"Replicate" documents the rebuilding of the Corbin Covered Bridge in Newport by Arnold Graton of Ashland, New Hampshire. The nearly 140 photographs take the reader from the first timber to the final nail. For those who wonder how a Towne lattice bridge is built, "Replicate" will give them the answer. In words and photos, "Replicate" is a unique look at a Graton built bridge. The truss timbers are carefully laid down and clamped, then drilled and the wooden trunnels hammered in. Using hydraulic jacks, gin poles and cables, each truss is raised manually and joined together by massive floor joists. Then on a warm, sunny mid-October weekend, the bridge is dragged across the Sugar River by teams of oxen circling a capstan during a townwide bridge moving festival that drew 10,000 people to this small mill town in the Connecticut River Valley. Graton, with 35 years of covered bridge building experience has done roughly 30 restorations and built nine new bridges. The Graton name is generally regarded as the premier name in covered bridges. This is the first Graton construction to be documented in photos from start to finish. From the pile of charred timbers of the burned bridge, torched by arsonists on May 25, 1993, to the intense seven month debate over replacement that led to the awarding of the contract to Graton. "Replicate" is a fine example of how a wooden covered bridge still has a place in our modern world and will delight covered bridge enthusiasts everywhere.
Ordering
the book: Send check or money order for $15 plus $1.75 for shipping to:
The Newport Historical Society, P.O. Box 413, Newport, N.H. 03773
Kathy Butcher, Pier Bridge Committee Chairman (603-863-8588), 49 Myrtle St, Newport NH
03773
Jackie Cote, Fundraising Committee Chairman (603-863-3105), 8 Kyle Drive, Newport NH 03773