Vermont Covered Bridges: Windham County Covered Bridges

Saturday, August 3, 2013

After a little back tracking to get my camera we headed to southeast Vermont. Brattleboro is about 3 hours from home. Our plan ... get to the furthest bridge then head back north. So our first stop was the Green River Bridge in Guildhall. We had seen this bridge once before on a springtime, mud bogging, finding towns in Vermont adventure. Today's ride on the Stage Road did not require 4 wheel drive or prayer! We found the Green River Covered Bridge right where we left it.

Green River Bridge
Guildhall

Sun through lattice.

We have a situation!

Just as we were leaving we met this Lowe's truck. Guess no one told him about the bridge! Pretty sure that was where he wanted to go!

Creamery Bridge in Brattleboro

Lattice bridge over Whetstone Brook.

There was a nice park in front of the Creamery Bridge.

West Dummerston Covered Bridge

The West Dummerston Covered Bridge is 280 feet long!!!! It was restored in 2010.

The Dummerston Bridge is a one lane bridge and this mirror is helpful for those drivers attempting a right hand turn onto the bridge. Yup ... a car was coming. This bridge was surprisingly busy.

The Williamsville bridge was rebuilt offsite in 2010 and transported to this location via flatbed! Do you know why the front is paint white? A white front give better visibility during a dark night on a curvy road.

The Williamsville Covered Bridge in Newfane

Built offsite and brought in on a flatbed!

Lunch time. Harmonyville on Route 30.

Great place for a sandwich. A beautiful sycamore (the largest in Vermont) stands watch over the store.

Scott Bridge in Townshend

Closed off and in really, really tough shape.

Grafton Cheese Factory Covered Bridge

The Grafton Cheese Factory Covered Bridge survived Hurricane Irene, but just barely. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ypLHJ_z_YA

If you watched the video you know why this bridge is no longer square!

Kidder Hill Bridge in Grafton

Interesting sides. Narrow bridge!

The thick side beams were specially made of glue laminate to strengthen the bridge.

Hall Covered Bridge, Saxton's River (Rockingham)

The hall bridge was rebuilt in 1980 after an overweight truck went through the weak flooring destroying the bridge. The driver survived by running for his life. The insurance company paid for the restoration

Victorian Village Bridge or
The Vermont Country Store Kissing Bridge in Rockingham

This bridge was rescued and moved from an area that was going to be flooded when the Townshend dam was built. It was transferred to its current site in 1966 next to the Vermont Country Store.

The beams were numbered to help when the bridge was moved.

This plaque reads:

The Kissing Bridge
In horse and buggy days, Covered Bridges were a popular place for young lovers courting to stop and sneak a hug or kiss. Thus, old Vermont Covered Bridges came to be known as “Kissing Bridges”. A slow horse, a long bridge, and a willing girl could even produce 2 Kisses!
So keep up an old Vermont custom – and kiss your love under our very own Kissing Bridge.

Worrall Bridge in Rockingham

View from the Worrell Bridge of the train trestle over the Williams River.

The Worrell Bridge is a bit unusual as it has a wooden ramp leading up into it on one end. The ramp was placed there to bridge a gap caused by erosion.

If you didn't happen to catch the Bartonsville Covered Bridge washing downstream, one of the hundred times it was shown, on the news after Hurricane Irene devastated parts of Vermont here is another opportunity. (Warning: there is swearing in the video.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyO18one8fU

You have to be careful coming off this bridge as there is a railroad crossing directly in front of the bridge!

Beautiful!

Have you ever been through a covered bridge. Here's your chance. A ride through the brand new Bartonsville Covered Bridge!

Our final stop of the day was in Springfield in Windsor County. The Eureka Schoolhouse is the oldest one room schoolhouse in Vermont. It was built between 1785 ad 1790.

Eureka Schoolhouse

It wasn't open today so we peeked in the window.

The Baltimore Covered Bridge is tucked away just behind and to the left of the Eureka Schoolhouse. This bridge use to be located in North Springfield, on the road to the tiny town of Baltimore. It was moved to its current location in 1970.

Baltimore Covered Bridge

Another covered bridge discovery day in the books. Again I was impressed by the condition of most of these bridges. In planning for today's trip I discovered several more bridges that are noteworthy. I have added them to the list. (I can't believe I forgot the bridge directly across 108 from the entrance to the Smugglers Notch Resort!) There are also two really new bridges built in the old style. Can't wait to see them. Bridges so far 88. Left to see 30. (I think there are 118 bridges we are planning to visit.)