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The Vermont Covered Bridge Society Newsletter - Winter 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
President's Column Membership Committee
Events Warren Covered Bridge Rehab Project Meeting
Election Results Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge Preservation
VCBS Fourteenth Annual Fall Meeting Bridge-Watch
New Acquisitions to VCBS Archives A Christmas First in Cooperstown, NY
VCBS Lending Library Our Fall Foliage Tour - Bill Caswell
Communications Committee From The Archives
Important Notice For Sale
Where's Fowler, Vermont? - Mystery Solved! In Memoriam - Linda Sue Crouse
President's Logo

The annual fall meeting was recently held in Montgomery on a beautiful fall day with foliage near its peak. The speaker was excellent, talking about the general history of Montgomery and the Jewett Brothers, builders of numerous covered bridges in the area. Following the meeting some members toured some of the historic buildings while others visited some of the 7 covered bridges in and near Montgomery. We looked at the Hutchins and Creamery Bridges, both recently rebuilt, and both perhaps the most scenic bridges in Montgomery. The only disappointment to the day was the low turnout of members at the meeting. Granted, Montgomery is a long way for most of the membership, but since it is one of the major 'covered bridge towns' in the state, more of us should have made the effort to attend. Hopefully we'll be seeing more members at future meetings, no matter where in the state they are held.

Bill Carroll, President VCBS

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Events Logo

Vermont Covered Bridge Society
Annual Spring Meeting

At press time, the details of the Spring meeting have not been confirmed. It is likely to be in the Rutland area, probably in early April. Full details to follow in the Spring Bridger.

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Election Results Logo

Sorry, There Were No Ballots This Year
by Joe Nelson

This is the Bridger issue wherein we traditionally announce to the membership the winners of the election of officers. For lack of challengers, however, the incumbent officers agreed to stand again for two year terms beginning January 1, 2014. The officers include:

  • William Carroll      President
  • Joe Nelson              Vice President
  • Neil Daniels           Treasurer
  • Irene Barna             Secretary

With the Summer newsletter issue of The Bridger, we began the process of electing Society officers. The Vermont Covered Bridge Society membership was asked for candidates to run for the offices of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Non-incumbent candidates were asked to introduce themselves to the membership by letter to tell us why they are seeking a leadership role. The letters were to be published in the Fall Issue of The Bridger together with the ballot. There were no letters.

The Society bylaws governing elections was changed by the Board of Directors last February. The bylaws now state that if there are no challenging candidates for any of the four offices, election ballots will not be issued and the Board of Directors will confirm the slate.

The cause of this change is the membership voting record. Our members haven't been voting. In the last election approximately 200 ballots were sent, only 14 were returned. The reason for the change in policy is to save the time used to compose the ballots and the cost of postage to send ballots that are ignored.

This is an open organization and all members are asked to participate, giving of their time and talent. Every member in good standing is entitled to run for office and to vote. If a member doesn't wish to run for one of the four offices, the member can join a committee or join the board of directors by chairing a standing committee or a Bridge-watch area. Please see the "Important Notice" elsewhere in this issue.

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Vermont Covered Bridge Society
Fourteenth Annual Fall Meeting

Saturday, September 28, 2013
Montgomery Center, Vermont

The fourteenth annual Fall Meeting was held in the Montgomery, Vermont Town Hall on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Fourteen people were in attendance when President Bill Carroll called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m.

A motion not to read the minutes of the last meeting was passed because the minutes are available in the last Bridger newsletter and on the website.

Minutes of the Annual Spring meeting held in Bennington were not read as they are published in The Bridger newsletter.

President Bill Carroll called for the Treasurer's Report.

Treasurer's Report:

Neil Daniels reports the following for the period January 1, 2013 through September 17, 2013:

Donations: $      387.00
Dues: $      490.00
Events: $        22.00
Sales: $        32.00
Total Income: $      933.00
Communications: $      304.00
Legislation: $          5.00
Membership: $        33.00
Office: $          7.00
Total Expense: $      424.00
Gain: $      509.00
Balance Sheet
Union Bank Checking 8-30-13: $   3,451.00
Union Bank Checking 1-14-13: $   2,942.00
Gain: $      509.00
Save-a-bridge Fund:
Value: 12-31-12: $   7,019.00
Value: 08-21-13: $   7,191.00
Gain: $      172.00
Gain is from liquidating all equities.
Cash is at SIEBERT in New York.
Donations available for transfer: $      395.00
Fund after transfer (if voted) $   7,586.00
Committee Reports:

Membership: Given by Joe Nelson for Suzanne Daniels.

One of Wendy Payson's last acts was to recover 14 expired memberships bringing our memberships to 135. She also created a Facebook account and a Twitter account for us in a project to attract young members. She offered to help us to continue these accounts. We do have a volunteer, Steve Miyamoto, assistant webmaster, to carry on for Wendy.

Our member in Brattleboro, Jill MacMemamin, of the Brattleboro Garden Club, who did marvelous work in the new park surrounding the Brattleboro Creamery Covered Bridge, with Pete Randall, has changed her membership from single to Life Couple, which brought us $200 in dues.

We received a generous donation for our Save-A-Bridge Fund of $50. Sent a thank you letter, he replied:

"Living in NJ and still being employed it is difficult to attend one of the VCBS meetings. We admire the work and dedication that you and all of the other members put forth. You have a tremendous heritage and you are doing a great job protecting it. When I retire very shortly we hope to attend one of the meetings. Here in the Garden State, we have one covered bridge in Sargeantsville.

Best wishes,
  Greg Komeshok."

Events Committee: Given by Joe Nelson for Suzanne Daniels.

We haven't agreed as yet where our spring meeting will be held. Hopefully we can have some proposals today. Someone, perhaps, will agree to lead a committee to make it happen.

Communications Committee: Given by Joe Nelson

I have been running a wish list in each Bridger newsletter asking for volunteers. We have one: Steve Miyamoto stepped forward to be Assistant Webmaster for our www.vermontbridges.com. Our Covered Bridge Community News Notes now carries his by-line.

Five items remain on that list waiting for takers. A sixth, asking for clips about covered bridges from their local news media, was taken up by Anne Ovitt and Warren Tripp. Clips have been arriving by the bale.

Bridge Watch: Given by John Weaver

Taftsville Bridge was completed September 7th. The Quinlan Covered Bridge rehabilitation in Charlotte should be completed in October this year. There are a number of other bridges that are under design, but there are none that are under construction right now except the issue of the Sanborn Covered Bridge, which I'm sure you have all been following on the website. Joe posted quite an update on that situation.

The ones that are under design consideration right now are Longley Covered Bridge in Montgomery, and the Brown Covered Bridge in Shrewsbury. The Warren Lincoln Gap Bridge will be addressed soon, and the Green River Bridge in Guilford was under study earlier this year. The Scott Covered Bridge in Townshend was stabilized last year the further design rehabilitation is being developed.

Historical Committee:

I was due to write about Sanborn Bridge but there has been too much going on there to deal with that yet. As far as the archives are concerned, I have received material about Sanborn Bridge, Taftsville Bridge, an old bridge in Chester, perhaps some others. Joe Nelson, Irene Barna, Ray Hitchcock, Bill Caswell, and two or three other people have sent materials. I need time to deal with it and I'll report on it next time.

One More Note: Given by Joe Nelson

I wrote an article in the last newsletter about A Little Graffiti of Our Own. People come from out of state to post their signs for the National Society, the societies in Pennsylvania and Indiana, but there have been nothing posted by the VCBS. I designed a covered bridge tagger on a gummed label and outlined website software to support it. Viewers can dial up the address on their iPhones and get the history of the bridge they are standing in. I plan to present the idea at the next Annual Board of Directors meeting.

Old Business:

Joe Nelson - We have posted a request for donations [on the website] for repairs for the Sanborn Covered Bridge. One of the problems with the bridge is that it is privately owned, so getting public money is out of the question. Any funds collected to repair that bridge will have to come from people like us. The National Society has sunk $17,000 into the repairs so far; putting an island and a jack underneath straightening and supporting the bridge. They are now ready to use forty-two foot timbers to brace the upper and lower chords on the downstream side. The National Society leadership is still discussing the problem and we are putting up posters everywhere. A copy of the poster is on our website with instructions as to where you may send your donation.

Bill Carroll - It was in our last Bridger that the Board of Directors have approved a sum of $5,000 from our Save-a-Bridge Fund toward the repair of the Sanborn Bridge with the stipulation that it become owned by the town or by a non-profit and there has to be provisions to take care of the bridge in the future.

Joe Nelson - The only argument for saving that bridge is its history. It's the last bridge of that particular type in the state. There were three; one was arsoned, the other is owned by a farm and it's falling to pieces - it has no siding and the roof has never been repaired. So the Sanborn is the last example of the Paddleford truss in the state. I spoke to Scott Newman (the State Historic Preservation Officer). He told me they already had enough bridges, and there was "scant" chance they would ever adopt this bridge.

Discussion of funding, moving and repairing the Sanborn Bridge continued.

New Business:

The condition of the Cambridge Junction Bridge was discussed as was the idea for placing signs to help tourists locate hard-to-find covered bridges. Because of State law, such signage is too expensive to implement and maintain. The Society lacks the funds.

Letter of thanks:

It was suggested that we produce a covered bridge calendar for fund raising and that we establish a fund raising committee. Volunteers for such a committee were called for. No volunteers stepped forward.

Adjournment:

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Neil Daniels and seconded by Bill Caswell. Adjournment was at 11:00 a.m. to hear an excellent presentation by Scott Perry about Montgomery and Montgomery's covered bridges. Mr. Perry is Chairman of the Montgomery Historical Society and a member of the Montgomery Board of Selectmen. He is offering a short tour of the Montgomery Historical Society's Pratt Hall, the former Episcopal Church, a timber framed building built in 1835, after the meeting, or lunch. Those wanting to make the tour will meet with Mr. Perry after the presentation.

Those wanting to join a covered bridge tour, see Joe Nelson after the presentation. (None applied for a bridge tour.)

Respectfully submitted,
Joe Nelson
Acting Secretary
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New Acquisitions to VCBS Archives

We have received numerous clippings, many illustrated, about the ongoing work on Taftsville Bridge in Woodstock, the stabilization of Sanborn Bridge in Lyndon, and articles relating to several other covered bridges in the state. Thank you to everyone who has been saving materials about our covered bridges. In years to come they will be of great value to researchers.

Following the fall meeting in Montgomery in September, the Montgomery Historical Society donated two sets of quilting patterns. The quilts are composed of 12 blocks, each block with one of the covered bridges in Franklin County. The nine existing bridges make up part of the quilt, and three of the lost bridges complete the set. One set of patterns will be permanently housed in the archives, the other will be put in our library for the interest of any VCBS members. A sincere thank you, and appreciation to the Montgomery Historical Society.

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Book Logo

VCBS Lending Library: a Learning/Research Source

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 Joe Nelson for an electronic copy at jcnelson@together.net.

A borrower can 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, fftwbt@yahoo.com, Phone (802) 584-3545.

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Communications Logo

Joe Nelson - Chairman

I am pleased to report that Steve Miyamoto has joined the Communications Committee as Assistant Website Editor. In a short time he has caught us up on long neglected covered bridge News Notes featuring news items shared with us by James Crouse, Tom Keating, Jim Smedley, and their friends. Go look and you will find Steve's name "bylined".

Steve is also fast catching us up on back issues of The Bridger newsletter to be found on the website's Vermont Covered Bridge Society Page.

For those of us who may not remember, Steve served as editor of The Bridger for a number of years. For those of you who didn't know we have a website, go look. It's at www.vermontbridges.com.

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Notice Logo

  • Wanted: Volunteers to assume duties of Membership and Events Committee Coordinators.
  • Wanted: Reporter/correspondents to bring local covered bridge news to The Bridger.
  • Wanted: Volunteer to take charge of Covered Bridge Market Place.
  • Wanted: Volunteer worker-bees are needed by the Events Committee to help set up meetings and assist in hosting them.
  • Wanted: Committee members for the VCBS Standing Committees, i.e. Bridge Watch, Communications, Events, Historical, Legislation Watch, Membership, and Publicity.
  • Wanted: Bridge Watchers. If there is a covered bridge in your locale, please sign up as a bridge watcher and keep your Society informed as to events involving your bridge.
  • Wanted: Vermont Covered Bridge clippings from your local newspaper. Please send them to Joe Nelson, jcnelson@together.net or VCBS, P.O. Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465. He will share them with the newsletter and with the Historical Committee.

For more information or to sign up for any of these positions, please contact Joe Nelson, Communication Committee Chair, jcnelson@together.net or Bill Carroll, wcarroll@crocker.com

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Where's Fowler, Vermont?
by Charlie Elflein

[Editor's Note: Mr. Elfein's article was originally published in the Fall 2004 Bridger]

Anyone who has accumulated a large collection of covered bridge post cards certainly possesses more than a few unidentified ones. These are the cards, which make the collector ask him or herself, "Where could it have been?", "What type of truss did it possess?", "When was it removed or destroyed?" Of course, we diehard bridgers always want to find out more information about our former wooden spans.

Besides old cards where the covered bridge cannot be identified by location, there are those which occupy only a small portion of the scene. Without a magnifying glass or keen eye, the casual observer would not even see the former span on the card. Maybe only the roof or small portion of the siding is visible, but it's there.

While glancing at my Vermont cards recently, I came across one which falls into the two categories above -- not sure of its location, and the covered bridge is barely visible on the post card. I thought this rare view was worth sharing with the VCBS membership, and hopefully, someone will be able to identify where this spot is.

Fowler VT covered bridge damage
Railroad & Covered Bridge in Fowler, Vermont

This is a very old photo card, probably taken around the turn of the century. The photographer stood on the railroad tracks and captured a close view of the iron truss bridge. The year "1900" is inscribed on the top, and number 219 is on the right side of the structure. Just below is the caption, "R.R. Bridge, Fowler, VT." Looking up the river, there's a covered bridge just barely visible amongst the summer greenery. While I cannot make out the truss type, it's beautifully reflected in the placid water below.

I have searched my maps and atlas but cannot find where Fowler, Vermont is. Many train stops and crossroads had their own unique names in days-gone-by, but like everything, time marches on and places change over the years.

Taking a wild guess, this looks like either the Lamoille or Missisquoi river. In fact, the area greatly resembles the village of Wolcott in Lamoille County. My atlas shows a railroad crossing just south of Wolcott, and there were bridges over the Lamoille both north and south of the iron truss structure. Of course, I have no proof that this is the correct location.

While it's difficult seeing the former covered span on the post card, I am sure we will put this on the VCBS website for all bridgers to view. Then, we should be able to answer the question, "Where's Fowler, Vermont?"

Where's Fowler, Vermont?
by Bill Caswell

The image at the left was clipped from the Castleton topographic map prepared by the US Geological Survey in 1897. Slightly left of the center of the image, you can see that Fowler was northwest of Pittsford in Rutland County. There appear to be two possible locations of the railroad crossing. By comparing the photograph with current Google Earth images, the site was probably the Otter Creek crossing which means that the covered bridge in the background is the Hammond Bridge built in 1842.

Fowler VT Topo Map-1897
Fowler, VT
1897 Topographical Map
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Membership Logo

Membership Committee Chair
Sue Daniels

Please join me in welcoming new member Rollin Charles Smith of West Rupert, Vermont, to our group. A warm welcome to you!

2014 Early Renewal Contest - We are pleased to be able to once again offer our Early Renewal Contest. This contest has been a huge success in the past and helps the Society in many ways. Paying your membership fees before the December 31 deadline not only qualifies you for a chance to win a nice gift, but gives the society the funds it needs going in to the new year.

Here are the prizes for this year's contest: Two year free membership to the VCBS or a signed copy of Spanning Time, Vermont's Covered Bridges by Joe Nelson, or the cash equivalent. To be eligible for this year's contest, there are two things you need to do:

  1. Pay your membership dues before December 31, 2013. (Please note that if your 2014 membership has been paid in advance of this date, or if you are a life member, your name will automatically be entered into the drawing.)
  2. Complete the membership form in this issue of the newsletter and return it with your check made payable to the VCBS no later than December 31st. The mailing address is:

    VCBS
    PO Box 267
    Jericho, VT 05465-0267

    Winners will be announced in the spring issue of our newsletter.

Welcome to our new member, Merrilyn Towne of San Diego, California.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to:

December
1 Terry and Jane Shaw
6 Priscilla O'Reilly
20 Lyn Whiston
22 Richard Davis
23 Ed Barna
24 Tina Conn Dave and Marikka Guay
25 Ann Ovitt
26 Virginia Brackett
27 Steve and Susan Miyamoto Dan Brock
28 Anthony and Pat Daniels
30 Gloria Davis
31 Jan Bramhall
January
4 Marclay and Thomas Davis
12 Ray Hitchcock Jim Patch
15 Dan Castellini
23 Ray & Adrienne Hitchcock
29 Bill Jeffrey
February
2 Bill Caswell
7 Richard (Rick) Cyphers
12 Joe and Ruth Nelson Robert Cassidy
14 Richard Howrigan
24 John Weaver
26 David Guay

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Historic Covered Bridge Committee Meeting
Warren Covered Bridge (45-12-15) Rehabilitation Project
November 22, 2013

The following is from the executive summary of the findings by DuBois & King Consultants and the VTrans inspection team presented at the meeting held in the VTrans Dewey Conference Room led by J.B. McCarthy, and DuBois & King Engineers, attended by the Historic Covered Bridge Committee members (including VCBS members John Weaver and Joe Nelson).

Warren covered bridge damage
Warren Covered Bridge
Photo by DuBois & King, Inc.

The Warren Covered Bridge has experienced deterioration to several components, most notably the west abutment. Recent VTrans inspection reports have stated that the covered bridge roof is in need of replacement, bearing blocks have developed decay, and the West abutment has heavy concrete facing deterioration. The Town has received a Transportation Enhancement Grant to fund replacement of the west abutment and other necessary repairs.

DuBois & King has performed a site inspection, reviewed inspection records, completed a hydraulic and hydrologic study [and] developed construction cost estimates and identified a series of alternatives.

The results of the hydraulic and hydrologic study were that the existing bridge is sized to pass the 100-year storm with at least 1 foot of freeboard. The recommendations made for the rehabilitation of the bridge are:

  • Replace west abutment with new exposed face with wingwalls on cast-in-place concrete pad on bedrock in existing abutment location.
  • Repair east abutment bearing seat cap by pumping grout under the base.
  • Fill scour hole at east abutment and repair cracks on the northeast wingwall.
  • Replace downstream west bank retaining wall in disturbance area.
  • Replace cedar shakes on north side of roof.
  • Replace bolster beam bearing blocks of main truss (12 total).
  • Replace bearing beam bearing blocks (8 total).
  • Replace 9-foot length, 4-foot height of siding at each of four corners of bridge.
  • Replace two rotted stringers at west end bay.
  • Evaluate capacities of decayed stringers to ensure load capacity, shave off decayed portions to prevent further moisture penetration.
  • Replace approach railing and signing.

Because the total cost of all the improvements exceeds the Town's funding, DuBois & King will work with the town and VTrans to prioritize the improvements.

Note: The VCBS attendees recommended that the Town use steel standing ridge roofing rather than cedar because of the experience of the Town of Johnson losing their bridge to snow load: Cedar shingles do not shed snow readily.

The complete DuBois & King project study is on the VCBS website under Covered Bridge News
(http://www.vermontbridges.com/warren_covered_bridge_report_draft%20-%20november%202013.pdf).

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Officials Work to Preserve Early County, Georgia Landmark

The Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge (WG#10-49-02) is a 120-foot, 2-span, modified Kingpost & Queenpost Truss bridge built in 1891 and restored in 1984. Officials say keeping up with vandalism has been difficult due to its isolated location having tried gated entrances and barricades. Plans are currently being made to remove or cover graffiti, replace broken boards and eventually close the bridge to foot traffic. "That's the only way we'll be able to preserve this for the future", stated Early County Commissioners Chairman, June Merritt.

(Compiled from Jessica Leicht article October 9, 2013, WTVY News (Georgia))
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bridge watch logo

Quinlan Covered Bridge Repairs Complete
WGN 45-04-03

Rehabilitation of the Quinlan Covered Bridge in Charlotte was completed in late October. The bridge opened to traffic on October 31, 2013, an excellent site to see late fall/early winter.

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Sanborn Bridge Update
WGN 45-03-02

Minutes from the Fall meeting noted that the Sanborn Bridge is being supported by cribbing installed under the broken chord. Since that meeting, engineers from Hoyle, Tanner & Associates of Manchester, New Hampshire and Jim Barker of Bloomington, Indiana have visited the bridge to evaluate its present condition and recommend measures to stabilize it for the winter. As we go to press, that work is still ongoing.

The cribbing that is presently supporting the bridge is only a temporary measure and must be removed as soon as possible. As winter advances the potential increases for ice to form around or near the cribbing which could possibly dislodge or destabilize that means of support. If the cribbing were to fail before bridge repairs are made, the bridge could be lost.

It is hoped that the repairs to allow the bridge to be self-supporting again can be completed in January, if not sooner.

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New Brunswick Span to be Repaired

The Maxwell Crossing covered bridge near St. Stephen, New Brunswick, is undergoing a $350,000 restoration. The bridge, built in 1910, was badly damaged in January when a car slammed through one of its side walls and has been closed ever since. Due to the cost of repairs, the Department of Transportation had considered demolishing the bridge or replacing it with a modern, less-expensive span. But the department reached an agreement with the vehicle owners insurance company in early November. The insurance company is paying $310,000 for damages caused by the January 21st car accident, and the provincial government is kicking in another $40,000 for upgrades.

(CBC News, November 7, 2013)
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A Christmas First in Cooperstown, NY
Submitted by Trish Kane

On Sunday, November 16, Bob and Trish Kane, along with Rich Sheckells, Manager of Glimmerglass State Park, and Dean Cole, braved the elements to string lights and hang wreaths on the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge located in Glimmerglass State Park near Cooperstown, NY for the very first time. The Hyde Hall Covered Bridge is the oldest existing covered bridge in the United States and since it was built in 1825, it has never been decorated for the holidays...until now.

Hyde Hall covered bridge

The formal bridge lighting took place on Friday, December 6th as part of the kick-off of the Park's Festival of Trees celebration, which is an annual event hosted by the Friends of Glimmerglass. The event began at 6:30 pm but due to the predictions of some very inclement weather, there was a slight change in the plans for the evening. But this did not diminish the excitement in the air or the festivities. All events took place in the Lake View Room at Glimmerglass. Guests were greeted by Bob and Trish Kane, and members of the Friends of Glimmerglass and park officials.

The program began with a welcome by Trish Kane followed by holiday greetings from Karen Sheckells, Chair of the Friends of Glimmerglass. Bill Elsey, Supervisor for the Town of Springfield spoke about how honored he was to be a part of this historic event, the significance of the Hyde Hall Covered Bridge and how important it is to the Town of Springfield. Trish then spoke about NY's Covered Bridges in general and the importance of preserving them. Following the brief speeches, guests were entertained with some wonderful Christmas music by the Four of Hearts, a quartet from the Sweet Adeline's.

Then came the moment everyone waited for...the official hay ride to see the Hyde Hall covered bridge beautifully lit and adorned with holiday decorations. Guests were not disappointed. Upon returning to the Lake View Room for more holiday refreshments, they kept remarking how stunning the bridge looked in the dark and about the warm glow inside the bridge. Yes, it was really beautiful to see.

In honor of this historic occasion, a beautiful, handcrafted Christmas Ornament of the bridge was on display. It is so detailed you can even see the horizontal siding on the bridge! If you are interested in purchasing an ornament, please contact Karen Sheckells at friendsofglimmerglass@gmail.com or call the Parks Office at 607-547-8662. But hurry, as there were only a few ordered and they are going fast. The make great gifts!

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Our Fall Foliage Tour
by Bill Caswell

In late September, Jenn and I traveled to Montgomery to attend the Fall VCBS Meeting. Being foliage season, we decided to spend a couple extra days visiting bridges in nearby Quebec and the northernmost parts of New Hampshire and Vermont that we haven't seen in a while.

The Hutchins Bridge is a wonderful place to be on a beautiful Autumn morning. The trees display a variety of colors and the sun is in a good position to provide some excellent photographs.

Hutchins covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Hutchins Bridge, Montgomery

The original Hopkins Bridge on the Montgomery and Enosburg town line, like all historic Montgomery bridges, was built by the Jewett brothers, Sheldon & Savanard. The bridge was reconstructed in 1999. Savanard was been referred to as Savannah for many years until census records brought out the more likely spelling. Later documents and his gravestone only refer to him as S.G. Jewett.

Hopkins covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Hopkins Bridge, Enosburg

The Scribner Bridge in Johnson was built around 1919. The truss of this bridge is unique in Vermont. It is a modified Queenpost which uses iron rods to support the bottom chords and floor beams instead of wooden posts. The truss is only 1/3 of the height of the walls suggesting that it may have originally been built as an open bridge and covered at a later time. In 1960 the bridge was reconstructed with steel beams supporting the roadway. The original stone abutments were replaced with concrete.

Scribner covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Scribner Bridge, Johnson

The East Fairfield Bridge once spanned a mill pond created by a dam built to power a grist mill. The mill building foundations can be seen at the south end of the bridge. The dam, sluice, and foundations of a sawmill are visible just upstream.

East Fairfield covered bridge by Bill Caswell
East Fairfield Bridge

The Westford Bridge was bypassed by a concrete and steel bridge and closed to motor vehicle traffic in 1965. In October, 1987, it was raised on timber cribbing, false work was built beneath it, and a team of oxen pulled the bridge off the river on log rollers to an open field next to the town garage. The event was filmed by the National Geographic Society. A campaign was started to raise funds to restore the bridge. With additional funding raised, the bridge was rebuilt and restored to its original location on July 20, 2001.

Westford covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Brown's River Bridge, Westford

When the Village Bridge in Fairfax was placed back on its abutments after being washed away during the 1927 flood, it was set with its east end facing west. In 2001, it was severely damaged by a truck. Early in 2002 the damaged portal was replaced and repairs were made to the truss and upper chord.

Fairfax covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Village Bridge, Fairfax

In 1952 a freshet washed out a 4' section between the road and abutment of the Scott Bridge in Jeffersonville. After temporary repairs failed, a new concrete abutment was poured. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1974.

Scott covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Scott Bridge, Jeffersonville

Originally built at a cost of $523.14 the Red Bridge in Morristown has a unique Kingpost and superimposed Queenpost truss. After damage from a windstorm on October 16, 1897, thirty eight iron rods were added to each truss for added support at a cost of $210.75. The wooden deck was replaced with a concrete roadway and two steel I-beam stringers in 1971.

Red covered bridge by Bill Caswell
Red Bridge, Morristown
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From The Archives Logo

Chamberlin Mill Bridge
45-03-04, Lyndon

This 66 foot long queenpost truss bridge over the South Wheelock Branch of the Passumpsic River was originally built as an open bridge. In 1881 there were repairs to the abutments and at that time the bridge was covered. In appearance this bridge is very similar to Randall Bridge, Miller's Run Bridge, and Greenbanks Hollow Bridge in Danville. The sides are open, and protected from the elements by the overhanging wide roof.

Of the five covered bridges in Lyndon, only this bridge and Miller's Run Bridge remain open to traffic. The bridge was closed for a time during the later 1970s because of rotted trusses. The bridge was closed again in the later 1980s after a dump truck with the dump body raised passed through the bridge. It was reopened in November 1987. The bridge was originally at the center of a busy little industrial area, with a grist mill being built before 1817, followed by a sawmill and additional water powered mills. The remaining mill buildings burnt in the 1950s, and the only remains to be seen are some foundations and stone work in the brush. Although close to residential and farm areas, the bridge today stand in the midst of a small wooded area.

Randall Bridge
45-03-07

This 67 foot long queenpost truss bridge over the East Branch of the Passumpsic River was built as a covered bridge in 1865. It is very similar to the Chamberlin Mill Bridge and others in the area with open sides and a wide overhanging roof. In 1965 Barrington Bridge Road was straightened and a new steel and concrete bridge built, bypassing Randall Bridge. The bridge today is used as part of a snowmobile trail, and is easily accessible for walkers and fishermen. It is also said that the bridge was used by a nearby farmer to get his cows to and from their pasture. The bridge is in an agricultural area, mostly surrounded by pasture land. The Lyndonville Chamber of Commerce apparently oversees the bridge and occasionally provides funds for repairs.

Information Sources: Photographs, postcards, clippings (1950s-1990s) in the VCBS Archives, as well as published books by Joe Nelson and Ed Barna.
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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.

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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.

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New York State Covered Bridge Driving Tour Now Available! - Would you like to see all of New York State's Covered Bridges at your leisure in the comfort of your own vehicle? Well now you can! The New York State Covered Bridge 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. Included are the statistics on each bridge and an interesting history of the bridge and the surrounding town, and old postcards of how the bridges looked during an earlier time.

To obtain a copy of the tour, contact:

Bob and Trish Kane
167 Williams Rd.
Sherburne, NY 13460
607-674-9656
Email: bob-trish68@frontiernet.net
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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.

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Connecticut and Rhode Island Covered Bridges
During their heyday in the mid to late 1800's, more than 150 covered bridges dotted the landscape of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Since that time, floods, fires, and progress have claimed all but two of the historic structures. With over 200 images, this book provides insight into the covered bridge history of an area that has not been well documented in the past.

To order your signed copy, send $25.00 to:

Bill Caswell
535 Second NH Turnpike
Hillsboro, NH 03244.
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Vermont Magazine notecard set

Vermont Magazine Covered Bridge Notecard Sets
The work of Vermont artist Don Martin is shown in an 8 card set featuring 2 cards each of 4 different covered bridges. The cost is $9.95 for a packet of 8 cards with envelopes, plus $5.00 shipping. Add $1.00 shipping for each additional packet. (Cards measure 4.5"x 6"). Visit the Vermont magazine online store at www.vermontmagazine.com.

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Covered Bridge poster for sale

Covered Bridges of Vermont Print - The Covered Bridges of Vermont features 19 photographs of covered bridges taken throughout the state by photographer, and VCBS member, Ray Arsenault. The print is beautifully printed on professional high quality 100lb paper, and measures 18" x 26.5". Order now at: www.coveredbridgesofvermont.com.

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In Memoriam Logo

Linda Sue Crouse, 72, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, died Friday November 22nd at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born November 15, 1941, she was adopted at a young age by Edward J. and Rubye M. Cox, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959, and worked as a security officer at Magnavox/Raytheon for 28 years, retiring in 2007. Until recent years when health limited her activities, she enjoyed traveling the countryside and visited many covered bridges with her husband, James R. Crouse of Fort Wayne, who survives. Also mourning her passing are her sons, Charles E. (Melisa) Baral of Fremont and Robert L. (Elizabeth) Cayot of Fort Wayne, and three grandchildren, Daniel and Matthew Cayot and Brianna Baral. The funeral service was held Tuesday November 26th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1126 S Barr St, with Pastors Peter Cage and Peter Gregory officiating.

[Linda and James have been members of the Vermont Covered Bridge Society since its beginning in the year 2000. James has been faithfully covering covered bridge news from across the country for the benefit of the Covered Bridge Community for years. Our sympathy goes to him - Ed.]
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Joe Nelson, P.O Box 267, Jericho, VT 05465-0267 This file posted 01/03/2014

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