This is another fairly modern and relatively large bridge built on a site that has had a bridge since the 1780s. I’d made a photograph of this bridge before but was in the area and my skills are better now than they were back then.
Between 1780 and 1790 an open timber bridge (no cover) was built at this location for Ichabod Packard. Mr. Packard had a house on the north side of the river and a combined saw and gristmill on the other side.
The records aren’t clear, but it looks like the first covered bridge was installed here in 1804. It was replaced in 1878 with a Howe truss covered bridge built that cost $456.02. The current design with the large diagonal supports is a Howe truss bridge.
It was removed in 1952 and replaced with a Bailey Bridge, a temporary bridge designed and commonly used in WWII. The Bailey bridge was replaced by the current bridge in 1991. It was built by Arnold Graton Associates for $316,500. They built the Packard Bridge in a manner which replicates the traditional style of covered bridges.
Such a pretty setting for the bridge!
It is a nice setting. The trees frame it perfectly.
Yes!
Picture Perfect. Discovering these hidden gems is almost like following a treasure map. 👁👁🍃
Awesome pictures. Thank you for the information on the bridge. I love the shot of the Bible. Take care.
Thank you. Yes, finding the Bible was different but made for a good image. You too. Have a great day.
There are many more Covered Bridges up in NH than down here. Here, there are only a few left as you saw on my Post. However, down in Lancaster County, there are more, but I don’t know where they are. I’d have to find out.
I’ve been fortunate. Our state has an online book of the historic covered bridges and Wikipedia lists all of them.
This bridge has quite the history. The interior design with all the X’s….that is the most fascinating thing, to me. It is beautiful.
It is a very open design. Some are very closed in and others very airy. I like the design of this also.
Nicely clicked. 👌
Thank you so much.
I love the shot with the bible, excellent work as always!
Thank you so much. Have a great weekend.
Nice! Love the trees surrounding it!
And the Bible… love it!
Thank you, Nancy. Hacve a great day.
Buon Ferragosto ❤
You also.
your photo project keeps getting better and better 🙂
Thank you. I’ve had a couple more good photo shoots since this was made.
You are really skilled at composing these shots in an appealing way Chris! I love the open structure of this. You can see the different colors in the wood grain beautifully! Nice work
Thank you, Sandra. This bridge is really beautiful. I had visited once before years ago, but it was a cold winter’s day and the photo I took did not do it justice.
wow!! these are some awesome captures.
Thank you so much. 😊
The bridge surrounded by the trees is a great shot!
Thank you, Teri.
What a curious find, that Bible. Wonder who put it there and why? Also I’ve never seen a paperback bible – still quite heavy reading I imagine. 😉
People here will leave religous materials in spots for others to find in hopes of a conversion. It’s almost exclusively Christian. I have no idea if it works or just makes the leaver of it feel good.