The Bridges of Preble County
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
The
Preble County Historical Society held it's annual covered bridge poker run this past Sunday. Located at 7693 Swartsel Rd, Eaton, OH, the society's center offered much more than just a starting point for the poker run.
The day was opened at 1:00 pm with a flag raising by Boy Scout Troop #25 followed by the singing of our National Anthem.
Before leaving on the run, you had to opportunity to tour the center's grounds which included historical buildings, hiking trails and an herb garden.
Music for our listening pleasure before and after the poker run was performed by Dave Hawkins, who played an acoustic guitar.
The historical buildings open for touring included:
Sayler-Swartsel House
Home base for the PCHS, was donated by Sara Swartsel in 1975. The house, from the 1860's has Greek and Gothic Revival styles, and is filled with antique furniture.
Log House
Built in 1813, the house displays pre1840 exhibits and was moved from it's Lewisburg, OH location in 1975.
Exhibit Hall
A barn on the property exhibits antiques which are sectioned by viewing "rooms", a dentist's office, a schoolroom, and much more.
Bank Barn
The bank barn contains covered bridge models and agricultural exhibits.
The poker run covered 68 miles throughout Preble County taking us to each of the seven remaining bridges still standing. Preble County had 29 covered bridges at one time.
A common misconception of covered bridges is that they were built to protect crossers from hazardous weather conditions. The truth is that the bridges were covered to protect the bridge itself.
Most were not built with windows, but some were cut out later to keep people from knocking boards off the side so that they could see out.
The Bridges:
Geeting Bridge
Built in 1894 by Evrett Sherman it is located on Price Road, Lewisburg, OH.
Warnke Bridge
Built in 1896 by Evrett Sherman it it located on Swamp Creek Rd, Lewisburg, OH.
Dixon's Branch Bridge
Built in 1887 by Evrett Sherman, it is presently located in the Lewisburg Community Park. It was originally located on Concord Road in Dixon Township.
Christman Bridge
Built in 1895 by Evrett Sherman, it is located on Eaton-New Hope Road, Eaton, OH
Roberts Double-barreled Bridge
Built in 1829-30 by Orlistus Roberts and J.L. Campbell. Moved to it's present location on South Beech Street, Eaton, OH in 1986. It is the oldest and only 2-lane bridge in Ohio, and one of six left in the country.
Brubaker Bridge
Built in 1887 by Evrett Sherman located on Brubaker Road, Gratis, OH. It is the only Preble County bridge with partially open sides.
Harshman Bridge
Built in 1894 by Evrett Sherman, it is located on Concord-Fairhaven Road.
This event is a definate must for your riding schedule next summer. A few of the back roads were a bit rough, but well worth the trouble. I'll take country roads with trees over city streets and buildings anyday.
One final note, this poker run does not have a road captain, you're on your own to read the directions to each bridge.
If you are not familiar with the area, I recommend that you make plans to go as a group with someone carrying a rider to read the directions.
Or do like I did and ask someone if you can follow them!
More pictures of this event can be found in the photo gallery.
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