Please Don't Quote Me By Caralee Aschenbrenner PART II You don't have to travel to Madison County, Iowa to see covered bridges. There's three such right here in Northern Illinois within an hour's drive. One has been built within the last two years, its landscaping/parking lot is in last stages of development. An expensive project, you say, but the good feeling you carry away is priceless. Someone realized the value of the esthetic. In 1990 there were five covered bridges within our state; older ones, some not appreciated as they should have been for their meaningful contribution to the present from the past. And their reason for being. To some they were "just there."

Covered bridges, like many other "historic sites," points of interest, past events to note, a natural feature phenomenon, a person of fame or infamy, are so often ignored by their neighbors, given attention only if tax monies are involved or, perhaps, if an "outsider" disparages it. So many one-of-a-kind sites have been lost because no one has stepped forward to preserve or reserve it until too late.

Such occasion is occurring presently with the pretty but antiquated water fountain at the Carroll County Courthouse which is threatened with elimination. A nuisance, it's said. Tax money to upgrade it, it's said. What if that's said of the Gettysburg Battlefield, the Washington Monument, Lincoln's Tomb? The water fountain is but a drop in the bucket, so to speak, over time, over years!

Can a price be put on such a quaint attraction, a unique feature of our place there in the shaded courthouse square, the graceful old buildings in the background? It sets us apart, letting others know that this message from the past was to make us take note in a serenity of sounds and sunlight through the bubbling water that we appreciate and preserve beauty as well as the practical which raises us from the beasts! The fountain gives our courthouse special distinction. Are there other such in nearby counties in such a pretty setting? It sets us apart for a very small cost if pro-rated over a period of time. It's been around a hundred years or so, hasn't it! It's a minor blip in a budget of millions.

Locals and strangers carry away a memorable image whether we realize it or not. What good public relations, and at a time when so much of society is crass and rude. This small element in our place in it, is a positive commodity, an investment in a future which increasingly needs firm anchor of the esthetic as well as the sensible!!!!!

But we were talking covered bridges. There's one on the north edge of Morrison, substantial in all its authentic appearance. (#1) It's of recent vintage. It's very much appreciated by its "locals." Viewed from its south as pictured here, the river plain of good old Rock Creek is a pleasant backdrop to show off its physical mass. An easy access to it is from Rt. 78 where road signs point to "Morrison-Rockwood State Park." A drive through the park wouldn't come amiss what with its quiet lake with a fish or two. Otherwise, continue just a short distance past the entrance of the park, angling south and you'll come to the covered bridge. Drive through and enjoy. The road/street goes uphill through a pleasant section of north Morrison. The street, Genesee, I think(!), returns you back onto Rt. 78 and the commercial district of the city. Also this is a segment of Lincoln Highway and Rt. 30. Am I right? Remember, it's not especially common for covered bridges to be advertised big-time, let alone be constructed but signage on the highways will assist you.

An unequaled artist, Eric Sloane, wrote that the first covered bridge of which there is any record was built over the Delaware River at Easton, Pennsylvania in 1805.

Its sign gave that its builder was "T. Palmer." It is somewhat surprising to know that covered bridges weren't built until after 1800 although Charles Wilson Peale wrote "Essay on Building Wooden Bridges" in 1797 in which he said, "It has been advised to make roofs to cover bridges and some of them are to be constructed in America." The distinguished artist didn't say why this was commented on. Perhaps he was painting a portrait of George Washington and too busy!

Eric Sloane went on to say that Vermont was the "Covered Bridge State" although it was but fifth in number of them. Pennsylvania and Ohio had the most, Indiana and Ohio were close behind, the former having a "fall festival" of them annually.

Sloane's drawings of covered bridges as well as thousands of other structures now long gone, is a rich legacy. In covered bridge styles there are twin, humpback, Y-shaped, one with two enclosed separate lanes and many whose sides are painted with advertising, the predecessor of billboards ... Everything from clothing, tobacco, patent medicine to Coca-Cola 'way back when they already were a big-time promotional practitioner.

Two very early ones would've beat out the Sterling/Rock Falls one (last week) had they existed at the same period, they being 1,285 and 2,088 feet in length. Those venues of transport as well as advertisement were to be permanent which was the reason for their construction, although reasons varied with the builder. Primarily, it had to do with "strengthening the structure and making the wood season and last longer," he said.

"The more romantic reason for covering the bridge was making it appear like a barn so horses would not shy at the running water, is doubtful. But it adds to the rich lore that surrounds old landmarks" ... "Closing in of a bridge may have had its merits when drovers passed through it with cattle, for cows led easily into the welcome shade ... But, too, needed much urging to come out the other end!

A reason for covered bridges we've probably never thought of is for resale value. Yes, resale. Covered bridges, as mentioned last week, were first, commercial enterprise, private investment, built to collect toll. Sloane remarks, "When toll collecting was entirely private enterprise there was something distinct about using a covered structure which seemed to make a bridge passage worth that much more. The added expense would seem unnecessary today, but bridges were often built for resale and therefore made to look as attractive as possible." (See Stephenson County, last week.)

While the oldest covered bridge in Illinois is in Bureau County, 1863, so also is the newest, #3 on Princeton's west side. Still in the final stages of completion with landscaping of the paved parking lot, apparently, the last of the steps. It is labeled the "Captain Swift" but no informational signage informs us yet of who or the why of Capt. Swift! It's setting and style are worth the trip.

On Rt. 26 through Princeton go into the south commercial district to Peru Street, turn right to Fairground Road (by the fairgrounds!), then right again to what a Princeton "native" claims is the "Dump Road," but we don't believe it! There may be signage to direct you by now because it's been a couple months since we were there last. Or ask directions.

The OLD Red Covered Bridge, Princeton's beloved long-time landmark, is well-posted at the north edge of the city just off Rt. 26 and before I-80. It is well-marked and worth a detour, #2.

As you'll want to pass into Princeton you'll be impressed by the four HUGE American flags at the 26 overpass with 80 ... They are heart-lifting, a tribute to our military, past and present. Salute.

Meanwhile the old covered bridge will give you advice which is just as valid today as it was yesterday, although the horsepower may have increased. The sign above the opening states:

$5 fine for driving more than twelve horses, mules or cattle at any one time. Or for leading any beasts faster than a walk across the bridge.

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