Lovejoy - 1867
The Lovejoy Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge in South Andover of Oxford County, Maine. It is a Paddleford truss bridge, which carries Covered Bridge Road over the Ellis River. Built in 1868, it is one of a small number of 19th-century covered bridges remaining in the state, and it is the state's shortest covered bridge.
The Ellis River cuts a meandering course through the town of Andover, joining the Androscoggin River at Rumford Point. There has probably been a bridge at this site in southern Andover since the early 19th century, as the river course narrows sufficiently, and provides a crossing point for people traveling between Rumford Point and the main village of Andover, which is located further north. This bridge was built in 1868, but it is known that a small village already existed nearby, suggesting the existence of a previous bridge.
The bridge is 70 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a roadway width of 17 feet and an internal clearance of 14 feet. It rests on abutments built out of large granite blocks. The bridge has a gabled roof, giving it a total height of 22 feet. Its sides are sheathed in vertical boards, and the gable ends have been trimmed. The bridge was reinforced in 1984 to support local traffic.
The bridge’s name comes from the Lovejoy house, which was on the eastern side of the river.
In 1936, waters were high and two boys decided to canoe near the bridge. Water was a few inches below the bottom of the bridge so they decided to try and paddle up next to the bridge. Their hope was to let the bridge hold the canoe but the water pressure passing underneath was so strong that the canoe got sucked under and the boys were tossed. Luckily a local guide was canoeing in the area and was able to rescue them.
In 1983 a heavy sand truck fell through the deck of the bridge while trying to cross the span. The bridge was reinforced in 1984 to carry local traffic.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Located at: N44 35.603 W70 44.010 - WGCB #19-09-01
Photographed in June 2022