UPDATE When I told my co-workers of the fire, 3 of them gave me donations immediately. Stories/sympathies from all over the country are still coming in.

I finally finished my article for the paper about yesterday’s loss of one of the country’s most famous covered bridges that was in my hometown. I wish I had better photos available to share. Visit coveredbridges.com for more info, but anyway, here’s my story:

137 years it stood strong, with a little help from its friends, its presence gracing at least five generations and delighting the eyes of millions over the years. It existed as a true symbol of quality and innovation, but more importantly as one of community. In a way, the Bridgeton covered bridge of Parke County was like an old friend. In the worst of times, it, along with the other bridges, served as one of the constants, one thing that brought us together and kept us grounded & in touch with our past. However, early Thursday morning, the Bridgeton covered bridge, one of the oldest & dearest friends was completely destroyed by arson.

Having lived in Parke County the first 22 years of my life, the covered bridges are very special to me. Seeing the photos & video from Bridgeton brought a tear to my eye and left me in a state of disbelief. Every day that goes by, I take for granted that the covered bridges and other landmarks I have known my entire life will still exist the following day. Thursday’s events were a splash of cold water in the face.

It was one of the most photographed and painted bridges in the country. Its splendor is what attracted many of the visitors to the small town of Bridgeton, and there is fear that its destruction may bring further hard times to the town.

My reactions to the news changed over the day, going from anger to sadness but have now settled at inspired. Even in its ruin, the bridge has brought the people of Parke County together to grieve, share memories, and make plans for overcoming the loss. For a time, the divisions and conflicts amongst different groups will cease, because no resident will let anything stand in the way of rebuilding this bridge.

Though hope and determination will take the community far in this endeavor, the financial support from surrounding communities is necessary. I would like to call everyone to action to help restore this cherished part of all of our pasts. There are approximately 244,000 people in the counties receiving this paper. A simple $5 donation from every person could raise a million dollar fund. October 2006 will be the 50th anniversary of the Covered Bridge Festival. Let us aim to have the Bridgeton covered bridge present for the celebration. In these days of terrorism fears, it seems to be our own neighbors that destroy what is dearest, so we must ALL pull together to restore this treasure and overcome this heartbreak.

Donations can be sent to the Parke County Inc. Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 165, Rockville, IN 47872 or by phone: (765) 569-5226. For more news and photos about the bridges, along with stories from other Parke County residents, please visit: coveredbridges.com.