The Covered Bridge of Blenheim, NY, was the longest single span wooden bridge in the world. The bridge was built in 1855 by Nichols Powers of Vermont. He designed a bridge of three trusses with huge pine timber posts, braces and counter braces bolted together. The center truss was higher than the two outside ones, and in this center truss he enclosed a single arch of oak which reaches from below the lower chord on up to the ridgepole at the peak of the roof . It was really three concentric arches, one on top of another. The covered portion of the bridge was 232 feet long, the trusses 228 feet and the clear span of 210 feet between abutments. It was one of only six covered bridges with two lanes. The bridge width was 26 feet.
In 2011, Tropical Storm Irene created flood waters in the Schoharie Creek, and sent them crashing into the bridge,
scattering its timbers downstream for miles. Stephen Kowalski, "The Mayor of North Blenheim", told me that the flood waters also obliterated his home on the Creek's bank, and that he is one of the people who have been dedicated to The Rebirth of The Bridge.
Five days since I last talked to him, I am still trying to confirm The Mayor's actual involvement with the bridge, but this much I can tell you....
I drove by Kowalski's garage in North Blenheim this past Sunday, knowing he was closed. But I saw the door to his office ajar, and doubled back. Sticking my nose in, I saw him lighting up a Marlboro. "I'm closed," he said, bluntly. Everything Kowalski said was stated bluntly, to the point. "but C'mon in."
The Mayor (he insists on being addressed this way) ushered me into the bay area, where he had set up a socializing table and chairs; not much room for cars. "I don't do much work, anymore."
Kowalski said that he cherishes the mish-mash of odd and ends that adorned the garage, and this photo of a Grand Ballroom is a favorite:
He stated that he found it in a dumpster; clearly , we have something in common.
There were seeming contradictions, a "last known picture" of Jim Morrison,
...and Nixon with Tricia:
He explained that Nixon ended the draft, saving his ass from a bullet in Vietnam. We have another thing in common.
Another cigarette later, Kowaski noted with pride that he is also a Justice Of The Peace, so he occasionally weds couples, sometimes right there in his garage. That's him on the right, presiding.
Glancing out the window, I noticed a massive wood timber project going on. It was The Bridge.
Kowalski explained that, after a great deal of controversy, the Blenheim Covered Bridge is being reborn at a cost of $5.8 million, and that his involvement has been crucial.
Upcoming soon: the rebuild project.
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