Comments on: Lost Allure

By: Mary Civille

Mary Civille — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:37:16 +0000

Horace King, a master bridge builder who triumphed over slavery, became a successful businessman, builder of first covered bridge connecting Alabama and Georgia over the Chattahoochee River, and a legislator in Alabama during Reconstruction. He is commemorated in the Native Waters mural along DeKalb Avenue and the Eastern Sub-Continental Divide, the site of the mural. The 343-foot mural was designed by Cambridge, MA muralist David Fitcher and painted by volunteers, mostly from the Lake Claire Community. It was formally dedicated on Earth Day, April 22, 2007, the first time an Atlanta City street had been closed for ART.

By: Tom Poland

Tom Poland — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:57:33 +0000

Thanks … I am aware of Horace King’s work but didn’t want to go into the construction history, mainly for reasons of length and the approach I took on the piece. Mr. King sounds like a perfect subject for a piece entirely about him and his work.

By: J. Morgan Willis

J. Morgan Willis — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:58:12 +0000

When you write of covered bridges, you must mention Horace King (1807-1885), who built many covered bridges in Georgia. His bridges spanned the Chattahoochee for most of its course through the state, as well as the Oconee and other Georgia rivers.He also is responsible for covered bridges in Alabama and Mississippi. He was a slave of John Godwin, who freed him in 1846. Mr. King also built many mills, cotton warehouses and railroad bridges during his lifetime. A wonderful man. The Horace King Overlook was dedicated in 2004 in albany, Georgia.

By: Jim McDaniel

Jim McDaniel — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:58:43 +0000

I never saw a covered bridge until we moved to Smyrna, Ga., where an old one remains for historic reasons. It’s right here about a mile from my house on Concord Road. I recently saw an RV with about six feet of its top peeled back when it tried to pass through. Can’t imagine what the driver was thinking. The bridge has been assaulted regularly by other vehicles and is out of commission often for repairs . Old bridges have a tough life in suburbia.

By: Beth Nelson

Beth Nelson — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:34:30 +0000

What is it about “Bridges of Madison County” that is so romantic? I’ve read the book and seen the movie and loved both. Is it the bridge? I know a lot of people make fun of the movie, but something about it appealed to me. Maybe it shows the perfect love affair. If you know someone for just 4 days you can be your perfect self ,and you can see the other person’s perfect self. You each can hide all of your annoying habits and be the person you want to be!
Aside from that I do love covered bridges. I don’t think we have any around Savannah. That’s what is so fun about coming across one. They do seem unique.

By: mike cox

mike cox — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:06:10 +0000

Tom, Good stuff. I used to spend my spare time in Alabama visiting the numerous covered bridges there. It isn’t far away and you will fit in with the locals. I will email you a list.

By: C Smith

C Smith — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:19:27 +0000

http://bridgepros.com/projects/Hoover_Dam_Bypass_Bridge/Seagull_View_Rendering_10_02300dpi1.jpg

A new bridge to check out in your travels. There is a site with the real thing and up-to-date progress .
This article, as it seems most of yours do, carried me back to when I saw my first covered bridge. As a small boy I remember them being kind of spooky as we slowly drove thru. Of course that was before “Bridges of Madison County” added romance to the occasion.