For a few months now, people have been asking if I have a favorite covered bridge from those I photographed this year. I told people I wanted to see all of them before deciding. I had one in mind but felt like I needed to be fair. My favorite is a little bridge that you can’t even see from the main road. It is called the Blacksmith Shop Bridge. I returned to photograph it a few weeks ago. I’d hoped there would still be a lot of colorful leaves all around it, but it’s a little too far north and the trees were mostly bare.
It’s located in Cornish, NH and was built in 1881 to serve a single family who lived down this road. It was constructed by James Tasker who built several covered bridges in the area. It was restored in 1963 and then again in 1983. Tasker’s grandnephew attended the rededication in 1983.
With so many pretty bridges, why is this my favorite? Those who follow my blog carefully know that I love all things rusty and rustic. In my life, I’ve always favored the underdog. I fell in love with the bridge this summer as I made my way down the weed-lined path and saw the chain and “pass at your own risk” sign. The wood is all weathered and natural. My love for it deepened when I returned in the fall because without the vegetation, I would see that upstream there are a beautiful cascade and the foundation of what must have been either the blacksmith shop or perhaps a mill of some sort.
There are so many wonderful covered bridges in New Hampshire with creative features and interesting stories but this one is my favorite.
gets my vote, hands down. your reasoning is so YOU.. beautiful inside and out.
I thought you would like this one.
I can see why this is a favourite and I would have to agree with you, it ticks all my boxes too; rusty, rickety, a bit dilapidated and a wonderful approach through the undergrowth!
Thank you. I totall agree.
A lovely bridge and great photos. The weathered look/patina is beautiful. Thank you!
My pleasure. Thank you
This is one bridge where the closer you look the better it gets!
It does. It has that great rustic look. Thank you
We obviously have similar taste. I would have picked this one for the same reason (plus the history attached to it and because it’s hidden).
Thank you, GP. It’s a beauty in its own right.
A very wise pick.
Thank you so much, Kate.
Good choice of favorite!
Your description is so beautifully written. Yup, underdogs always. Great choice, Chris.
Thank you so much, Lois.
Belle foto 🙂
Grazie
Yes, Chris, I can understand liking things that are rustic. With this Bridge, it looks like it has not been taken care of very well. Maybe forgotten? That would be a shame to let History fade away. Down this way, that does not happen much. Most all the Covered Bridges are all well maintained for saving the past.
Thank you, Les. I agree that we have to preserve our history.
The covered bridge and its natural setting have everything it takes to be charming. I agree with your assessment criteria, I also have a fondness for fragile or damaged constructions, since imagination comes into play to reconstitute their perfect state and envisage the necessary work. It is this part of the unconscious process that makes me more attached to the object.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you appreciate this bridge also.
Thank you so much for sharing your favorite Chris! I like your reasoning and love that this is off the beaten path. you have to be a bridge/history enthusiast to find this one. That makes it special. And worth the effort! It’s a real gem. 🤩
Thank you so much, Sandra. I do love history. Finding it off to the side of the road is like a little prize. I hope you’re having a great day. Take care.
How heavenly to have a covered bridge just for your own family! I wonder if you could build a replica for yourself.
Come the spring when we have a stream going down our driveway, we could use one.
I remembered this bridge Chris…and hurray for the reason why its your favorite…yesss we love underdog ..😍😍😍
Thank you so much, Mich.
This is indeed a precious bridge. Lovely.
Good choice and yes, charming and rustic indeed.
Thank you so much.
And I can see why too! Cool 🙂
Thank you, Teri.
Great description of your favorite covered bridge and I can see why you like it.
Thank you
I can see how this is your favorite. I love seeing the bridge in the different seasons with the bright green trees, and then the sparse autumn flowers and leaves. The natural, weathered wood adds such charm. I wish we could all see the whole world through your camera lens, you help others see what we might have missed.
Thank you so much for the beautiful comment, Andi.
Great choice!! Love this bridge….what a find and love the history of it!! Thank you for sharing!!
My pleasure. Thank you, Kirt.
I think you’ve chosen very well, Chris. This one’s a little jewel and like you said the lack of vegetation in autumn points out even more its rustic charme. Sure, colourful leaves might have been nice but this way you’ve put the accent on the bridge itself. 😀