From the Bump Covered Bridge, I opted to take the scenic state route rather than the highway to get to the Squam River Covered Bridge in Ashland, NH. It was a quiet meandering twenty-minute drive. The bridge sits below Squam Lake and Little Squam Lake. The area is a popular summer tourist destination and was featured in the 1980s film On Golden Pond. From this spot, the lake empties into the Squam River.
According to the state’s book on historical covered bridges, the building of this bridge was a community effort. It’s a fairly modern bridge having been constructed in 1990. The existing steel and concrete bridge needed to be replaced and the state proposed a modern two-lane bridge. The town’s citizens wanted a one lane covered bridge on this spot and voted $35,000 at the town meeting to build one. Unfortunately, this was about a sixth of the cost of the bridge.
A branch of the town’s historical society called the Squam River Covered Bridge Committee worked to raise the rest of the money through typical fundraisers, such as bake sales and dinners. Ultimately, most of the balance was raised through the private donations of more than 500 donors. It was dedicated July 1, 1990.
Great images Chris.. 💯
Thank you, Sohair. 😊
Thank you for providing the history of the bridge. I particuarly like the first photo, how it appears as a study in three colors. Very appealing!
Thank you, Liz. Some have an interesting history.
I should pay more attention to it!
Wow!! again th river bridge..good day..
Thank you. Have a good day.
you too good day..
It is even more beautiful knowing that the community made a massive effort for it! thanks for sharing!
I agree. The community effort makes it special.
The adventure continues… 👁👁🍃
It does. I had Monday off and went out again for more images. 😊
I’m enjoying your travels. 👏
That makes me happy to hear.
Very Nice place for pictures!
Amazing shots! I like the First Photo.
Thank you. Yes, i really like that first photo also. It’s one of my favorites from the series so far.
Yay for the townspeople! This is a very pretty bridge. I agree with Liz–that first photo really shows its beauty.
Thank you. I agree that it’s so cool the town pulled together to make this.
Do you know what kind of bridge would have been cheaper, the state proposed 2-lane one, or this covered bridge?
You know, I’m not sure. It’s a good question. A modern bridge is more convenient because they are usually two lanes vs wooden bridges which tend to be one lane.
I love that it truly belongs to the community who came together to fund it. The construction has a great aesthetic but I imagine it’s also part of what keeps it structurally sound. Beautifully photographed too Chris! Super nice. Thank you for another awesome picture story!
You’re very perceptive, Sandra. This is a lattice truss design. All of that pretty lattice work is heavy-duty and holds up the bridge. I really like the community involvement piece. Many of these bridges are built and maintained by the town but this one is special to have been constructed via fundraising. Thank you. =)
I see, that’s cool. Beautiful and functional. The art of engineering. You have a good day my friend!
Thank you – You as well.
love the light highlighting the interior of the bridge in the first photo, wonderful find, Chris 🙂
Thank you, Alex. That one is one of my favorite shots of the series so far.
Interesting architecture!
Yeah, it’s called a lattice truss design. The lattice work is actually support for the bridge and not just decorative.
Cool!
Wonderful bridge.
It is a great bridge. Thank you and have a great day.
So glad the community came together for this gorgeous bridge! Love the curvature. You photographed this exceptionally well, Chris. Thank you for sharing all these bridges. Happy Day Chris!
Thank you, Nancy. It is my pleasure. You have a happy day also.
Nice!
Thank you so much.
Love the warm colours and hues of the wood in the first pic! And that lattice is very appealing indeed! So nice to learn about its history too.😊