This shot was taken exactly three months ago today when I went up to New Hampshire in October with my Mom and Amanda. During our stay at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, I was told that there was a covered bridge not too far away that was named for General John Stark, the hero of the Battle of Bennington whom I had written about in a post for The Distracted Wanderer. Naturally I had to go in search of it and I'm glad I did as isn't it pretty?
Built in 1862, the Paddleford truss design bridge is located in Stark Village and spans the Upper Ammonoosuc River. The bridge almost disappeared twice from its site next to the church - first in the late 1800s when the covered bridge was lifted from it site and carried down the river by a flood. Not willing to lose their bridge to the whims of Mother Nature, a group of determined men used oxen to drag the bridge back to its original site and place it back where it belonged. In the 1950s the bridge was almost lost again when the townspeople voted to replace it with a steel bridge. Following a rather loud outcry by folks who felt that the bridge was too historic to destroy, the decision was overturned and care of the bridge was turned over to the State of New Hampshire which has maintained it ever since as Bridge Number 37 on its list of historic covered bridges.
So there you have it, a pretty little piece of history to start the year with! Oh, and if someone could please tell me why this church has the sort of steeple that it does I'd be most grateful! I saw a few other churches that had the same four points or pikes at the top but I've got no idea why or what they're called. Can anyone shed some light on the subject?
What a pretty picture and a fascinating story behind it. I've not idea about the steeple but I will be interested to read about it when you find out. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a pretty photo. Good for those citizens who put up a fight to keep the historic covered bridge. I say nay to steel bridges!
ReplyDeletepure Americana Miss Linda, great photo.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo of a beautiful setting. I wondered about that steeple, too. Strange.
ReplyDeleteBig hugs, honey...
Bridge Number 37 is in a perfectly lovely setting, strange steeple and all.
ReplyDeletebig hugs xoxo
That picture could be on a postcard.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about the steeple. Personal preference perhaps? Don't know.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photograph and I too love covered bridges. I'm glad the townsfolk saved this one.
Have a terrific weekend. :)
I do miss that beautiful and simple New Hampshire architecture which You have captured so well. A picture postcard photo for sure. :) I can't believe they would have even considered replacing that bridge.-- especially after former residents dragged it back by oxen! I can't shed any light on the steeple, however other than the church is a Methodist Church and the points are called spires. .
ReplyDeleteWhat a picturesque area! Hmmm... no steeple. That is fascinating. Wonder why?
ReplyDeleteit's simply charming!
ReplyDeletesmiles, bee
xoxoxooxox
We have quite a few covered bridges around here. I remember one of my friend was getting married in front of one some years back.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great weekend!
It is lovely. But now I want to know about the steeple.
ReplyDelete