The Edgell Bridge was built in 1885 for a cost of $1,825.27
The builder, Walter Piper, was only eighteen years old when he constructed this bridge. While times were certainly different back then, I still think this is a remarkable feat for such a young man.
It was assembled on the town common and then moved by oxcart to the planned location. If I recall the location of the bridge correctly, this was a considerable distance.
In 1936, flood waters washed it off its northern abutment. It was moved back, and tied down with cables. This seems to be a common problem, especially in the mountains where snow melt causes the rivers to rise substantially.
I really like this kind of bridges. Thanks for posting these nice pictures.
Thank you, Sir. My pleasure.
You have such amazing stories about the construction of these iconic bridges.
Thank you. It’s interesting what you can find out.
I would not have guessed that this bridge was built by an eighteen-year-old! I’ll bet the people of the town gathered in the common to watch the progress of the construction.
I think you’re right. I’m sure it was quite a sight to see the bridge moving down the street by ox cart.
Yes, it must have been quite a sight!
Follow the yellow brick road…..or, the wooden plank path. 👣
Ha ha ha. True. Thank you, Gail.
I enjoy all the history you give us with these bridges. And to think an 18 year old built this! Thank you for your research and the beautiful captures.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
It’s my pleasure, Nancy. It’s fun to find out a bit about the bridges.
Eighteen years old….that is incredible. One beautiful bridge. That last photo through the inside is wonderful.
Thank you, Lois.
The X’s with the pegs are so cool! The bridge whisperer strikes again 🙂
Thank you, Teri. I was out at it again yesterday. A few bridges and the picturesque White Mountains.
Cool! We’re going meteor shower hunting tonight… depending on weather.
Is that tonight. I was driving to the mountains when it was still dark and was looking for meteorites but didn’t see any.
It was and we only saw like 4 of them.
I did two shoots last week that involved getting up before dawn and didn’t see a single shooting star.
I love this bridge and the way it photographed.
Great pictures.👌
Thank you very much, Sir.
I love how you bring to life this bridges…your lens is working its magic so well that these photos are telling me something..
Thank you so much, Michelle. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series.
I might have been able to construct a sturdy bridge out of legos when I was 18 (think Stonehenge: Spinal Tap). This story is so impressive, and well photographed! At 2K I wonder if the builder constructed others or retired.I wasn’t able to find much info on Tasker at all, btw. What a different age that was. Everyone is an open book now thanks to Wikipedia. Great post Chris! Thank you
Ha ha ha. Yes, I could build a lot of things with LEGOS too. It’s amazing to think someone so young could build a bridge. Thank you for looking for information on our mystery man, James Tasker. Perhaps not knowing about him makes him more of a legend.
I love the photos, but I love even more the stories about them!!!
Thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying both the images and tales that go with them.
I love the story of such a young man building something so great. I am sure this was a big asset for the community back then. And of course seeing those wooded pegs…fascinating to see how things were built long ago. Another great story!
Thank you, Andi. I sort of have this mental image of this man being the son of a carpenter and learning his trade growing up. But that’s just my guess. I like how you frame this as being a community asset. It’s good to think of things as what helps the community. Have a great day.