
• 1:15-3:00 PM:
  • Tour Windsor Bridge and Area Covered Bridges

(Note: The Toll House property abuts the Cornish/Windsor Bridge offering exceptional views of the bridge and environs.)

Parking on premises or on Bridge Street. Parking is also available at the school on Bridge Street near the Railroad Bridge.

Accommodations - Juniper Hill Inn (802) 457-1366

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The Toll House, affiliated with the Windsor Bridge, which was built circa 1790 on Bridge Street in Windsor Vermont, has received permission from the State of Vermont to work on architectural features of the building which needs some structural work. Along with this, the Toll House has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Toll House at Cornish Bridge Windsor, VT

The Toll House was responsible for the collection of tolls from those persons or animals who crossed over the ferry or bridge into Vermont as acclaimed in a notice on the New Hampshire side.

The Toll House exhibits architectural changes in keeping with the different time periods as well. This creates an interesting "history lesson" for visitors.

An architect and architectural historian, with whom I have been working, is creating the necessary features required for wheel-chair accessibility and other "improvements". Robert Haight will explain the architectural features that exist and that will exist throughout the building.

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Paul Petraska of Bartonsville, VT has been cutting brush around the Bartonsville Covered bridge footings and along the tracks for over 35 years. He started doing this around 1976, year of the Bicentennial.

Paul needs to get permission from both the railroad and the Town of Rockingham. He coordinates with train dispatcher due to the proximity to the tracks. He avoids working on brushing when trains are scheduled.

Strangely enough, both the current bridge abutments are on railroad's right of way. The flash flood of 1869 followed the railroad tracks as it created a new channel. The old railroad tracks were in the middle of where the current bridge is. The original bridge had been further up the road than its present location. Paul indicated that the original river channel and evidence of the bridge and other buildings can still be seen by the existing pond a block or so from the current river. The current bridge was completed in 1870 by Sanford Granger.

Bartonsville Bridge Abutments August 30, 2011 Photo by Ray Hitchcock

Steamtown, out of Bellows Falls, ran a tourist railroad excursion with the Bartonsville Covered Bridge as a main attraction. They often complained about a warning sign between the bridge and train tracks as it blocked picture taking. A large sign still located there. Yearly, Paul cut back the brush from the bridge for picture taking and rail safety.

When the 1983 restoration of bridge was completed town folks held pot luck on the bridge. Paul reports that it was quite an event with tables set up in the bridge, the restoration crew in attendance, and a ribbon cutting event. The restoration crew noted that it was undoubtedly the most photographed bridge in the area. As they were working the tourist trains would go by with numerous photo flash bulbs going off.

Paul learned from a local farmer to cut brush in dry/droughty years late in July or August as roots dry out and the plant would then die. Paul says that his newest challenge is the Japanese bamboo which must he must hack a path through to get to brush near the footings. Paul has encouraged the town to do something with this invasive species for when it dries in the fall it is a significant fire hazard to the bridge.

Paul notes that the recent structural damage has been reduced by the town changing the height restrictions down from 10' 6" to 9' 6". The town wrote to box truck carriers informing them of new posted legal heights.

Paul felt that it was a big change when the new railroad signal lights were installed in the late 70's or early 80's. As the railroad is only feet from the bridge entrance it was critical that drivers needed to carefully look both ways when exiting. Accidents have been reported from people driving too fast at the curved entry to the north portal and hitting the side of the bridge. Runners don't help as they are not over the full decking.

We thank Paul for his dedication to this historic structure.

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Theodore Burr protrayed by Bill Brower

On July 2, the Oxford Memorial Library held a Grand Opening of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Resource Center as well as the bicentennial of the library's building. There were displays by covered bridge societies, including the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, who were exhibiting their wares that day in Fort Hill Park. There was music by the Community Band, dignitaries, speeches, a dedication ceremony, tours, refreshments, presentations, a barbecue, balloons, and even a special guest (amazingly at the ripe old age of 240), Theodore Burr himself!

The celebrity that is Oxford's very own Theodore Burr (1771 - 1822), the "Father of American bridge building", originally came to Oxford in 1792. Burr, known for his "extended travels" defied his own mortality and came back to Oxford for this celebration. The story of his life, accomplishments and even a hypothetical question and answer period was performed with charm and elegance by Burr impersonator, Bill Brower. (There is no known likeness of the famed bridge designer so Bill has given a physical image to the verbal Burr portrait.) In full costume, Brower amused and enlightened a full audience in the Library's new Community Room.

In brief this special guest "Burr" explained that he designed and built the Federal style mansion - which now houses Oxford's public library - in 1811, two-hundred years ago. It is in fact, the only structure that he built which remains in existence today, making it very special indeed. It has been a library since 1901, and Theodore was proud to add, that it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

Burr also talked about his timber bridge designs that were even able to span over 200' due to the invention of his patented and very strong truss/arch combination. He designed many impressive bridges, and although none of his stand today, there are still over two-hundred Burr truss style bridges in the U.S. Trish Kane, who along with her husband Bob provided much of the material for the Resource Center, was on hand to add a few details that the "absent minded Burr" forgot. At his age, however, he was certainly forgiven.

Nancy Wilcox, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Matt Voce

Another (much younger) special guest was Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch, Assembly District 107. He presented the Oxford Memorial Library with a framed Legislative Resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Burr house.

The Oxford Memorial Library now bears a beautiful new sign hand painted by Kim Begeal, with the name of the library's new room, the "Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Resource Center". The TBCB Resource Center had its Grand Opening and dedication, and tours were provided during this celebration. The room was dedicated to Charlotte F. Stafford, former Town and Village of Oxford Historian, and Richard T. Donovan, Mr. Covered Bridge Extraordinaire.

It has two lovely oak desks, many shelves displaying covered bridge models and truss examples, as well as a library full of books, magazines and newsletters (from all the known covered bridge societies) about covered bridges. The inviting room was kept period appropriate for the Federal-style house but has several modern amenities including a computer and scanner. A filing cabinet is full of various historical newspaper clippings in regards to bridges all over the country.

Panoramic view of the center Photo by Vicky House

A great deal of work went into establishing this center, and the Library's Board of Directors thanked a long list of contributors from all over the U.S. and Canada. The educational impact of this center may not seem obvious at first, but the Resource Center will be to research students, covered bridge societies, and fans of covered bridges what Cooperstown is to baseball. There is no other covered bridge center like it anywhere. The new research facility will attract serious scholars to Oxford who are looking for covered bridge images through photographs, books, post cards, and slides, researching bridge history and details, and other documentation. For covered bridge fans, just being able to sit in the house that Burr built, will be inspirational.

Theodore Burr (Bill Brower), Trish & Bob Kane, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch

For visitors to this special celebration, there was a complimentary "I Love Covered Bridges" tote bag filled with covered bridge and informational brochures and discount coupons provided by local businesses. Also included was information on the newly published NY State Covered Bridge Driving Tour published byBob and Trish Kane which was offered for the very first time at the celebration. The Driving Tour is a spiral bound full color tour which includes turn by turn directions and color photographs of each of New York's authentic and historic covered bridges. Also included are the statistics on each bridge and an interesting history of the bridge and the surrounding town. Old postcards of how the bridges looked during an earlier time have also been included. Anyone wishing to purchasea copy of the tour should contact Bob and Trish at: 167 Williams Rd., Sherburne, NY 13460 or call: 607-674-9656.You can also reach them by email: bobtrish68@frontiernet.net. It is an excellent book and you won't be disappointed.

Representatives from five covered bridge societies were on hand to join in the festivities and offer their congratulations.

Donna Freeland (NY), Michael Chorazy (PA), Janis Ford (OH), Theodore Burr (Bill Brower), Colleen & John Murray (IN) Bill Caswell (NH)

The day was a huge success and those in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the festivities and seeing the center first hand. Visitors are always welcome to the center whenever the Library is open.

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As many covered bridge enthusiasts are aware, much of the future of our covered bridges lies in the hands of our youth and young adults. The long time question has always been how do you get our youth interested in our covered bridges so they will want to help preserve them?

One way is to develop a program that can be taken to the schools to help educated them about their significance and their importance. Another way is to develop a curriculum about our covered bridges that can actually be taught in our schools.

Part of the mission of the newly established Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Resource Center is to invite school age children to the Center to learn more about our bridges. In conjunction with the visit, we would first like to join forces with various schools and teachers to design a course about our covered bridges that can be taught to our youth. In particular, we are looking at 5th through 9th grades.

If you are interested in serving on a committee to help design this curriculum please contact us at bobtrish68@frontiernet.net. Or, feel free to give us a call at 607-674-9656. We won't guarantee this will be an easy task, but it will be an exciting and rewarding one.

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August 5, 2011, Subject: 45-10-02 - Joe, I received a question on the Irasburg or Orne or Black River or Coventry or Lower Cover Bridge (which ever name you want to call it). They said it now has the name Roy W. Ingalls over the portal. Do you know anything about this? Is this another new name?
Thanks, Dan Brock

Dan, with a lot of help from the membership, I became acquainted with a news article from the Orleans County Record. In my neighborhood, the only papers I see are the Burlington Free Press and the Mountain Journal, so I ask the membership: "If a covered bridge article appears in your local paper please do send me a clipping or a web address. It will be most appreciated."

According to the article, Irasburg Board of selectmen Chair Randy Wells announced that the bridge has been renamed to honor former Selectman Roy W. Ingalls, 95, for his years of service.

Ingalls, over the years, has served in every town position except town clerk. He was the first to drive across the bridge in 1999 with then Gov. Howard Dean after it had been rebuilt after it was burned by vandals.

The town had to do a little reconstruction last fall, when an operator of oversize farm equipment drove through and damaged the arch over each entrance. It was then that the new name sign was put up.

September 2, 2011 - Joe, we just wanted you to know that we are thinking and praying for all the Vermonters during this horrible tragedy. Watching the videos and seeing pictures posted in your local papers is so absolutely devastating.

We watched the collapse (video) of the Bartonsville Covered Bridge and felt as if we had lost a friend. We are hoping it will rebuilding and will be watching V.C.B.S website for future updates.

We most assuredly would like to donate for the repair of damaged Covered Bridges. We know the Federal Government will aid some of the Covered Bridges but are we interested in helping where no Federal aid is provided.

I have found several websites that are taking donations for helping small business/farms and family's. We were hoping you could direct us to the sites that would help most efficiently.

Kathy & Bruce Wagner

Dear Kathy and Bruce - I share your feelings. For donations I can offer the Preservation Trust of Vermont. 100% of the money will be used for engineering and architectural rehabilitation work. Donors may designate their donation specifically for bridges or buildings. Eric Gilbertson of the PTV is coordinating the Trust's covered bridge efforts. His number is 802-272-8543.

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The Vermont Covered Bridge Society has set up a lending library available to all Society members-in-good standing through media mail.

Librarian Warren Tripp has created a detailed book list complete with a description and critique of each book. Copies of the index are available by mail, or you may contact Warren Tripp or Joe Nelson for a PDF copy.

To borrow a book contact Warren Tripp who will send the book by Postal Service Media Mail. Books are returned the same way. Send Warren the complete title of the book(s) you wish to borrow. He will respond with the mailing cost and mail the order when the fee is received. The borrower is then responsible to return the item(s) in a reasonable time, preferably not more than two months.

Contact: Warren Tripp, P. O. Box 236, Groton, VT 05046, Phone (802) 584-3545

The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing's popular Images of America and Postcards of America series is Connecticut and Rhode Island Covered Bridges from local author William S. Caswell Jr.

The book boasts more than 200 vintage images and 15 postcard memories of days gone by.

During their heyday in the mid to late 1800s, more than 150 covered bridges dotted the landscape of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Since that time, floods, fires, and progress have claimed all but three of the historic structures.

Covered bridges were heavily concentrated in the hills of northwestern Connecticut, spanning the Farmington, Housatonic, and Naugatuck Rivers. In Rhode Island, most were built by the railroads in Woonsocket, Providence, and other communities in the northern part of the state, though few pictures are known to exist.

Connecticut was the birthplace of two of the nation's best known covered bridge designers: Ithiel Town and Theodore Burr. Half of the covered bridges currently standing in the United States are supported by trusses patented by Town or Burr.

The author, a native of Narragansett, RI, developed an interest in covered bridges after moving to New Hampshire in 1984. He is vice president and historian for the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges and a life member of numerous other covered bridge societies. He also maintains a website dedicated to gathering and sharing covered bridge information and pictures.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and on-line retailers, or through the Arcadia Publishing Website or phone at (888) 313-2665.

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Spanning Time: Vermont's Covered Bridges by Joseph C. Nelson

Spanning Time: Vermont's Covered Bridges features 102 color photographs of Vermont's covered bridges in fifteen chapters, each a guided tour. The tours are complete with maps, commentary on the uniqueness of each bridge, and historic highlights about the towns and villages in which the bridges stand.

An appendix provides: A Summary of Vermont's Covered Bridges, listing information on each; A Covered Bridge Glossary, describing the details of a covered bridge; A Bridge Truss section, explaining how trusses work with drawings of the trusses used in Vermont; The Bridge Builders, providing thumbnail biographies of people who designed and built the bridges; A Covered Bridge Reading List, for bridge and history buffs; A detailed Index. Spanning Time: Vermont's Covered Bridges: 7" x 10", 288 pages. Published by New England Press at P.O. Box 575, Shelburne, VT 05482. Spanning Time is available directly from the author for $39.00, free shipping.(Vermont residents add 6% sales tax)

Go to Spanning Time: Vermont's Covered Bridges Special Book Offer
Also see: www.vermontbridges.com/bookreviews.htm.

World Guide to Covered Bridges - 2009 Edition
Published by the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges.

On Sale: $15.00. Profits will go to the Vermont Covered Bridge Society's Save-A-Bridge Program. For your copy send $15.00 plus $4.95 shipping to Joe Nelson, P.O. Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465-0267. (Vermont residents add 6% sales tax)

Covered Bridges of New England - DVD
Produced by Ocean State Video of Rhode Island for Public Television.

On Sale: $20.00. Profits will go to the Vermont covered Bridge Society's Save-A-Bridge Program. For your copy send $20.00 plus $1.88 shipping to Joe Nelson, P.O. Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465-0267. (Vermont residents add 6% sales tax).

To place your ad in the Bridger, contact Joe Nelson, jcnelson@together.net. The ad must be about covered bridges and you must be a member of a covered bridge society.

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Wanted: a newsletter editor trainee to ultimately take over the editorship of The Bridger, a key position in the Vermont Covered Bridge Society's outreach.

Wanted: reporter/correspondents to bring local covered bridge news to The Bridger. For more information or to sign up, please contact Joe Nelson, Communication Committee Chair, jcnelson@together,net

Volunteer worker-bees are needed by the Events Committee to help set up meetings and assist in hosting them. For details contact Suzanne Daniels, Events Committee Chair: 802.885.5517 or neil-daniels2003@yahoo.com

Needed: Volunteer to serve as membership coordinator assisting Membership Committee Chair, Suzanne Daniels. Contact Suzanne at: 802.885.5517

The Election of Officers - It's That Time of Year Again

With the last newsletter issue, we began the process of electing Society officers for two-year terms to begin January 1, 2012 by asking the membership to step forward and run for office.

As of this date no one has applied, but it is not too late. We are still asking for candidates to run for the offices of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

This is an open organization and all members are encouraged to participate, giving of their time and talent. If you don't want to run for one of the four offices, volunteer to join the board of directors by chairing a standing committee or a Bridge-watch area.

Candidates or volunteers will please contact Joe Nelson, Chairman of the VCBS Board of Directors; jcnelson@together.net or PO Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465.

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1. Bridge components are free of accumulated dirt and debris - Yes
   
   

   Bartonsville window sill repairs

2. Drainage areas are free of debris. Run-off from deck drains and approaches is kept away from bridge elements below - Yes
   
   
3. Small trees and shrubs are kept clear of substructure and bridge superstructure - Yes
   Comment: Some brushing needed along south portal approach railings
   
   
4. River channels beneath bridges are clear of major debris - Yes
   
   
5. Proper load posting and advance warning signs are maintained and visible - Yes
   Comment: New signs 2010. Inventive signing during detours for Hwy 103 bridge replacements.
   
   
6. Roof system is maintained and water-tight - Yes
   
   
7. Siding is repaired, replaced and maintained - Yes
   Comment: Rotten window sills replaced. Runners need replacement on south portal approach. Planned for.
   
   
8. Roadway approaches are smooth and maintained - Yes
   
   
9. Approach railings are reasonably straight, continuous and maintained - Yes
   Comment: Rusty but serviceable. Needs de-brushing on south portal rails

Mr. Hindes;

I do annual inspections of the Bartonsville and Worrall bridges for the VT Covered Bridge Societies Bridge Watch program. In the past these were sent to Everett Hammond.

Bartonsville south portal

Attached please find the report that I submitted for Bartonsville. As the Worrall bridge has been recently repaired no report is filed this year for that bridge.

Please note that we appreciate the good progress made on the Bartonsville Bridge last year.

However, there are some regular maintenance items needing attention and some priority repairs to the window shelves. We found that the window sills were rotted through in places enough to let moisture inside of the siding and on the bottom chord.

If you have any questions please contact me by email or 802-869-4243.

Thanks, Raymond Hitchcock

Hello,
Thanks for the report. I'm aware of the runners needing attention. When things slow down here a little I plan on getting them replaced. Generally there is a local resident that trims around the bridge. If he doesn't get to it I see it gets done by the end of the month.

Thanks again, Mike Hindes

In Memorial
Bartonsville...a great bridge loved by all

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Repairs were recently completed for Pier Bridge, and a major rehabilitation was completed for Wright's Bridge. The NH Division of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), the bridge owner, with assistance from the NH Division of Historic Resources (NHDHR), secured a Federal Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant for the repairs & rehabilitation project. Additional funds were secured from the NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) and the Newport Historical Society. The bridges are located in the Town of Newport, New Hampshire on an abandoned railroad line converted to a State recreational trial.

The NHDHR and the Town of Newport selected the consulting engineering firm of DuBois & King, Inc. of Bedford, NH to evaluate the condition of both bridges, design repairs and rehabilitations, and manage the construction phase.

"We were able to complete some repairs to Pier Bridge", says Robert H. Durfee, P.E., Vice President for DuBois & King. "Funds were limited, and another phase of repairs is recommended for Pier Bridge when funds become available. For Wright's Bridge, sufficient funds were available for a complete rehabilitation".

Wright Construction of Mt. Holly, Vermont completed all repairs to Pier Bridge and the rehabilitation of Wright's Bridge.

"A lot of heavy timber framing work (bridgewright work) went into the rehabilitation of the downstream truss on Wright's Bridge" says Joe Poston, Project Manager for Wright Construction. "We had to secure 3,350 board feet of heavy timber (3 X 12) in short order, to complete repairs and reopen the bridge to trail use".

"This was a cooperative effort by numerous Federal, State, and local partners" says Antonio Sanz, the Resident Observer for Dubois & King. "The NHDOT, DRED, NHDHR, LCHIP, the Town of Newport, the Newport Historical Society, Wright Construction and Dubois & King all were active participants and worked together to make this a successful project".

Pier Bridge - Repairs to the Pier Bridge were completed in April, 2011. Repairs consisted of replacing worn or rotted siding boards, runner planks, and deck end bearing beams. Additional supports were added to the upper lateral bracing. Fire detection and prevention measures were also installed on the bridge.

Pier Bridge was constructed on 1907 by the Boston & Maine Railroad. It is a two span Town Lattice truss bridge, with individual span lengths of 118 feet and 110 feet. The bridge spans the Sugar River, and is located at railroad milepost 49.09.

Wright's Bridge - An extensive rehabilitation to the Wright's Bridge was completed in April, 2011. The extent of the rehabilitation included repairs to the roof, a complete reconstruction of the downstream truss (south truss) top chord and lattice members to replace rot and decay, reconstruction and replacement of bolster beams and bearing blocks at the abutments, installation of all new deck planks to replace rot and decay, replacing worn runner planks, and replacing worn or rotten board siding. Fire detection and prevention measures were also installed on the bridge.

Wright's Bridge was constructed on 1906 by the Boston & Maine Railroad. It is a single span Town Lattice truss bridge with a laminated arch integral to the truss. The span length is 136 feet. The bridge spans the Sugar River, and is located at railroad milepost 50.26.

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Two years ago I was asked to take on the job of publicity chair, which I gladly accepted. I notify the general public, through all branches of the media, of our semi-annual meetings.

I also send requests to weekly Vermont newspapers to acquaint the general public with VCBS and its functions.

I have recently assembled media contact lists for all parts of Vermont to help the VCBS publicize itself and its planned annual events.

I may be reached on calamity99@netzero.com

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Please join me in welcoming new members to our group: Phillip Jordan of Arlington, Vt., Sandra Carlson of Lebanon, Conn., and Jeffrey Gale of Strafford, Vt., a warm welcome to you!

Membership Birthdays and Anniversaries

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