The Slowly Vanishing Relics of the Past
Covered bridges are slowly disappearing and experts
agree that at lest ten are demolished or destroyed by
floods every year. In Santa Cruz County, where the
most number of covered bridges still stand, it has
become part of the landscape and great efforts are
being taken to preserve them.
Though the exact number is actually just three (3),
they are stilled considered very important because
they all date back to the 1800s. According to records,
at one time there were more than a thousand covered
bridges all over the western states of the US, and
now, because of rapid commercialization and
development of new construction materials, covered
bridges are slowly disappearing.
The three remaining in Santa Cruz have gained
considerable popularity and historical significance
and therefore cannot be easily discarded. They have
come under the protection of the law and are
considered to be historical places fit for
preservation. The efforts of the counties to preserve
covered bridges for future generations to enjoy are
starting to pay off as more and more are being added
to the registry of historic places every year. To
maintain its historical integrity, renovation and
refurbishment projects are done using the same
materials and techniques employed during the time they
were built.
Covered bridges still have very practical purposes
these days. The walls and roofs on them can still
provide protection from extreme weather conditions
during winters and summers. Back in the early years of
covered bridges, they are usually used for a lot of
reasons; from sheltering weary travelers stuck because
of bad weather, to looking like barns to make the
crossing livestock more comfortable. These days the
same roofs and walls serve a more aesthetic purpose,
basically to add more personality to covered bridges
and make it seem more romantic.
In the past ten years, most of the covered bridges in
America were moved to private estates and gardens
where they used to create a more romantic feel, bigger
ones though are left where they stand since there are
moves to block the relocation of the more historic
ones. Covered bridges in private properties and
colleges ironically have more chances in surviving
because of the protection the local security provides.
Old ones in more rural wares are more susceptible to
vandalism and arson. Though protected by the
government, some historic covered bridges are located
so far from the towns that watching over them is
really difficult.
Covered bridges also represent the rustic charm of
small-town America. It triggers within most people a
romantic picture filled with sentimentality. There was
even a time when they were called “kissing bridges”
because it was a place where secret lovers could meet
to steal kisses from each other.
They are also being used for inspiration by
photographers to take the effort in locating them all
over America. Covered bridges also look really good
when photograph during autumn. The colored leaves and
the wooden bridge are so reminiscent of the covers of
love story books back in the 80’s. They are truly
special relics of early America that should be
preserved and maintained for the rich history they
represent.
Thanks to the awareness brought about by hobbyist and
historic preservationist, people are now more aware of
the beauty that these bridges posses. They remind
America of a time when life was simple and progress
took on a slow but steady pace. They are also symbols
of the ingenuity of the American carpenters and
engineers who first thought of covering bridges to
extend its lifespan. They are truly a part of American
history and should be preserved for America’s future
generations to enjoy.