36. Covered Bridges

There about 850 iconic wooden covered bridges still standing in the USA, from the thousands built in the first place. The idea originated in Europe with the Chapel Bridge in Switzerland built in  then 14th century. They are mainly in Pennsylvania (200), New England, the Mid West (Ohio, Indiana, Oregon ). Theodore Burr patented the Burr Arch  Truss bridge inn 1817. The strong design was capable of longer spans than seen before, and these are  mainly the ones that still survive today. Various others came up with new designs for ‘roofing a bridge’. Today they are seen as an iconic and nostalgic part of American history with a strong sense of romance. The principal reason for the cover was to protect a wooden bridge from rain and snow and to extend its life from 15 years to 90. It also created a stronger structure when facing high winds and heavy loads. The cover also reassured livestock ( horses and cattle), making them feel more secure when crossing. They are now some of the most photographed sites in the USA. They’re were often called ‘kissing bridges’ and ‘tunnels of love ‘ ( how nice is that ).Some were thought o be haunted, but they were all a symbol of community sprit , with everyone joining in to build the structure. A National Society works hard to preserve them from the risk of fire, floods and heavy traffic. The bridges often represent ‘ transition, lost love and rural innocence’. The appear in films like. ‘The Bridges of Madison Country ( Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood) Funny farm ( a Chevvy chase comedy), Beetlejuice and Cider House Rules. They bridges symbolize a connecting of two sides, sheltered romance and intimacy, a lost period in time and mystery. Lots of babies have been born on the bridges and  they have been used to shelter travelers in times of storms,  They were also a common site for suicides,, for accidents and fires, crime and violence ( e.g. robberies, murder and bootlegging). Also used for social gatherings, speeches and town meetings !

My song ‘Covered Bridges’ was written to reflect this rich unique history and to try and reflect the bridges and what they have been used for, in all their glory. I would love to visit a few. I’m a big fan versus some of the concrete monstrosities we see nowadays. 

 The song starts, ‘Covered bridges, so much safer, for the horses. Eighteen o four, built by a man, called Theodore. The men join up, to construct river Bridges.’

Then I add a bit of context, ‘Parties and barbecues, and. secret rendezvous. The horses' hoofs. Hampshire, Vermont and Ohio. passing folks and cargo.’

Then I can’t resist a bit of nostalgia ‘Ends open, no snow settling. Locals can keep crossing. Now only a few hundred, dyeing fast, once trusted. So beautiful. Part of my  

past, a sad farewell’

The chorus probably says it all, ‘Covered bridges, so much safer, for the horses’ It's probably me getting carried away but wouldn’t it be nice to think that caring for the horses ( so they can't see the river and get scared ) was the principal  reason for building them !

Maybe I can still imagine, Wooden roofs. I can still hear. The horse's hoofs’ and keeping the bridges open, ‘Ends open, no snow settling. Locals can keep crossing.

Don’t you just love an old wooden coverage bridge – come back Meryl for Bridges II