Built for practicality, but now preserved as a piece of our history, the covered bridges of America stand as a tribute to the craftsmanship of their creators. Walking into one of these structures, you can not help but be amazed at the massive timbers used in their construction, the product of the mammoth trees that once filled the rolling countryside of Indiana.
Time, neglect and the elements have gradually chiseled away at the abundance of covered bridges in the U.S., dropping the number from an estimated 12,000 in the mid 1800s to only 1,500 by 1950 and roughly 850 that still stand today. Progress also took its toll. While wooden bridges were common from 1805-1895, construction ceased shortly after the turn of the century as stronger, more cost effective metal truss bridges were erected, leaving the old wooden bridges abandoned.
Each fall, the people of Parke County extend an invitation to all of us to come share in their heritage as they host the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. This marks the 64th year for the event which will run for 10 days, from October 8th through October 17th. Forget about your diet during the festival as down-home cooking from homemade pies and cakes to BBQ and fried chicken abound.
Local artisans prepare all year to display their hand-dipped candles, leather goods, custom solid wood furniture, hand-stitched quilts and one-of-a-kind jewelry. If you enjoy live music this is the place to be. Folk, rock and bluegrass, performed by some of the most talented musicians in the state, is featured at many locations. It is safe to say that this is Hoosier hospitality at it best.
Living up to its title as “The Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” Parke County is located in the western part of Indiana along the scenic Wabash River. It is home to 31 of the remaining 98 bridges in Indiana. Most of these date from 1875-1895 and thanks to the efforts of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, all but 10 are vehicle accessible.
Since its beginning in 1957, the headquarters for the festival have been located in the 1883 train depot on the Rockville, Indiana courthouse lawn. There you can find information on the Covered Bridge Art Gallery and the Historic Ritz Theater, as well as local accommodations, restaurants and bus tours. Two sites you will want to include in your trip are the Jackson Covered Bridge which is the longest single span bridge in Indiana, and The Portland Mills Covered Bridge which is one of the oldest bridges in the county.
Plan to make Bridgeton one of your stops as you tour this county-wide event. Here you can shop the wares of over 400 outdoor vendors and dozens of antique shops, tour the fully restored 1878 Sprague-Webster-Kerr house and visit the oldest continuously operating mill west of the Allegheny Mountains. Other cities of note to visit include Mansfield, Montezuma and Bloomingdale. Visit www.coveredbridges.com for complete information.
For all of you covered bridge enthusiasts, let me leave you with a bit of trivia. Ever wonder why early bridges were covered and painted red? Travel during the time these bridges were built was by horseback or horse-drawn carriage. Horses are, by nature, afraid of both height and fast-flowing water. With their shape, enclosed structure and red paint, the horse thought he was entering a barn, and remained calm. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
