Saturday, May 16, 2009

Sulphite Upside Down Bridge Restoration

Railroad track on top of the Sulphite Upside Down Bridge


Photo of an original painting of the Sulphite Bridge during it's operation.

I tried taking a photo but the trees and brush made it hard...we hope to clear this area in the future.


Black and White Copy with title

Over the years, living in NH, I discovered a love for photographing covered bridges. Bob (my husband) and I have located, photographed, all but three covered bridges in the state of NH, the missing bridges are locate in northern NH, I hope to photograph this year to complete my collection. During our tour of the covered bridges I have found bridges restored, a few needing repair. One of the unusual bridges I have come across is Franklin's Sulphite Upside Down Bridge


This unusual bridge, built by the Bridge and Building Department of the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1896, appears to be the only deck-covered railroad bridge left in the United States. It was named Sulphite because of the large amounts of sulfur transported over the rail lines for use by the giant pulp and paper mills not far from the bridge. It is also known as the Upside Down Covered Bridge because the railroad track crosses over the top of the structure rather than running through its center.The Sulphite Bridge was believe to have been set on fire Oct. 27, 1980.


Recently I discovered, Fay Mahoney had a class reunion last year, part of her reunion her classmates hiked the Riverview Trail locating the bridge. After viewing the bridge, Fay decided it was time to restore a piece of history and has started a committee to earn funds to restore. Fay also mentioned, Upside Down Bridge is the only left in the world. The restoration could cost up to 500,000, huge undertaking but worth the hard work and effort to restore a piece of history. Funds are to augment money for grants. To receive grants the City must show an effort for this project by augmenting grant money with a percentage of funds from the city/bridge committee.


If you are interested in helping with the restoration of The Sulphite Bridge, you can write or email. The Sulphite Bridge, P O Box 319, Franklin 03235-0319, Email address: restore1896bridge@yahoo.com



2 comments:

Nancy said...

Those are neat photos! Thanks for telling the history.
I know Michelle loves shooting as many covered bridges as she can too!
There's something special about them.

Nancy

Rose said...

I'm originally from New England and I've had the opportunity to see some of these lovey covered bridges in the past.

Great photos, thanks for sharing.

Hugs, Rose