DETTERS MILL COVERED BRIDGE

HABS, PA, 67-DETMI, 1

Our Covered Bridge crossed over the Conewago Creek on Harmony Grove Road in the most western part of Dover Township. Built about 1815, this bridge was a great example of early 19^th century engineering. Based upon the bridges structural design of four Burr arches (2 per side), Theodore Burr, a prominent bridge builder from Torringford, Connecticut has been attributed to our bridge. The Burr arch truss, as the design became to be known, used two arches, resting on the abutments on either end that typically sandwiched a multiple kingpost structure. It was a double span bridge and measured 296 feet 11 inches by 21 feet 9 inches. Our bridge had heavy timbers, a gable roof and originally was sheathed by clapboards.  Before its demise, the bridge was listed as one of the longest wooden bridges in the state of Pennsylvania.  As stated on page 48 from the Greater Dover Bicentennial Celebration 1764-1964, “and stands today, awaiting a decision as to whether it should be preserved as a landmark or torn down.” The bridge was never preserved as a landmark. It met its demise in 1965.

The Society wishes to thank Randy Sharp for allowing the Society to use these pictures on our website. The little boy standing in front of the collapsed bridge is Randy Sharp.

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