WHERE IT ALL BEGAN • BY: LINDA SONES
Theyearwas 1798when thedirectorsof theSchuylkill Permanent Bridge Company of Philadelphia elected to build an all-wood, non-floating bridge across the Schuylkill River. This bridge was to replace the pontoon bridge that had been repeatedly washed away during times of severe storms and flooding or war. Timothy Palmer was known as the best wooden bridge builder in the new colonies and was called upon to build North America’s first Covered Bridge. He stated that by covering the bridge, the lifespan of the bridge would increase to 30- 40 years instead of the 10-12 years if it were left uncovered. The bridge construction started in 1801 but the bridge itself did not open to traffic until 1805. It was rebuilt in 1850 (a lifespan of 45 years) and was later destroyed by arson in 1875. 1830-1880, Pennsylvania had the most Covered Bridges in the country with at least 1523 covered bridges. Estimates show that from In Pennsylvania today, there are only 210 remaining, however, we remain the Covered Bridge Capital of North America, if not the world. Lancaster County holds the crown as it has 29 bridges still standing, with Columbia and Washington Counties both coming in second with 23 remaining bridges each. Columbia County was home to 87 bridges at the turn of the 20th century. Montour County had twelve. Most of the bridges were destroyed by floods, arson, or neglect. Many were not repaired or rebuilt, but rather bypassed with new modern structures. Others have persevered with a little help from their owners. Two of the bridges that survived are the East and West Paden Covered Bridges also known as the “Twin Bridges” . These “Twins” were the only twin bridges in the country until Vermont built its own set of “Twins” in 2001. A “Twin” bridge refers to two bridges that stand nearly portal to portal (entryway to entryway) along the same road. Covered Bridges are also referred to as “Kissing Bridges”. With the bridges having tall walls and a roof, it was a discreet place for couples to meet away from prying eyes. The bridges were also called “Wishing” bridges and folks would stop on
the bridges to make a wish before passing through. There was also a belief that if a wagon went too quickly through a covered bridge, a standing wave would be created and cause the bridge to collapse. Because of this superstition, a law was passed stating that all horses slow
their gait when crossing a covered bridge. 2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association. It is a non-profit assembly comprised of volunteers with one goal in mind; to restore, preserve, and protect the Covered Bridges of Columbia County. The Association currently owns three bridges; the Josiah Hess, the Stillwater, and the Shoemaker. If you would like to help protect the covered bridges, you can send your donation or membership request to Columbia County Covered Bridge Association, 529 Zaner-Rohrsburg Road, Orangeville, PA 17859.
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