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Family and community tradition |
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
The sign reads “John’s Bridge” and the
structure to which it is attached is a testament to a local man’s skill and
purpose. Family and friends of the late John Poff met Saturday afternoon
to remember and honor the designer and principal builder of what may be the
only covered bridge in the county.
Construction of the bridge, which spans a portion of the Little River in
northeastern Floyd
County, began in the
early 1980’s after John, a master builder, agreed to erect it for the land’s
owner.
After building concrete abutments and then installing steel I-beams covered
with oak planking, the bridge was ready to carry vehicles and pedestrians
across the river. In 2001, after twenty years of use, it was noted that
the oak planking was deteriorating. When it became unsafe to drive across
and even risky to walk over John came up with the idea for a “covered bridge”
to better withstand the elements.
In 2005 the renovation began with the replacements of the oak planks.
Eventually a wooden frame with steel reinforcement was built, and by early 2007
the roof was on and the bridge was covered. There was more to do, but
John’s passing in January of this year meant the finishing touches would have
to be completed by family and friends. John’s brother David, his grandson
Eddie “Scooter” Snavely, friend Ron Seco and others came together to add
siding, and attach and plant steel cables for added strength. To the many
that dearly miss him, great comfort comes from this bridge, where John’s
presence can truly be felt.
http://www.swvatoday.com/comments/family_friends_complete_bridge/news/3719/
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