Axe Handle Rd/ Bigelow Covered Bridge
Photo taken by Brian McKee in September 2005
BH Photo #133577
Will,
This bridge is the one that is also called the Bigelow Bridge, so named for the Bigelow Cemetery located nearby.
The Partridge Truss is very fascinating indeed. I had read one time about the trouble Mr. Partridge had getting the patent approved due to officials feeling it looked too similar to the Smith truss. He was finally able to garner enough support stating that his truss was superior to the Smith that patent officials relented and granted him his patent.
I have not visited this one yet, but did have the chance a couple years ago to see the Bergstresser span in Franklin County.
I lived in close proximity to this bridge for 12 years. I am quite fascinated by the builder(Reuben Partridge) of this and other covered bridges in Union County, Ohio. I asked Christy Clark at Union Co. Visitors Bureau to try to find someone to write an article about Partridge and his work in that county. for next year's Covered Bridge Festival. Brian, would you be interested in doing such a service? I do know you are probably more familiar with these bridges than most anyone else. Harold
The bridge has a nice fresh looking paint job on it. Looks very different now, as it's red!