The Rishel Covered Bridge Is Back is a photograph by Gene Walls which was uploaded on July 16th, 2013.
The Rishel Covered Bridge Is Back
The iconic Rishel Covered Bridge has finally been returned to its former glory. It is a beautiful sight to see!... more
by Gene Walls
Title
The Rishel Covered Bridge Is Back
Artist
Gene Walls
Medium
Photograph
Description
The iconic Rishel Covered Bridge has finally been returned to its former glory. It is a beautiful sight to see!
This historic treasure has survived the violent onslaught of several hurricanes and many floods over the last 182 years. In the fall of 2011, the Susquehanna River Valley in central Pennsylvania had experienced the wettest year in recorded history. After an extremely rainy spring and summer, this old bridge was subjected to two incredibly destructive storms, one right after the other. Those terrible hurricanes were named Irene and Lee. The bridge was very badly damaged. It was actually moved off of its foundation, lost many of the side boards and several critical structural members were damaged. The bridge had to be closed immediately afterward because it was no longer safe. I have been visiting the Rishel regularly, especially since it was damaged, to see if it could possibly be saved.
This is the last local covered bridge to be restored after the floods of 2011. You are viewing the famous Rishel Covered Bridge, located near Montandon, Pennsylvania, USA. I was thrilled to find that this great historical landmark had just been fully repaired. The work had been completed only a few days before my recent visit on July 12th, 2013.
It warmed my heart to see this great old bridge opened to traffic again. The span now has a brand new deck, reinforced concrete buttresses, repointed stonework, repaved ramps and a beautiful fresh coat of traditional red paint. The Rishel Covered Bridge never looked better!
The Rishel Bridge was originally built by John Shriner and Zacheus Braley. It was constructed between 1825 and 1830. This bridge is located just east of Montandon, Pennsylvania on state RT-45 (just a few minutes from Lewisburg, PA). It is on Covered Bridge Road where it crosses the Chillisquaque Creek. It is one of the oldest covered bridges in the United States. Once again, it is open to normal daily traffic.
The Montandon / Rishel Covered Bridge was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places on August 8, 1979. (Reference Number 79002310)
This photo was captured with a Canon EOS 5D camera body through a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L Zoom lens, at the 17mm focal length. The shutter speed was 1/100th sec at f/8, ISO 400.
Your comments are always welcome! Constructive criticism is appreciated.
© 2013 Gene Walls
Uploaded
July 16th, 2013
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Comments (6)
Michael Mazaika
Just visited this one a few years ago and work with a fellow originally from this area who believes his ancestors are a namesake for this covered bridge. Tough to photograph but a great piece of PA history. Well done, Gene. - Mike (V)
Gene Walls replied:
Yes, all the property around the bridge is posted, making it nearly impossible to get good composition. The Rishel was closed for more than a year after Irene & Lee... but it's right as rain now. Gene
Eti Reid
LOve to see them alive! Awesome work and description Gene!
Gene Walls replied:
Thanks, Eti! This bridge was damaged at about the same time as a similar bridge in New Hampshire was completely washed away. At least this bridge was only damaged, but it was still left where it belonged. The restoration crew did a fantastic job of fixing the Rishel. It's good as new and handling plenty of daily traffic again! Kindest wishes, Gene
Byron Snider
Beautiful old covered bridge, great POV and framing. Excellent color and details fv
Gene Walls replied:
Thanks a lot, Byron! I really love these old historic treasures. Over the last year and a half I have seen four local covered bridges nearly destroyed, but now all four of them are completely restored. They are all as good as the day they were built. I am so glad that our community demands that these old spans get the care and respect that their historical importance deserves. Kindest regards, Gene
Charles Robinson
Great to see other historic bridge restored. It is truly a gem. Love your composition on your excellent photograph. Well done. Voted
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you very kindly, Charles! All of our nearby covered bridges are in "like new" condition now. The 2011 floods did have a silver lining. It forced our community leaders to restore the four local bridges that had been damaged. Best regards, Gene
Donna Kennedy
Fantastic Gene, so glad it's back open for traffic! Great shot :) v/f
Gene Walls replied:
Thank you so much, Donna! I am completely elated that this great old landmark was saved and now it's better that ever. Kindest wishes, Gene
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