Covered Bridges in Maine, 1956

Summary

In the days before weatherproofed lumber, siding and a roof protected a wooden bridge's truss system and kept its structural timbers dry. Despite this purely practical design, covered bridges had nostalgic appeal. Decades after their utility faded, tourists sought out surviving examples. Some states featured covered bridges in marketing campaigns, erected signage, and developed tours to facilitate sightseeing.

In the days before weatherproofed lumber, siding and a roof protected a wooden bridge's truss system and kept its structural timbers dry. Despite this purely practical design, covered bridges had nostalgic appeal. Decades after their utility faded, tourists sought out surviving examples. Some states featured covered bridges in marketing campaigns, erected signage, and developed tours to facilitate sightseeing.

Artifact

Brochure

Date Made

1956

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

89.0.633.40

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Multicolored

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More