Bartlett - 1850
The Barlett Covered Bridge was constructed in 1851 by Phillip Paddleford near the village of Barlett in Carroll County, New Hampshire. The bridge was abandoned and closed to traffic in 1939 and was later rebuilt for $20,000. In the 1950s, it was used to store snow fences. In 1966 the bridge and land around it were sold to a private individual. It was repaired by Milton Graton that same year. The owner had a gift and antique shop built inside the bridge. The current owners of the bridge and gift shop are Marc and Mary Ellen Frydman. In 1990 the Frydmans renovated the bridge. The renovation consisted of strengthening the arches, replacing cracked members, and removing one layer of decking. As a result, the dead weight of the bridge decreased by 25 tons. The cost of renovation was approximately $38,000.
Bartlett Covered Bridge is located alongside Rt. 302 over the Saco River in Bartlett NH. This bridge represents the longest surviving single-span length for this type. The bridge was replaced by a more modern bridge and placed next to the covered bridge. It's interesting to note that this is the 2nd Paddleford truss that has been sold to private interests, the first being the circa 1867 Sanborn Covered Bridge in Lyndonville V.T. which was sold to the LynBurke Motel in 1961 and had an office built in it.
The sign on the front of the bridge that reads “inc. 1790” is when the town was incorporated, not when the bridge was built.
Bartlett was named after Dr. Josiah Bartlett, who was a representative of the Continental Congress. He was also one of three people from New Hampshire to sign the Declaration of Independence.
The Bartlett Bridge is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located at: N44 05.707 W71 12.217 - WGCB 29-02-02
Photographed in May 2022