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Bucks
County, Pennsylvania
(WGN
38-09-02) (WGCB PA-09-02): (1873; arson attempt failed
2007) A single-span Town lattice truss 110' 2" over Durham Creek.
Located: On Knecht’s Bridge Road, approximately 2 miles northeast
of Pleasant Valley, Springfield Township, Pennsylvania. Directions:
In Pleasant Valley, Pennsylvania, at the jct. of SR 212 and Old Beth Road
(SR 4101) go east on SR 212 for 1.1 miles to Sleifer Valley Road (SR 4069).
Turn right on Sleifer Valley Road (SR 4069) and go 1.1 miles to Knecht’s
Bridge Road. Turn right on Knecht’s Bridge Road for 0.1 mile to the
bridge. There is some controversy as to the bridges name. The
World
Guide of Covered Bridges lists the bridges name as Knecht.
The
Covered Bridges of Pennsylvania book, given out by the state,
lists the bridges name as Knecht's with a alternate of Sleifer's.
There is a plaque on the portal indicating the bridges name is "Knecht's
Covered Bridge." It is interesting to note that every authentic
covered bridge built in Bucks County had a Town Lattice truss and none
were open under the eves for ventilation. Further, only two have
a window opening of any kind. Also all but the South Perkasie
Covered Bridge (WGN 38-09-05)
and the Twining Ford Covered Bridge (WGN
38-09-13 #2) have stone and mortar
abutments, stone and mortar wing walls capped with concrete. All
have shake roofs. In May 0f 2007, arsonists attempted to burn the
bridge. Their efforts were, fortunately, unsuccessful. Four
young adults and one juvenile were recently convicted and sentenced for
the crime. Two of those convicted were volunteer firefighters.
Prison terms averaged from one to two years, plus probation and community
service. Drug use was also a factor in inspiring the perpetrators.
The structure rests on stone and mortar abutments, reinforced with concrete,
and has stone and mortar wing walls capped with concrete. It has
barn red painted vertical boarding on both the sides and portals.
The lower half of the portals and wide vertical splash panels are painted
white. The portal has a curved opening. The deck consists of
lengthwise planking and it has a shake roof. Also known as the Sleifer
Covered Bridge the Sleifer's Covered Bridge and the Knecht's
Covered bridge. It was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places on December 1, 1980. (Jun 2008) |
