Covered Bridges on Two Wheels

The Greenbanks Hollow Bridge is one of those few bridges that has only been known by one name, if you don't count the spelling. Other variants include "Greenbank" (without the 's') or Greenbank's (possessive).

The history of Greenbank's Hollow is an interesting one, and you should plan to spend a considerable amount of time here if you have any interest in history beyond the bridge.

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In a nutshell, a man named Benjamin Greenbank converted a small mill that already existed at the site into a large 5 story woolen mill straddling Joe's Brook. The hamlet that arose included several houses, a school, a post office, company store, sawmill and Greenbank's own residence - mostly all owned by Greenbank.

In 1885 a fire erupted in the mill, leveling the town including the covered bridge. The bridge was rebuilt in 1886, but that was the only structure to be replaced - the town was abandoned. Greenbank's Hollow has been designated a Vermont Historic Site, and the Town of Danville created many aids to learning the history of the town, including a large informational kiosk and markers where buildings once stood. You can see the remains of many of these building's foundations.

The bridge itself fell into disrepair, not surprisingly considering the remote location. In the 1970's, a concrete center pier was installed in the middle of the brook to support two I-beams installed beneath the floor and tied to the bottom chords. In the 1990's it was recommended that the bridge be bypassed, but funds were secured to instead rebuild it. During the rebuild, the center pier and steel beams were removed, and it was rebuilt as a true covered bridge with a floor supported by the queenpost trusses. The result is a bridge that, while it reused some timber from the original, is now considered a replacement bridge and carries a #2 designation. The original bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was reopened in December of 2002, and while brand new (relatively speaking), it is a true representation of a classic covered bridge.

Visiting the bridge:

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This bridge is in the middle of nowhere. Literally. There are a few houses nearby, but that's about it. The only sounds you are likely to hear are birds and the roar of the brook as it winds under the bridge and past the mill ruins. To get to the bridge requires travelling on dirt roads from any and all directions. The two main ways to get to it originate right next to each other in Danville Village.

It would probably be best to take Brainerd Street rather than Peacham Road, especially if on a motorcycle. I learned this the hard way when I took Peacham Road. This choice took me over Brook Road, which was more dirt and mud than dirt and gravel. It was a nice drive though as Brook Road winds through some thick woods as it parallels and crosses Joe's Brook for about a mile and a half before arriving at the bridge. I left the site via the other way (Greenbanks Hollow Road) which I found to be in better shape.