Covered Bridges on Two Wheels

I guess in 1958, the preservation of covered bridges was not a priority as the Old Hollow Bridge became slated for dismantling and replacement by a steel bridge. Rather than face the possible loss of the bridge, a farmer named Sam Spade asked the state to move it to his property, where it now stands. The irony is that the "modern" bridge that replaced the covered bridge on Old Hollow Road looks to be ready for replacement itself now. Wouldn't it be great if the state bought the bridge back, renovated it, and placed it where it belongs?

While moving the bridge saved it for the time being, it is now privately owned and thus not eligible for federal or state funding for preservation. Consequently it has fallen into disrepair. When I visited, it was being used for little more than a storage shed for the Ferrisburgh Artisans Guild. It is in better shape than it had been in the past (when the floor was too rotted to safely walk on), but still not great. And the guild is no longer there. The farmhouse is now occupied by the Vermont Flannel Company. They have hung a sign on the side of the bridge and decorated it with lights.

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In more recent years, as I passed by the bridge from time-to-time, I have noticed a pronounced sag developing in the bridge on the southern end - a sure sign of a truss problem. Last time I went by, vertical supports had been placed from the ground to the bottom of the trusses.

A sign prominently displayed on the bridge claims it to be the second oldest in Vermont, and built in 1824. Historians say the build date is more likely 1850 which doesn't even place it in the top 10 for age. But one good reason to visit this bridge (other than you like covered bridges) is inside. If it is not too cluttered with stuff inside, you may be able to view the many old advertisements adorning the Town lattice trusses.

Another feature unique, and more in keeping with tradition, is the roofing. Back in the day, covered bridge roofs were shingled with either wood (as this one is) or slate. Within the last 20 years or so, a large number of the covered bridges in Vermont have been re-covered with standing seam metal roofs, which hasn't set well with some covered bridge enthusiasts. Modern standing seam metal sheets were developed in the 1960's. But my feeling is that if they had them back in the 1800's, they probably would have used them. The metal roofs are superior to wood or slate because they are lighter and shed snow easier. Snow load is a real danger to covered bridges especially older, weaker ones. In 2000, the Power House Bridge in Johnson was destroyed when excessive snow load collapsed the roof. The bridge was beyond repair and a reproduction was installed. I think the metal roofs (typically painted green) fit well in the "Green Mountain State" and are worth it if they help prevent another bridge collapse.