AA-2026-A0919D
On the image
Engineers in an earlier era understood that wood rots. Their solution for bridges was to build a house over the top, believing this practical protection would ensure their longevity without considering the upkeep. Decades later, these structures became picturesque relics, quaint symbols of a time when solutions were simpler and often painted bright red. This one appears to be enduring, as designed.
The photographer, in the 1970s, has captured this particular example framed by an abundance of summer foliage, perhaps believing the obstructed view added to its rustic charm. It suggests a time when finding such a bridge was an event worth framing, even if the framing itself needed work. This kind of rural Americana was highly valued, even if it meant squinting through the trees to see it.
The historian's note
Covered bridges, once a common sight across North America, were engineered to protect their wooden structural components from weather and extend their lifespan. The roof and siding prevented rain and snow from prematurely decaying the timber trusses and deck.
By the 1970s, many of these bridges had been replaced by more modern, maintenance-free steel or concrete structures. Those that remained were often preserved for their historical and aesthetic value, becoming local landmarks and popular subjects for photography and tourism.
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Visually related — by likeness
Red Covered Bridge Through Trees, 1970s. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-A0919D. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/red-covered-bridge-through-trees-1970s.
@misc{aaAA2026A0919D,
title = {Red Covered Bridge Through Trees, 1970s},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-A0919D},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/red-covered-bridge-through-trees-1970s}
}TY - ART TI - Red Covered Bridge Through Trees, 1970s PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-A0919D UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/red-covered-bridge-through-trees-1970s ER -
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