Bartram Covered Bridge:
Spanning History
Goshen & Boot Roads
Newtown Square, PA
By:
George D. Conn
Christopher P. Driscoll
Eric D. Gerst
Douglas P. Humes
Bartram Covered Bridge as it exists today on a Fall afternoon. Photo: George Conn
To those who, through the years, have recognized the significance, beauty, history and importance of preserving Bartram Covered Bridge
Copyright 2011 George D. Conn, Christopher P. Driscoll, Eric D. Gerst and Doug P. Humes,
All rights reserved.
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0196-6
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
For information about the Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society:
www.historicnewtownsquare.org Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 3
Newtown Square, PA 19073
For information about the Bartram Bridge Joint Preservation Board:
Email: [email protected]
On the front cover: A recent photo of Bartram Covered Bridge in the Fall. Photo: George Conn
Acknowledgments
It was a pleasure to write a book about Bartram Covered Bridge. The more that we researched, the more interesting the story became. The conclusion we came to: Bartram Covered Bridge is a jewel which has been saved by a community and needs to be preserved for our descendants. Its walls have witnessed decades upon decades of history. We have tried to chronicle this history. We hope that you enjoy the trip over the bridge.
We wish to first thank those in the community from the 1930’s to the present, who had the civic passion, foresight and the courage to speak out and act to restore Bartram Covered Bridge to life. Many are not here to receive our acknowledgments and thanks. We ask that their families receive our gratitude on their behalf.
Next, thanks to The Newtown Square Historical Preservation Society for sponsoring this book, and for the members, all volunteers, particularly the Bartram Bridge Joint Preservation Board, who have given lots of inspiration and hard work to preserve the historical icons in our midst. All proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward the future preservation of Bartram Covered Bridge. In addition to the authors, a number of local residents assisted as editorial staff including James Kisela, John Garvey, Kerk Farrell and Judith Radano. Janice Ramsay Elston and Sid Elston have been a tremendous resource assisting as advisors to the book. Selected artists’ work is included in this book and we appreciate their permission to use their work.
In addition we would like to thank the following: Diane Rofini (Librarian) and Pamela Powell (Photo Archivist) at Chester County Historical Society (West Chester, PA); Margaret Johnson at the Delaware County Historical Society (Chester and Media, PA), the Newtown and Willistown Township Board of Supervisors, Township Managers and staff; Jonathan Stayer and Josh Stahlman at the Pennsylvania State Archives, PA Historical & Museum Commission in Harrisburg, PA; Karen Marshall (Heritage Preservation Coordinator) at Chester County Parks & Recreation; Kim Bucklaw (Assistant Archivist) and Cliff Parker (Archivist) at the Chester County Archives & Records Department; Samuel Paley Library at Temple University (Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Archives); Tom Walczak (designer of Bartram Bridge patch), Robert Kuether and Jim Smedley at the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of PA; Jim Stanton of Newtown Square who has painted the bridge at his cost; and local historian Jack Grant of Newtown Square.
Sincerely,
George D. Conn, Christopher P. Driscoll, Eric D. Gerst and Douglas P. Humes
Introduction
First Needed, then cast aside, now preserved - this historical landmark tells the story of the unique American spirit. Built at the time of President Abraham Lincoln was elected, the bridge celebrated its 150th year in 2010.
The beginning chapters of the book will give you a detailed history of the period from 1860- 1940. It will explain why covered bridges were used, the planning and construction of Bartram Covered Bridge, how it got its name, and why the bridge is considered one of a kind in its design. It will also give you a history of the times in which the bridge was built, all the way up to 1941, when the bridge was closed forever to vehicles in the name of "progress".
The middle chapters of the book will give you a "living history" of the period 1941 to the present. They explain when the bridge "changed careers ", from transportation (part of the Pennsylvania Highway Transportation Network) to history (transformation through restoration and preservation into an historic landmark). It will also detail how the bridge has been witness to, and has
The Newtown side of the bridge portal just prior to restoration in 1996 (Left) . Source: Bartram Bridge Joint Preservation Board. After restoration in 1996 (Right). Photo: George Conn
endured and survived many events: Civil War political graffiti (the slogan "Lincoln - Save Union and Congress” is said to have been placed prominently in flowing letters on an interior arch of the bridge), vandalism, deterioration, decay, flood, blizzards, modern-day graffiti and carvings. It also adds an intriguing mystery - the interior graffiti carving of the words "John Boyer Was Killed Here", said to have been carved into the bridge in the late 1800s - murder on the bridge? It also has been the place of romance and marriage proposals. This section also presents an important lesson in democracy: how public citizens and local and state government can combine and mobilize with volunteer efforts and funds to preserve a landmark such as the Bartram Covered Bridge.
Near the end of the book there are a collection of rare archival photos, color photos and artwork of the bridge.
Included in the last section of the book are favorite memories of the Bridge provided by current and former residents, explaining how this historic small piece of land affected each of them. Romance, marriage proposals, fishing with the grandson, quiet reflections,