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Looking like Sunday morning, Goddard Covered Bridge reopens with music and praise
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By WENDY MITCHELL Staff Writer
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GODDARD -- Years in the planning, the photogenic and voraciously protected Goddard Covered Bridge has completed its retro makeover.
Under the shade of an aged sycamore tree, well wishers, representatives of Fleming County covered bridge preservation and historical societies, and Kentucky government officials gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Goddard Covered Bridge to traffic.
Originally built in 1820, the bridge was moved to the present location because of new road construction, said one former resident. Memories of the Goddard bridge had prompted Jessie Gooding to come to the opening of the rehabilitated bridge, Wednesday.
"I remember coming with my family down to the bridge in a horse and buggy. It was 1924; I remember, because my brother wasn't born yet. The river was up so we had to cross at the bridge. My father stopped the buggy on the bridge and let us get down to see the water rushing past," said Gooding. "I saw the water and thought the bridge was moving so I started to cry."
Like many others under the sycamore tree, memories of Goddard Bridge had brought them to see the result of 10 years of planning and renovations.
"I just love covered bridges and this one is so pretty," said Joan Bumgardener.
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| The Goddard Covered Bridge was officially opened Wednesday afternoon in a ceremony held near the bridge in Fleming County. The bridge had been closed for some time for rehabilitation work.
Terry Prather/Staff |
Visitors from Robertson County, John and Geraldine Clark were visiting Goddard Bridge for the first time; they are neighbors to the next bridge on Kentucky's list to be restored, Johnson Creek Bridge.
"If they do ours, like they have done this one it will be a beautiful thing," said John Clark.
A quintet from the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music played folk music favorites before officials from the Kentucky Department of Transportation and community leaders stepped up to the podium.
Representatives of the nonprofit group Dry Stone Conservancy were on hand to answer questions about the process used to recreate the 1800s look of the bridge, but they credited the teamwork of all types of craftsmen who worked on the project. Day to day mood swings from Mother Nature left memories for some.
"The heat was the worst part with 105-112 degree days for a couple weeks," said Neil Rippingale, a Scotsman now living in Lexington, who worked with Richard Tinsley and a crew as stone masons. "The timberwork, the department of transportation, local officials and everyone working together is what made this such a wonderful project."
In the invocation, the Rev. Richard Short of Goddard United Methodist Church, the church seen through the bridge from Kentucky 32, called the people who worked on the bridge artists.
"A man who works with his hands, mind and heart is an artist and this is a work of art," said Short.
Keeping the view of the most photographed covered bridge in Kentucky looking the same meant planning for the finished look.
"They even worked out keeping the tree. This is a project worthy of acclaim," said Rep. Mike Denham. "It is a credit to Fleming County."
Leading up to the bridge was a newly paved road that encircled the sycamore, polishing the photogenic look of the site.
"I want to thank the Fleming County road department for their hard work at getting this done," said Fleming County Judge-Executive Larry Foxworthy. "It is part of out heritage."
Keeping historic locations attractive for visitors is a goal of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, said Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Hatcher.
"Tourism is up 17 percent over the last two years and destination drives, places of interest through cultural and heritage ties, are what is bringing more visitors to the area. And when they come they shop, eat and sleep locally," said Hatcher. "It is an honor to have three covered bridges and over 200 locations on the historic buildings list in Fleming County. Over $17 million in tourism revenue comes to this county because of it."
Though a print of Goddard Bridge was hanging on the wall in the office of Robbie Rudolph, secretary of the Executive Cabinet, he was unaware of its location.
"I passed the picture 10 times a day and until this project came along I had no idea where it was. " said Rudolph. "Having places like this to come to is the focus of this administration. Kentucky can brag on the beauty we have here."
As the red ribbon was cut the quintet began to play "My Old Kentucky Home," while visitors walked onto the bridge for a closer look and automobile drivers gingerly ventured across the wooden span.
"I hope in 200 years people will still be talking about this bridge. It is a tribute to masters of a craft," said Bill Nighbert, secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.
Contact Wendy Mitchell at wendy.mitchell@lee.net or call 564-9091, ext. 276. |
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