Historical Wyoming County July 1956 - Old Fulton History

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Page 100 July 1956 COVERED BRIDGE DAYS (cont.) that the roof afforded protection from heavy fall of snow that might have endangered the structure0 Certainly during a storm they afforded welcome relief from the elements and if one were forced to travel on a night errand it was a secure spot to cross a stream,, Some bridges had siding up several feet from the .floor and then left a narrow band open to admit light and allow the circulation of the air„ In the days when farmers used large sleoa and sleighs for winter hauling and fancy cutters were common for speedier travel,, the roof of the bridge protected the floor and no snow fell inside unless a little was blown in during a storm. Seldom was there enough to give a sled or cutter traction over the bare boards0 To overcome this obstacle,, it was the usual practice for farmers living in the vicinity of a bridge to haul snow in and spread it over the floor deep enough to permit a vehicle with runners to pass through,, This was knoxm in those days as "snowing the bridge„" Detailed accounts of bridge construction are available,, Very briefly,, the heavy timbers of these bridges were erected in different designs to form the truss on each bridge and this truss held up the loaded vehicles0 There are numerous and intricate types of trusses, Old time builders put bridges across streams 100 feet ormore with no support other than the stone bridge scats or abutments at each end of the span0 In many areas oak timbers were preferred because of their great strength,, The contractor figured the size of the timbers needediand then doubled it for safetyQ Structures were built with a camber which gave a slight convexity and added to the strength,, Often this camber has remained perfectly visible throughout the lifetime of the bridge although some authorities claim the structure eventually settled and the bridge floor became level,, The truss for each side was put together on land0 After the construction of supporting timbers for a bent and a catwalk, the trusses were skidded across the stream by manpower, often 100 men or so, with the possible help of oxen or horses,, The trusses were held in verticle position by ropes well anchored at each end and when in place were firmly morticed together with cross timbers at the topP and in due time, a siding, roof and floor were completed,, The skill of construction and the soundness of even ancient timbers is a tribute to those who erected these spans„ That they have survived to our time makes them of even more historic interest0 Writers have delighted in recalling the "romantic"phases of covered bridge history * S> -me have ever, been called "kissing bridges. " Young loversj, enroute ho/e on a moonlight night from a dance, party or spelling bee at a nearby school house, were quite certain to pause beneath the friendly shelter for a little spooning. If "Old Dobbin"were well trained he might voluntarily slow down as he pulled the vehicle through the narrow aisle of the bridge. On the other hands we can picture sleighs, drawn by spirited horses, cruising through at a speed faster than the legal "walk." Long and dark bridges must have suggested to lone travelers the possibility that a highwayman might be lurking for victims within its' shadow. (continued on page 101)
July 1956 Page 1? 5 COVERED BRIDGE DAYS (cont.) Literature abounds with mention of the rattle and rumble of farm vehicles and buggies as they passed over the loose planks„ In the stillness of the night these noises would carry long distances. Among the rafters and timbers the robins and the barn swallows built nestso Large loads of hay rubbed the sides of the bridge and wisps of hay would remain hanging,, Advertising signs advised travelers of remedies that would cure man or beast, of salves, linaments, cough syrups, corn cures, tobacco, coffee and shoes. Like horse sheds, the walls announced forthcoming circuses and fairs» Beneath the bridge was often the best place for a young fisherman to drop his bent pin hook or for the boys to go swimming,often minus all clothes0 It was a place to play enroute to and from school, and on rainy days it was a wonderland of timbers to be climbed and nests of birds and insects to be explored,, Within the quietness of the bridge on a dry summer's day one could study the dusty shafts of sunlight through the cracks as they sketched a pattern on the floor or opposite wall0 w Q u Under the sponsorship of the Castile Historical Society, Dre Charles E.Bartlett has authored a most fascinating brochure entitled The Boyd-Parker Story, Groveland Ambuscade, September 1779,published at Perry in Marche This twelve-page guide to the climax of the Sullivan campaign against the Senecas is intended to entice motorists and historians to retrace the very route which the army took from Conesus Lake to Cuylerville. We can think of few more rewarding experiences than a start at Conesus village, Dr. Bartlett's book in hand, and piloting your car across the hills and valleys westward to the Genesee. He has given specific directions as to historical markers,military episodes that occurred at each spot, and has called attention to geographical features one should note. With a specially prepared map replete with historical jottings, you have a perfect guidebook. A beautiful job of printing, the booklet includes a brief story of the event, highlighted by quotations from original sources0 It is a publication that should be much in demand throughout this region and reflects the profound scholarship and true " historical perspective of the author. The Castile Historical Society, founded in 1952, thus adds another laurel to its crown of accomplishmentso .It has sponsored two editions of St. Helena, Ghost Town of the Genesee, 1797-195i+s b 7 Marion Piper Willey and Mildred Lee A nderson| the Life of Mary Jemison, a narrative poem by Margaret Bradt Sutherland, and the basis of the annual pageant in Letchworth Park; and now presents Dre Bartlett's volume,, It has maintained a museum in the former carriage house of Mr. & Mrs. L. R. Witt, and plays host at a "History Center" for researchers in the Historian, home of Mrs. Katherine Barnes, Town
Page 1 and 2: » * Vol. IX July 1956 No. 4 Arcade
Page 3: July 1956 Page 1? 5 COVERED BRIDGE
Page 7 and 8: July 1956 Page 1? 5 A REVOLUTIONARY
Page 19 and 20: July 1956 Page 1? 5 MILESTONES (con
Page 21 and 22: July 1956 MEMORIES OP PEARL CREEK (
Page 23 and 24: July 1956 Page 1? 5 St. Clement's E
Page 25 and 26: * July 1956 Page 1? 5 BURDICK BURGH
Page 27 and 28: f i ? July 1956 Page 1? 5 HENSHAW H
Page 29 and 30: July 1956 Page 1? 5 ST. CLEMENT'S E
Page 31 and 32: July 1956 Page 1? 5 TAYLOR TIBBITS

Historical Wyoming County July 1956 - Old Fulton History

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