I had heard about the covered bridge in Newfield; it was the oldest of its kind. Or was it the biggest? I could not remember exactly, but I seemed to recall it was something impressive for a covered bridge. But to be honest it never seemed thrilling enough to warrant a trip to see it. Just last weekend however, my husband and I took a drive in the countryside south of Ithaca. The earliest bursts of yellow-green leaves, a sign of things to come, could be seen dotting the rolling hillsides. We drove past u-pick apple orchards nestled in the valleys and farm-stands heavy with early fall produce, and soon we found ourselves in Newfield. A quaint town, incidentally with the most beautiful art deco elementary school building I’ve seen, Newfield is a quiet hamlet with a welcome sign that reads “Welcome to Newfield, Home of the Covered Bridge.” So we decided we should see this bridge while we were here.
In fact, it is the oldest covered bridge in daily use in New York State (I soon learned after reading about it). Built in 1853, it is also the only remaining covered bridge we have in Tompkins County (apparently there used to be three), and one of 24 remaining covered bridges (of 250 originally) in New York State. Some of the descendants from the craftsmen who built the bridge still live in Newfield today.
But why covered bridges, I wondered? Why go to the effort to cover a bridge? Two reasons: Covering a bridge protects it from the elements, and keeps the cost of preservation down because re-roofing a covered bridge every few decades is cheaper than building a new uncovered bridge. Secondly, in the 1800s covered bridges became popular gathering places for town events. It is a pretty impressive structure and beautiful construction. The distinctive diamond pattern, known as “Town lattice truss” is pinned together with trunnels or “tree rails.” With some reinforcements and loving care in the 1970s a drive across the bridge demonstrates its sturdiness.
Okay, okay, so maybe I was beginning to see why a visit to see the covered bridge in Newfield was worthwhile. In fact, there is even a New York State Covered Bridge Society dedicated to…you guessed it preserving covered bridges. Yes, that is right. A society for bridges. That are covered. In New York State. Well, if that club is not your cup of tea, at least take a weekend drive through Newfield on some sunny fall day and don’t forget to drive through this special bridge.
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