A beautiful covered bridge typically lurks off a country road, hidden away, ever so discreet. This legendary timber structure is part of our heritage and a tribute to the ingenuity of our ancestors in overcoming obstacles such as ravines and rivers. Many of our covered bridges are hundreds of years old. Despite this, several of them are still serviceable and an integral part of our road network.

People started topping bridges during the last century as a way to save money. It was thought that covering the roadway and the framework would reduce maintenance costs and increase the bridge's lifespan. In fact, sheltered timber bridges are less likely to rot and last four times longer than their open-air counterparts. The model for this type of construction was probably based on Switzerland's Schaflhausen bridge on the Rhine. By 1830, typical European design techniques had been incorporated into North American construction methods. The likes of Howe, King, Burr, McCallum and Town are among the great engineers who lent their names to bridge design. The most popular and recognizable style, however, was created by Ithiel Town, a Connecticut-born engineer. Town bridges, also known as "red bridges" and "colonization bridges," could easily be built with local materials. And since red was cheaper, several "towns" opted for that color. Strangely, despite similar construction and color, no two Town bridges are alike, yet each is equally charming. Bearing a slope roof and latticed sides, this 1930 bridge is a fine example of a Town-type, trellis style structure. n t[ Lily peaceful haven for the romantic in all of us.

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