It is rare that I post a review while on vacation. Normally I like to get home, edit my pics, research some interesting facts to include in my review and determine the order of the reviews I will post. I’m just meticulous like that… LOL! However, after my early morning drive to view this beauty of a bridge I find myself wanting to share the experience right now! Bergstresser covered bridge is located in a lovely residential area along a bike path/walking trail. The bridge is strong, well preserved and could easily handle car traffic if it were allowed. The wooden floors are in great condition which was probably aided by the asphalt that once covered the floor surface. Remnants of the asphalt are still visible. The truss system is unlike any I’ve seen before using triple lattice crossbeams as support. The setting in which this bridge has been placed is attractive. Currently Ohio is experiencing record rains, but the results are lush green landscapes. Despite the heavy rains we experienced yesterday, the river flowing below the bridge was very calm and serene. I followed the trail to a beautifully landscaped park area with a willow tree, benches and a memorial stone. Throughout the area are loads of Blue Spruce trees! I forgot how much I love Spruce trees and this trip has inspired me to use them more in my landscapes designs. BRIDGEFACTS Year Built: 1887 Builder: Columbus Bridge Company Length: 134 feet Restored: 1991 Truss type: Partridge Location: Little Walnut Creek in Franklin County @ Kramer’s Ford The Historical Marker reads as follows: In March, 1887, the Franklin County Commissioners announced the building of a bridge in Madison Township over Little Walnut Creek at Kramer’s Ford. Area citizens had petitioned for a bridge to transport agricultural products to the canal and railroad. Michael Corbett of Groveport contracted to construct the abutments and the Columbus Bridge Company built the covered bridge for $ 2,690.00. Reuban L. Partridge, company vice president, supervised the building, using his patented truss system consisting of double and triple truss members constructed of pine and oak. In the 1930’s the road traveling over the bridge became State Route 674 and in the 1950s the road was redirected to bypass the covered bridge. In 1990, the county contracted with Abba Lichtenstein & Associates to evaluate the condition of the bridge. The W.J. Seidensticker Company repaired and restored the Bergstresser bridge using original and new materials. This, the last covered bridge in Franklin County, was rededicated September 1, 1991. At this time the ownership of the bridge was transferred to the Village of Canal Winchester. FINALTHOUGHTS This bridge was named after Daniel Bergstresser and Samuel Dietz who helped in the successful petitioning of the county commissioners board in the late 1800’s for a formal roadway/river crossing for use by local farmers & businesses. Once an important part of the local economy it now stands as a reminder of days long passed and as the last remaining bridge in Franklin County, Ohio. As a personal note to the residents of the area surrounding the bridge: I’d like to commend you on how well maintained your homes appear. I am a landscape/hardscape designer and I felt inspired by some of the landscapes I saw on nearby homes. I truly felt the pride of ownership and I just wanted to say keep up the great work.
