New Sign to direct trail users to the Franklin Upside-down Bridge

FRANKLIN — Through the efforts of Betty Pauwels, who brought to the attention of the Franklin City Council the fact that, although the city had a wonderful “covered bridge”  that was not appropriately recognized, a sign now has been erected to draw visitors’ attention to this very rare structure.

At a city council meeting more than two months ago, Pauwels asked if the council would consider purchasing a sign with the bridge’s designated number, #62, be placed on Central Street to encourage tourists and residents alike to visit and appreciate this interesting feature of Franklin’s past. After she spoke, Leigh Webb, president of the Franklin Historical Society, addressed the council suggesting that the society pay for the sign with the funds the Council allocates the Society each year to support that organization’s mission, and to promote tourism and educational opportunities within the city. This solution was accepted by Mayor Ken Merrifield and the Council.

With the help of Brian Barry, Deputy Director of Municipal Services, the signs were procured, and placed by Highway Foreman Dan Bushman and Frank Bryson on Wednesday, May 24, at the foot of the trail on Central Street opposite Trestle View Park.

The bridge, known as the Sulphite or Upside-down Bridge, was constructed in 1890 to allow the Franklin and Tilton Railroad, along with the trestle near Central Street, to cross the Winnipesaukee River into Franklin. In 1980, ninety years later and after long being abandoned by the then owners the Boston and Maine Railroad, it was set alight by an arsonist, losing all of its signature side boards. It has been the hoped since that unfortunate blaze, that the bridge could at least be cosmetically restored, but the cost has been a considerable obstacle.

Now that the Mill City Water Park has been proposed, that hope has been rekindled so as to provide a convenient way to cross the river from the trail on the opposite side, possibly allowing for grants to be solicited for its restoration and adapted reuse.

Covered bridge sign points the way to Franklin's upside down bridge. (Courtesy photo)