Notes from the Box- Somerset County Covered Bridges

This is a report of sorts from Somerset county, PA. The date on this is 1979 and was typed up and researched by my Grandfather's friend, Johnny Otto. If I would scan it, you wouldn't be able to see it. Age has made it yellowish, and it's hard to read, so I am retyping it.

Here's what it says:

This is a partial list of bridges and information printed in the Laurel Wessinger November 1963 with additional information and corrections added by John M. Otto. "Gone" bridges without information are deleted. This list is not for sale but compiled only for those interested in preserving our remaining covered bridges.

John M. Otto

The first bridge in Somerset County was built in the 1987 over Laurel Hill Creek near Bakersville, adjacent to an early Grist mill owned by William Jones.

in 1798 a second bridge was built over Laurel Hill Creek Down the stream on the Middle Road. Cost $283. Jacob Harbaugh, John Selmer Jr. Contractors.

Another bridge was built in 1798 over Coxes Creek at Ankey's mill, south of Somerset. Cost $140. Christian Ankeny, contractor.

In 1802 a second bridge was built over Coxes Creek at the east end of Somerset on the Bedford Turnpike (now Rt 31).

Kings Bridge 36-56-06 built 1806 over Laurel Hill Creek on the Old Clay Pike, This was a popular drovers Highway from Turkeyfoot to Bedford. Still standing at the original location along the south side of Rt 653. Now being used by owner John R King as a storage Shed. Length 188 feet.

In 1811 a bridge was built over Laurel Hill Creek At Bakersville, up stream from the one built at Wm. Jones' Mill. Peter Kimmel, Conrad Will, Contractors.

In 1815 a bridge was built over Castleman River at Harnedsville, cost $799. John Webster, John Answalt, Jacob Blocker, Jacob Ankeny contractors. It was washed out by a flood and in 1832 it was replaced by another bridge, (on old Rt 53) in 1832. Cost $900. John Mong, contractor.

In 1816 Schaff's bridge was built over Castleman River at Rockwood Cost $1350. John Answalt, John Webster, Jacob Ankeny, John Gebhert contractors, Washed out in a flood 1936.

In 1819 a bridge was built over the Castleman River at West Salisbury. COst $1075. John Answalt contractor. Bridge stood for 100 years.

Barronvale Bridge 36-56-03 Still standing and maintained as a historical Landmark. Built in 1828 and completed in 1830 over Laurel Hill creek at what was then Peter Kooser's Mill. Cost to County $300. Length 162 feet. Cassimer Cramer, Contractor. Remodeled and strengthened with bow string truss arches in 1845. Still standing North of Rt 653 Along LR 55149 at Barronvale.

In 1836 a bridge was built over Castleman River at Meyersdale. Cost $1000. Peter Meyers, contractor. Replaces with an iron Structure in 1899.

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In 1838 a bridge was built over Castleman River at Boynton, cost $1000. John Mong Contractor, replaced by an iron structure in 1903.

BEECHDALE or Althouse Bridge 38-56-01 Built in 1870 over buffalo Creek North of Farret off rt 219 Length 52 feet Still in use.

Glessner Bridge 38-56-08

built over Stony Creek Lenght 96 feet 1 mile north of Shanksville off lr 55068. Still in use

Lower Humbert Bridge 38-56-08

Built in 1891 over Laurel Hill Creek along lr 55030 south of Humbert. Length 125 feet Still in use.

Trostletown Bridge 38-56-10 built prior to Civil War over Stoney Creek just south of Rt 30 at Stoystown. Length 113 feet Formerly carried to RT 30. Repaired in 1959. Still Standing. closed to traffic.

Breathaking or Grady Bridge 38-56-07 built in 1880 over Stony Creek 1/2 mile west of Shanksville. Length 81 feet Fell into the stream and was removed in 1967.

Upper Humbert Bridge 38-56-04 Built in 1891 over Laurel Hill Creek north of Humbert off lr 55030. Length 109 feet Destroyed by arson in 1969.

Hay's bridge over Coxes Creek north of Rockwood. Lost in 1954 by a flood.

Glencoe Bridge at Goencoe, built over Wills Creek. Replaced by a concrete bridge in 1957

New Baltimore Bridge 38-56-09 Built over Raystown Brance of Junita River off lr 55051 in New Baltimore. Length 87 feet Still in use.

Packsaddle Bridge 36-56-02 built in 1870 over Brush Creek off lr 55005 north of Fairhope. Length 48 feet . Still in use.

Ben's Creek (or Sheffer) bridge 38-56-11. Built in 1877 over Ben's Creek at village of Ben's creek. Off east side of old rt 219. Length 68 feet. Still in use.

This is today's find from the map box! There are more goodies in the box! Stay tuned.