Bad spelling? Wut's dat?
Thanks for adding info, Chrissie. Shirley-One of the greatest things about jigidi (besides the crazy people), is that I learn something new just about every day.
Have a good day, ladies!
Thank you pumpkin and Chrissie for answering my question. I checkout the website you gave pumpkin, although I didn't find a answer there, I found another covered bridge, If I remember correctly it was the Sulphite Bridge, very interesting reading, they also called it the upsidedown bridge as the train line was built to run over the top and not through the covered part, there were seveal more bridges, great subject.Thanks Pumpkin and Chrissie.
Very scenic shot, Suzy. I'd agree, 'tis a good question, Shirley. Prompted me to check into it and this is what I learned...
"What you're really trying to protect in a covered bridge are the structural members--the trusses. Made of heavy timber, these are the expensive part of the bridge, and if they fall apart due to exposure to the elements, so does the bridge. An unprotected wooden bridge will last maybe ten years. Put a cover over it, however, and it'll last for centuries. Somebody had to think it up, and the somebody usually credited is Timothy Palmer, who built the prototypical American covered bridge in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1804. Over time there have been anywhere from 3,000 to 16,000, depending on who's doing the estimating. Today fewer than 800 remain."
I love the University of Jigidi :-)
You have asked a good question, shirley.There are a number of reasons given for bridges being covered. The "cover" provides protection for the wooden supports of the bridges which were exposed to rain, snow and ice. Being covered gave the bridges a longer life. Some say that it was easier to get horses across the rivers and streams when they were covered as the animals couldn't see the water. In the winter, when it snows, it kept the bridge clear from the snow. I am sure there are more reasons, but those are the first to come to mind. If anyone has others to add, I would be interested!
If you would like a bit more information on the bridge, there is a good website.
http://www.nh.gov/nhdhr/bridges/p93.html
I will post another view tomorrow. Thanks for all the visits and comments! I believe Celeste posted a puzzle of this bridge back in August-just after we got back from the White Mtns.
This bridge was originally built in 1859. Two previous attempts to build the bridge had failed due to flooding. The bridge has undergone restoration as needed, using natural wood beams and wooden pegs which were crafted by the grandson of one of the original builders.
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