Lowell Covered Bridge Display Replica - Lowell, OR
N 43° 54.535 W 122° 46.767
10T E 517709 N 4861780
This small-scale replica of the Lowell Covered Bridge sits inside a display case within the Lowell Bridge itself, just off Hwy 58 and Pioneer Rd, crossing Dexter Reservoir.
Waymark Code: WMFJBR
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 10/25/2012
Views: 10
Visitors to the Lowell Covered Bridge will be inundated with more knowledge about the history of the Lowell Bridge then they ever dreamed possible. Lowell Covered Bridge is actually a replacement bridge to one that was originally built at this location in 1907. This replacement bridge was constructed in 1945. This bridge was used until 1981 when it was forced to be bypassed due to ever-larger vehicles driving through here. The bridge was moved adjacent to the current Pioneer Rd and sits here, inviting visitors to learn about its history. There are a plethora of displays and signs and markers that highlight various points of history of the Lowell Bridge through the decades inside the bridge and is even lit at night. There is also a kiosk near the bridge and parking area where visitors can read more about other covered bridges in this area and invite people to drive various touring loops, visiting bridges and other scenic attractions.
There is a small-scale replica of the Lowell Covered Bridge inside the bridge and is one of many displays. An excerpt from the replica display:
The Lowell Covered Bridge model was designed and constructed by John McWade (1930-2008). John worked for the Department of Forestry for 43 years and served as the District Forester here in Lane County the last fourteen years of his distinguished career. John was a history buff and one of his many personal interests included covered bridges. He strongly advocated that covered bridges be preserved. One year, he took his family on a tour of all the covered bridges throughout the United States and his wife Marilyn said: "That tour took us to some out-of-the-way places to photograph bridges!" John began this model in 2006 and passed away before it was entirely completed. His son applied the finishing touches.