This is the
second installment of a series on the history and the unique heritage of
Windham, then and now
New
England embraces a romantic fascination with its covered bridges. Once
numbering in the hundreds, they were in the 19th century, a
practical means of conveyance. By the early 20th century,
suburbanization and practicality dictated that many be replaced by concrete and
steel.
In
the 1850s, more than 150 covered bridges dotted the Maine countryside. Today,
only nine remain – two that had been destroyed, were replaced by exact
replicas. The Windham/Gorham structure over the Presumpscot River was one of
them. Historians disagree on the age of the bridge, as is evident in the
historical photo/essay book series: “Images of America”. In “Windham: Images of
American”, (Bell) states the original bridge was built in 1767. The “Images” series, “Gorham” (Fogg) records that
the first construction occurred in 1763. And the “Images, Maine’s Covered
Bridges”, (Conwill) maintains the
bridge dates to 1864.
Almost
certainly, there was a wooden span of some kind connecting the two towns during
their early development in the mid to late 1700s. The disparity may lie in
whether the bridge was closed-in or open. Earlier, open bridges may have been replaced
with closed structures. Both types were common. A few, known as boxed pony
trussed, had sides, but no canopy.
As
noted by Conwill, “The historical record is never complete…most bridges
disappeared early and their history is spottily recorded.” Windham’s early
historians, Smith and Dole, are silent on the subject. Old town reports in both
Windham and Gorham offer few clues, referring to expenditures like: “For work
on the bridge.”
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| THEN: Babb's Covered Bridge, c. 1948 |
Babb’s
Bridge can be awarded special mention however, for several distinguishing
characteristics. Most historians agree it is the oldest of Maine’s covered
bridges, and the shortest - with a span of just 66 feet. It is also the only queen-post
truss covered bridge in the state. Truss systems are framing styles, usually
adapted to the requirements of span and usage.
One
question frequently posed by visitors and schoolchildren is, “Why were these
bridges covered?” Some speculate it was to provide shade and protection from
the weather for the weary traveler. Others maintain it was to keep snow clear
of the bridge. Neither is correct. In fact, early town reports record
expenditures to: “snow the bridge”. That
is, they hired an individual who would shovel snow onto the bridge for the
accommodation of sleighs - the principal form of transportation “back in the
day.” Early bridges were, in fact, roofed to prevent the decay of their wood
construction.
Even
covered, dangers persisted. The most common were wind, waves and wildfire. In
1767, what was then termed a hurricane, but more likely was a microburst or a
tornado given the early descriptions, destroyed “…all but the sturdy oaks”, in ¾ mile wide swath from Gorham, over Duck
Pond (Highland Lake) to Falmouth, and sending almost the whole bridge downstream. Rebuilt,
it became known as Hurricane Bridge. Floods upended the bridge on several
occasions during the 1800s. It took the name Babb’s Bridge around 1880 after a
Gorham family who lived nearby.
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| NOW: Babb's Covered Bridge, c 2016 |
In
modern times, and still within vivid memory of many, Babb’s Bridge burned at
the hands of arsonists in 1973. Residents and members of the Windham and Gorham
Historical Societies teamed with the Maine Department of Transportation to
engineer and build an exact replica, which was dedicated in conjunction with
the nation’s bicentennial in July of 1976.
Today,
the most recent threat to the historic bridge occurred over a two-year period
in 2015 -2016. Vandals, intent on high-jumping off the structure into the
water, removed side boards and cut holes through the roof. The bridge’s
secluded location hindered adequate security.
In
the early fall of 2016, following concerns expressed by local residents, the
Maine DOT commissioned a nearly total make-over of the bridge at a cost of over
$160,000 - once again, respecting its original design. State highway officials
now say, that while they will continue to maintain the bridge, lack of manpower
and funds make them reluctant to respond to fixes that result from vandalism.
Windham
resident Gary Plummer has begun assembling local citizens and state legislators
to form a, Friends of Babb’s Bridge Group, which will be aimed at providing
increased security and heightened awareness.
“Babb’s
Bridge is now in great condition,” says Plummer. He closely monitored the
recent work and said it included cementing stone blocks that make up the bridge
abutment. Water had collected in pockets between the stones and the freeze-thaw
cycle had caused the blocks to move.
The
roof was stripped and replaced with rough cut boards and plywood, then topped
with cedar shingles. Restoration was also completed on the sides and entrances.
Plummer
hopes the Friends Group will increase awareness and appreciation of the
historic nature of the bridge and encourage wary eyes on the activity there. He
said police chiefs in both communities are committed to increased surveillance
and, “…we are also planning to install
security cameras (which) have been shown to decrease problems.”
“My
hope is that 150 years from now it will (continue) to be a stately
structure.” <
