A few weeks ago, I turned the channel on the TV and caught the end of the movie, "The Bridges of Madison County," starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. Being the former library person that I am, I went to my bookshelf and pulled down a copy of the book on which it was based. As any librarian will tell you, don't ever judge a book by its movie.
However, in this case, the movie closely follows the plot of the book, written by Robert James Waller. It's a love story and the bridges aren't actually the main subject of the book or the movie. But I enjoyed being reminded that the history and unique architecture of covered bridges is part of their charm and why some tourists include plans to visit them while on vacation.
We have a covered bridge very close to Burke County. Just east of Hickory, in the Catawba Valley, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge still stands as a monument to North Carolina's history.
It was built in 1894, and due to its unusual truss system, this bridge has been designated as a North Carolina National Civil Engineering Landmark, along with the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Dorton Arena in Raleigh.
The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is the last original covered bridge in the state. There were two until a few years ago when the Pisgah Covered Bridge in Randolph County, was swept away in a flood. It has been rebuilt, and is certainly worth visiting if you are a covered bridge fan.
The history of the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge can be found on the Catawba County Historical Association at www.catawbahistory.org. You also can learn more about it by reading the historical markers beside the bridge itself.
I'd recommend the latter because it is a lovely place to visit on a weekend. There is a nice park with a creek and tables for a family picnic. The bridge is just a short walk on a well-kept pathway that follows Lyles Creek. I've made three trips to the Bunker Hill Bridge since moving to Burke County almost seven years ago. But then I'm one of those tourists who loves the history and charm of covered bridges and go out of my way to visit them.
In researching the history of the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, I read that originally it was constructed as an open span. In 1900, a 91-foot long shingled roof was added, and in 1921 the shingles were replaced with a tin roof. The reason the bridges were covered was to protect the timbers from the elements. It had nothing to do with making them charming or romantic to the onlooker. It also had nothing to do with the fact that travelers could stop underneath to get out of inclement weather for awhile. That was merely an added benefit.
I thought about that, and realized that covered bridges hold a deeper meaning for me than what is portrayed in a book, movie or travel brochure.
In Isaiah 51:16, the Bible says "I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand."
As a writer, I want my words to be His Words. Jesus Christ is my bridge to the Father, and His plan of salvation built a way for me to share eternity with Him when I cross over to my heavenly home. But He's graciously provided the added benefit of covering me from the storms of life while I'm still here on earth. I just have to choose to take shelter underneath that covering.
The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is a great place to visit if all you want to do is to take a nice day trip and see something unique. But if you know my Father, as you stand beneath its strong trusses, you will understand His added benefit … the peace and joy of being covered with the shadow of His hand.
Jeannie McPhail is a member of the Morganton Writers Group, the NC Storytelling Guild, SCBWI and The Macs. You may contact her at jeannie@themacsmusic.com.
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