Kissing Bridges In Bedford County

We have strived to make this list as accurate as possible. If we have omitted a covered bridge or have given wrong facts about a certain bridge, we apologize as we did not state them intentionally. The error may be traced to the wrong information obtained from those who thought they were actually giving us true facts.

We certainly hope this is a complete and accurate history of our native bridges for future generations to study and enjoy.

We must explain that all references to bridges crossing the 'Juniata' is in reality meant to be the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River.

One of the most famous covered bridge builders was Theodore Burr. He developed and patented a design for construction and bracing a bridge that was superior to other methods. Most of the bridges are classified as 'Burr Truss designs'. Another type was the King method.

In the past 15 years a strong appeal has been made to preserve these mute reminders of yester years. One of the strongest promoters fighting to preserve our covered bridges is the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania, Inc., organized in May 1959.

Because of strong appeals, the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1959 passed Act 499, which permits County Commissioners to use public funds for the preservation and restoration of historic properties. Also, Act 410, which is an amendment to the Second Class Township code, gives the Township Supervisors the same privilege granted the County Commissioners in the process of spending monies for the upkeep and restoration of landmarks and structures.

For a moment, let's stop and look at the history of the covered bridge from the beginning. Archaeologists and historians seem to agree that the first covered bridge was probably built across the Euphrates River in Babylon during the reign of Nitocris in or about 783 B.C. In the latter part of the sixteenth century trusses were being used to support the structures built over rivers. Two Italian architects invented bridges with a cover.

The reason for placing a roof over a bridge appears to be for protecting the timbers, the many joints and splices and the ends that rest on stone foundations from the elements of the weather, thus preventing them from decay. Another reason seems to be that horses had a fear of going over water on structures erected at a height above water, thus by enclosing the bridge, the horse was prevented from seeing what was under it.

The publication, 'Register of Pennsylvania' of June 28, 1828, stated "The wooden bridges of Pensylvania are unrivaled in numbers, in magnitude, and in scientific boldness of design. They have been adopted as models for similar structures in several parts of Europe where timber bridges are required."

From what we are able to learn by making personal trips to the original sites and making numerous telephone calls to citizens of the county, we believe there were at least seventy four covered bridges in Bedford County built over our streams in the past one-hundred and twenty-five years. Only fifteen remain today. The others are gone.

Many of our county bridges were destroyed by the '36 flood. Others were by-passed when roads were relocated and thus left for the elements of time to take their toll. Several were destroyed by fire. Bedford County had its high waters in the Pumpkin flood in 1846, the Johnstown flood of 1889 and other flash floods in the past years. The Bedford Gazette, dated March 27, 1936, reported "thirty seven bridges out. Twenty-five under State care are out. Sixteen will require a great deal of repair. Seven main roads were affected. " The Bedford Inquirer published April 3, 1936, reported "Bedford County had seventeen bridges either demolished or damaged beyond repair."

We were quite surprised to find many bridges were never identified by names. Usually they were identified by the name of the farmer whose land adjoined or surrounded the bridge or the same name as the creek or stream over which it crossed. Where two or more bridges without names existed, we identified them as bridge number 1 or number two.

The following covered bridges are still in existence:

CLAYCOMB, located near Reynoldsdale in East St. Clair Township on route 05099. It was built in 1880, and is 120 feet long. It has a Burr truss and crosses Bobs creek. This bridge is township owned.

SNOAKES, is about one mile north of the present fish hatchery in East St. Clair Township on 578 route. It is 80 feet long and passes over Bobs Creek. It is county owned.

BOWSER, is the third bridge over Bobs creek in East St. Clair township. It is on route 575. This bridge is 97 feet long and of Burr construction. It is county owned.

KNISELY, now a privately owned bridge is in West St. Clair township. It is located about two-hundred yards south of route 56 and two miles east of Alum Bank. It crosses Dunnings creek. Its length is about 75 feet and is kept in a good state of repairs.

RYOT, also crosses Dunnings creek. It is located about two miles south of the Knisely bridge on route 559. This bridge is 81 feet long and has a warning on the end that all persons crossing it faster than a walk are subject to a fine of $5.00. County owned.

NEW PARIS, privately owned, is located about one-half mile north of the Boro line on route 96. It is 71 feet long and crosses Dunnings creek. This bridge has been in very poor condition, machinery used to be stored in it. It is a Burr construction.

COIVIN or SHILIER, crosses Shawnee creek on route 443 about two miles south of Schellsburg. It is in Napier township and county maintained. This bridge was damaged by the '36 flood, but later repaired and opened to traffic. A terrible accident took place in this bridge years ago. A negro man, Daniel Young, on his way home from making purchases in Schellsburg was killed. There are two versions as to how it happened. One, the horse was frightened by a bicycle rider, the other was that the holding back strap of the harness broke as the buggy was decending a small steep hill, thus causing it to run into the horses legs. In order to keep away from the buggy the horse was forced to run as fast as it could. There is a sharp turn in the road as it approaches the bridge. The speed of the horse caused the buggy to crash into the bridge throwing the rider into the supports, killing him instantly.

HALL'S MILL, is county owned. It crosses Yellow creek just a short distance from the village of Yellow Creek. It is Burr construction and built in 1892. The length is 95 feet long and is on route 528. It is the only one remaining in Hopewell township.

JACKSON'S MILL, also known as BARNHART'S bridge is located in East Providence Township on route 412. It is 97 feet long and Burr truss. It was first opened for use on July 3,1889. This bridge crosses Brush creek, south of Breezewood. Rohm and Jarns were the builders. The cost was $675. The county maintains it.

McDANIELS, one-hundred and sixteen foot span crosses Brush creek on the East and West Providence township line. It is located on route 419, near Mench. It was built in 1871 of Burr trusses. It is no longer in use.

WIILLIAMS, currently called TURNER'S bridge crosses the Juniata River on route 418. The southern end is in Harrison Township and the other is in Napier Township. It is 78 feet long and Burr construction. It can be seen from route 81, four miles west of Mann's Choice.

HEWITT, is located in Southampton township and crosses Town creek about six miles south of Chaneysville on route 305. It is 79 feet long, Burr truss and county owned.

HERIINE, state owned, is on the township lines of Harrison and Napier, about two miles north-west of Mann's Choice. It crosses the Juniata river on route 05098. The span is 130 feet, the longest of the bridges in the county that is still in use. It was built 1902.

PAIO AITO crosses Gladdens run on route 05007 about eight miles south of Hyndman. It is in Londonderry Township. Built in 1880 of Burr truss.

FEITON'S MILL, bridge is privately owned. It is in East Providence township on route 05021. The length is 100 feet and Burr construction. It is over Brush creek and the date of construction is 1892. The bridge is closed to traffic.

The following covered bridges are but memories to those who still remember them and history to all who were born after they were destroyed.

The JUNIATA or UNION bridge was located at the intersection of route 31 and the road leading to New Baltimore. It crossed the Juniata river at the extreme western section of Bedford County in Juniata Township. After the road to New Baltimore was relocated it was torn down by local residents.

The bridge near Kegg was called the BOYLAN or HILLEGASS. It was in Juniata Township. This bridge was dismantled after route 31 became a state road and a new cement bridge was constructed.

DIEHI’S, was located on route 05038, near highway 31 in Juniata township. It was about two miles east of the Hillegass, and also crossed the Juniata. The span was 88 feet and was built in 1892. It was torn down when the road was relocated.

The MOWRY, crossed the Juniata about one mile east of the Diehl bridge, where the Dew Drop Inn is located. This Juniata township bridge was replaced by a large cement structure.

EGOIF'S bridge was located at the intersection of 96 and 31 about two miles west of Mann's Choice. It crossed the Juniata in Harrison Township. The length was 96 feet.

One of the oldest bridges in the south-western part of the county was the KINTON. It was a large double lane construction, built about 1800. It, too, was in Harrison township about two miles north of Manns Choice on what is now routes 96 and 31. Originally this roadway was called the Wheeling Turnpike, later the Glade pike. It was named after a local resident, Thomas Kinton, who lived nearby in 1795.

Not many remember the BURNS bridge, also a double lane on route 30, then known as the Iincoln Highway. It was about two miles west of Schellsburg in Napier township over Shawnee creek. It was replaced by a cement bridge about the time of World War 1.

An odd thing about this bridge was the fact that the heavy planks on the floor were never fastened with nails or pegs. When the first automobiles crossed through it, the noise could be heard quite some distance away.

The bridge at WOLFSBURG was also a double lane which lead into a single lane iron bridge. Both bridges were vacated when the highway was relocated around the village. It was located in Bedford Township and crossed the Juniata. It was destroyed by the '36 flood.

Travelers going east had to cross the bridge at the NARROWS. Actually there were two covered bridges here. The first one, we are told, collapsed when a heavy wagon attempted to cross through it. The driver was able to save himself by holding onto the reins of the team as the horses made a dash to safety. We were unable to obtain any data as to when it was built or when it collapsed.

Bridge number two was built a short time later, however it stood for only a few years when some individual or individuals hauled a load of hay into the center and set fire to the material. The entire structure was destroyed. Many believed the reason for its destruction was due to enforcement of collecting tolls on everyone who used the highway and bridge. The Bedford Gazette, published Dec. 5, 1902, contained an item that the Covered Bridge at the Narrows was burned Dec. 4,1902. The Chambersburg-Bedford Turnpike had the bridge partly covered by insurance. Twenty-two telegraph lines were destroyed by the flames of the bridge.

The Tollgate keeper, Mr. Giffin, found a printed notice nailed to the side of the house notifying him and a Mr. Stiffler, who lived in an adjoining house to vacate or they would be blown to Hell for the way he has "sucked the blood money from the citizens who tried to get justice in our Courts." The note said "we like you and your family, but toll business must stop. "

The news item called this the work of the "White Caps." Apparently the group failed in the courts for what they termed justice, thus this was the only recourse they had to retaliate.

There are a few old pictures still in existence of this bridge. After this second bridge was destroyed, a large iron structure was erected. It, too, was torn down after the present cement bridge was built. All these bridges crossed the Juniata two miles east of Bedford. Township lines of Bedford and Snakespring went through the centers.

The UPPER EARLSTON bridge was located at the western end of Everett Borough. This old bridge crossed the Juniata. It withstood the raging flood waters of 1889 but was destroyed by the 1936 flood. We have no statistical data on this bridge.

Some Everett residents believe the LOWER EARLSTON Bridge was a covered one. It was located at the eastern part of the Borough business section. Its date of erection, dimensions or when it was replaced, is unknown.

The BURKETT Bridge also crossed the Juniata in East Providence township on legislative road 05089. The 1936 flood destroyed it as well as a nearby Woy bridge. There are some who are under the impression that the latter is also a covered bridge. However a local resident very definitely confirmed that it was an iron structure. We have no other data on the Burket bridge.

The most unusual bridge and perhaps the most famous Covered bridge in the county was the JUNIATA CROSSINGS, located about two miles west of Breezewood on the Lincoln Highway. It was erected in 1818 in East Providence by the Chambersburg-Bedford Turnpike Company. The entire length over the Juniata was 368 feet. According to history, it was originally a two lane structure, however an ice jam damaged the eastern half many years ago. When this section was repaired, only a single lane remained erected. The Turnpike's records of this old bridge were destroyed in the great fire of Chambersburg June 30, 1864 when General Jubal Early commanded General McCausland to burn the town or be given $100,000 in gold.

When the Turnpike was condemned by the Court of Bedford County in 1901, this covered bridge's maintenance was placed upon the County. However, the Sproul Highway Act of 1911 placed the bridge under the State's jurisdiction.

This continued until 1929 when a new bridge was planned and erected several hundred feet below the old bridge. The old covered bridge stood as a memorial until March 1936 when the flood waters demolished it.

It's our opinion from our survey that Hopewell Township has more history in covered bridges than any other area in the County. It had more bridges over Yellow creek and Juniata than any other township.

From what we can gather, it appears there were at least six different bridges at Hopewell since about 1840. We understand the first was an open wooden bridge. Number two and three were covered. One of these was destroyed by the 'Pumpkin flood of 1846, while number four was taken away by the 'Johnstown flood of 1889'. Number five was ruined by the '36 flood. Number six is the current bridge which stands today. All these bridges crossed the Juniata.

CYPHER bridge number one over the Juniata was erected in 1874 and destroyed by a flash flood in 1900. A story given to me by a local resident is that a George Rinard then a boy of about 14 years and his father were driving a four-horse wagon on this road when a terrible storm broke. They sought shelter in the bridge. The waters came up so quickly that the bridge collapsed. Both father and son saved themselves, although the boy suffered a broken leg. He walked with a limp until his death.

CYPHER bridge number two was erected within a short time. This remained until the '36 disaster. Both bridges were about 110 feet long and were on route 05056.

There were two bridges at the village of Yellow Creek. Number one was located on route 26 near the Robert Smith School building. This was called the UPPER STEELTOWN. The LOWER STEELTOWN bridge was near the Gorsuch store. It was 90 feet long and built in 1872 on route 05059. Both crossed Yellow creek.

REED'S or HEISTER'S bridge was 90 feet long. It was erected in 1882, on route 05057 about one and one-half miles south-west of Hopewell.

The second bridge on this same road, locally called the Plank road was the KEIFMAN which was built in 1875 with a length of 90 feet.

The third bridge on this same road was called RAMAGE. We have no data on this one.

The last bridge on this road was known as the HOPEWELL. It was 80 feet long and erected in 1874.

Another bridge which crossed Yellow creek was the EICHELBERGER. This bridge was destroyed by the 1936 flood. Half floated down stream for some distance while the other part lodged in some trees nearby.

The bridge crossing Yellow creek at the eastern end of LOYSBURG GAP was also called Jack's corner. This small bridge was located on route 868 in Hopewell township. It was replaced by a concrete-steel structure.

The RIDDLESBURG bridge over the Juniata in Broad Top Township was destroyed by the Johnstown flood of 1889. It was replaced by a narrow iron bridge, which in turn was replaced by the present cement.

The only bridge we could locate in Liberty-township was called the RHODES bridge. It was torn down in the 1930's.

HUGHES STATION bridge was located in Bedford Township. It was 90 feet long, a Burr truss and built in 1878 over Dunnings creek on route 05051 leading to Imlertown.

YOUNT'S STATION was also in Bedford Township. It was 123 1/2 feet long, of Burr truss and built over Dunnings creek in 1875 on route 05048 toward Imlertown.

BIG CREEK bridge was in Monroe township, near Robinsonville on route 05085. It was built over Sideling Hill creek in 1881. Burr construction.

The DIEHL Bridge was also in Monroe township. It was erected over Chapman's run in 1882. It was about 75 feet long and King type construction.

The HOCKENBERRY or MENCH Bridge was on the township line of East and West Providence. It was on route 05094, built in 1902 over Shaffer creek. Its 90 foot span was the Burr type.

Route 05031 leading to Gapsville in East Providence Township had the LAYTON Bridge. It crossed over Brush creek with a span of 65 feet. It was built around 1889 with the King type reinforcement. This bridge is near Rohm's mill.

The PRICE or WEIMER Bridge was built in 1902 in West Providence Township. It is on route 05114, Burr truss 121 feet long.

As far as we can learn, only one bridge was located in Colerain township. This was located at the small community of OTT TOWN from which it derived its name. It was 64 1/2 feet long, and passed over Cove creek. Route 05035 passed through it. The date of erection was 1887. This bridge was damaged by the 1936 flood, and later was torn down when the road was relocated.

Near Bard. on route 05025 was located the MAY bridge. This little bridge 45 feet long crossed over Little Wills creek. It was built in 1881 and torn down in 1955. The townshlp line of llarrison and Juniata is here.

The MARKEL Bridge is on the township line of East and West Providence. It crossed over Shaffer run on legislative road 05009 leading to Mattie. Its length was 44 feet.

There were two bridges in the CHANEYSVILLE area. Since neither one seemed to have a name, we must identify them as number one and two. Bridge number one crossed over Sweet Root creek. It was only 34 feet long. Highway or route 05329 passed through it. The date of its erection was 1878.

Bridge two on route 05595 crossed over Town creek. It was built in 1892 and 60 feet in length.

Several miles below Bard on route 96 at an area known as GRAVEL PIT was located a covered bridge which crossed over Wills creek. It was in Londonderry township. The length was 59 feet and a King type construction. It was destroyed by the '36 flood.

COOKS MILL bridge crossed Gladdens Run on route 05121 in Londonderry Township. It was about 50 feet long. The Bedford Gazette of March 27, 1936 reported this bridge was damaged by the flood. When the highway was relocated, a modern cement bridge was built. The old covered bridge was torn down in the 1950's.

At the opposite end of the County in King Township, located on the road, route 380, from Imler to Weyant, was the BARKLEY Bridge. It crossed Scrub Grass creek. We have no date of its destruction.

In Snakespring Township a large covered bridge, located at LUTZVILLE, crossed the Juniata. Route 05036 passed through it. It was a victim of the 1936 flood. We have no information on when it was built.

The RED Bridge was located in Bedford township at the north end of the village of Cessna. It crossed Dunnings creek. The flood of 1936 caused its death. We have no date when it was built.

The WHITE bridge was located about one-half mile north of Cessna in East St. Clair township. It was erected over Oppenheimer run. Old route 220 went through it until the highway was relocated. It was removed shortly after the change.

The bridge at GREENFIELD, near the Blair County line in Kimmel Township was a 1936 flood victim. It crossed the Beaverdam stream on route 4833.

Between Osterburg and Reynoldsdale on route 05060 stood the ACKER Bridge. It crossed Bobs creek in East St. Clair township.

Also on this same route and township at REYNOLDSDALE a large bridge was taken away by the '36 flood. It was in the village of Reynoldsdale over Bobs Creek.

Union township had only one bridge. This covered structure was located just south of the town of Pavia. The people in the community called it the WHITE Bridge. It crossed Bobs Creek on route 869. The bridge was removed after the highway was relocated prior to the '36 flood.

A covered bridge stood near the OSTERBURG STATION in King Township. It crossed a small stream called Trout run on route 380. It was torn down after the '36 flood.

CLEAR CREEK Bridge crossed over the stream of the same name in West Providence Township on route 26, about one mile south of Everett Borough. The bridge was removed when the road was relocated over the stream.

There were three bridges in Cumberland Valley Township. All of them crossed Evitts Creek and were on route 05006. The first one was located a short distance east of Centerville. The second was several miles to the south near the Mineral Springs church. It collapsed a few years ago when a heavy piece of equipment attempted to cross over it. This bridge was 66 feet in length and Burr construction. The Fellowship Bridge was located where the breast of Lake Gordon now stands. The bridge was removed when the dam was built.

CLARKS Bridge in Monroe Township crossed Chapman's run on route 05021 a short distance from Clearville. This was torn down years ago, thus we have no information other than it existed.

The Covered Bridge

If I could speak through all these years

And tell of brawny hands that formed me:

The toil, yet love of labor from those who cared

To do a job so well I would stand a century.

From inside my heavy beamed walls

The weary traveler waited out the storm

While team stood pawing on the oaken floor

Until the sun broke through as if the earth's newborn.

Little red boots were stomped free of heavy snow

As children marched through on winter days

McGuffey Reader and Blue Back spelling book

Were telltale signs of wisdom, soon to graze.

Now, I am a-symbol of an age that's past

No one seems to care about repair:

The traveler, boots and reader are no more

Weathered and old, I stand in stark despair.

– Leon Rawlings

Reprinted from "Good Old Days" magazine, published and copyrighted by Tower Press, Inc. Seabrock, N.H.