A comprehensive chronological record of historical events and information on Ohio's wooden truss bridges lavishly illustrated with over 200 black-and-white photographs and drawings. Discusses the architecture, design, history, local lore and the location of hundreds of these hard-to-find and often endangered historical treasures. A fascinating glimpse into the past and a must for dedicated bridgers anywhere.
Among the featured bridges are two of the longest covered bridges left in the United States, the Medora and Williams bridges; Kentucky's Bennett Mill Bridge, the only surviving Wheeler truss bridge; and the Stark Bridge in New Hampshire, which provides one of the most picturesque scenes in America.
More than 200 of Ohio's historic covered bridges, some of which have survived and many that have not, are once again captured in Dr. Elma Lee Moore's Ohio's Covered Bridges. Classic images of these treasured bridges that have spanned Ohio's rivers, creeks, streams, and gorges are presented in vintage postcards of the past. The GPS location is listed for each existing bridge.
When its first covered bridge was constructed on the Ashtabula-Trumbull Turnpike in 1832, Ashtabula County was closer to frontier than a "new Connecticut." Its rutted roads promised adventure and suggested prosperity but also great hardship. Covered bridges, made mostly of local timber, would eventually soften the brutality of travel, isolation and a well-watered landscape. Their proliferation and preservation gave Ashtabula County the nickname "Covered Bridge Capital of the Western Reserve." Admire both famous and forgotten crossings with Carl E. Feather, who has spent over a quarter century mired in muddy creek beds, camera in hand, waiting for the perfect light."
As many as 15,000 covered bridges were built in North America over the past 200 years. Fewer than 1,000 remain. In America's Covered Bridges, authors Terry E. Miller and Ronald G. Knapp tell the fascinating story of these bridges, how they were built, the technological breakthroughs required to construct them and above all the dedication and skill of their builders. Each wooden bridge, whether still standing or long gone, has a story to tell about the nature of America at the time--not only about its transportational needs, but the availability of materials and the technological prowess of the people who built it. Illustrated with some 550 historical and contemporary photos, paintings, and technical drawings of nearly 400 different covered bridges, America's Covered Bridges offers five readable chapters on the history, design and fate of America's covered bridges, plus related bridges in Canada. Most of the contemporary photography is by master photographer A. Chester Ong of Hong Kong. 55 photo essays on the most iconic bridges including: Cornish-Windsor Bridge between Vermont and New Hampshire Porter-Parsonsfield Bridge, Maine East Paden and West Paden (Twin Bridges), Pennsylvania Philippi Bridge, West Virginia Hortons Mill Bridge, Alabama Medora Bridge, Indiana Rock Mill Bridge, Ohio Knight's Ferry Bridge, California Perrault Bridge, Quebec, Canada Hartland Bridge, New Brunswick, Canada Over time, wooden bridges eventually gave way to ones made of iron, steel and concrete. An American icon, many covered bridges became obsolete and were replaced—others simply decayed and collapsed. Many more were swept away by natural disasters and fires. America's Covered Bridges is absolutely packed with fascinating stories and information passionately told by two leading experts on this subject. The book will be of tremendous interest to anyone interested in American history, carpentry and technological change.
A Source book for Photographers and Explorers. Descriptions to all of Ohio's 146 Remaining Historic Covered Bridges, as well as over a hundred photographs of them. GPS Positions and written directions. Photo tips for each bridge. A short history of Covered Bridges in North America and a review of the various Truss Types and information on the important bridge builders of Indiana. Step by Step Instructions for your own Self Guided Tours of Ashtabula County Fairfield County Preble County Washington County
A symbol of Indiana's past, the covered bridge still evokes feelings of nostalgia, romance, and even mystery. During the 19th century, over 500 of these handsome structures spanned the streams, rivers, and ravines of Indiana. Plagued by floods, fire, storms, neglect, and arson, today fewer than 100 remain. Marsha Williamson Mohr's photographs capture the timeless and simple beauty of these well-traveled structures from around the state, including Parke County—the unofficial covered bridge capital of the world. With 105 color photographs, Indiana's Covered Bridges will appeal to everyone who treasures Indiana's rich architectural heritage.
Tucked out of the way along the scenic back roads of Ohio are about 100 historic covered bridges. Many of these quiet back roads are also ideal for cycling. What better way to visit these vintage structures than on two wheels? RIDE GUIDE: Covered Bridges of Ohio provides all the information you need to visit 37 of Ohio's remaining covered bridges. There are maps and cue sheets for 11 rides throughout the state, with directions to the starting point, notes about traffic and road conditions, and plenty of information on the bridges themselves. There are loops for cyclists of all skill levels, from relatively flat, 24-mile tours to rides of up to 60 miles. And an illustrated glossary will make you an expert on covered bridge design in no time!
