A long time on the "wish list," the new patch is finally a reality. The design was donated by Francis Converse way back before the first VCBS Annual Meeting held November 11, 2000.

The design was ultimately digitized in color and sent out to three manufacturers for cost estimates. There is where the project was put on hold. Front money was needed to get the project off the ground. Since it was the consensus that the VCBS did not have funds for this undertaking, appeals were made for a member to fund the project.

When email and letters were received from members of other covered bridge societies asking for a VCBS patch, we were encouraged that perhaps the project was viable. A member has stepped forward with the needed funding.

The patches are now on sale through the web site; www.vermontbridges.com/market.place.htm and will be available at all VCBS meetings for $3.50. The profits will go to the VCBS to provide revenue to help fund the VCBS mission advocating the preservation of covered bridges.

The new patch depicts the "Bridge-at-the-Green" in West Arlington, Vermont, the covered bridge and chapel familiar to us all, it being one of the most photographed of the state's scenic places. The initials "F.C." honor designer Francis Converse.