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Covered Bridge Series #1 LbNA #34261

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 19, 2007
Location:
City:Swanzey
County:Cheshire
State:New Hampshire
Boxes:1
Planted by:The Goodwin Guild
Found by: Sagacorn
Last found:Oct 13, 2019
Status:FFFFFFFFFFaFFFFFFFF
Last edited:Aug 19, 2007
Swanzey's four covered bridges have carried generations across the meandering Ashuelot River and its tributaries to homes, farms, or work in Swanzey's mills and today, its diverse businesses. We like to cross the river in this old fashioned way. We take a moment to admire the scenery, and wave at the passing motorist. In this town of 7200, we know our neighbors, and we care about them.

Steadfast and unassuming, the covered bridges symbolize the rural character of our town. Tradition is strong in Swanzey: If it works, we choose to stick with it. At the same time, interesting people and innovation always are welcome. Receptiveness to change keeps our community vibrant.

If you already live or work in Swanzey, thank you for making the town a better place. If you are considering a visit, we all look forward to getting to know you.

What a great place to leave a letterbox and the first in our Covered Bridge Series!
CLUES TO THE BOX
Park in the small parking area next to the covered bridge. Your treasure awaits you tucked away between the first two stones of the wall leading up to the bridge. Summertime would yield high grass and possibly poison ivy...so beware when attempting this box.

Please be careful of all the cars passing by and HIDE this box well...this is a heavily trafficked area by foot and by car. There is a lovely picnic table to sit and stamp in at.
Visit the Thompson, Carlton and Slate bridges to find the other 3 boxes in this series!

HISTORY:
Location: Swanzey, NH - One mile north of N.H. Route 32 near the site of an old Indian community on Sawyer’s Crossing Road in Swanzey. It spans the Ashuelot River.
Style of Bridge: Town lattice truss
Year of Construction: Built in 1859 to replace a bridge constructed prior to 1771. The bridge underwent major renovations in 1996.
Original Cost: 1771 - 53 pounds, six shillings.

Historical Remarks: According to the History of Swanzey by Benjamin Read, this structure is also known by the name Sawyer’s Crossing Bridge. The bridge was reconstructed in 1859 at a cost of $1,735.94. The event was celebrated with a big dance held right on the bridge. Lanterns were hung from the rafters, a four piece orchestra played, lunch was served at midnight, and the dance continued all night. In 1953 the bridge was used by Arthur Godfrey as a tie-in with a Chesterfield cigarette Christmas carton. In response, Governor Hugh Gregg flew to New York to present Mr. Godfrey with an honorary deed to the bridge making him an owner. The Sawyer’s Crossing/Cresson Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.