Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Parke Co. - #65 Nevins (30/31)

The natural aged patina on the bridge is beautiful.
7/3/2009  dwm photo

It is the last of the line... the Nevins Covered Bridge.  It was the last one built in Parke County when they were considered the best way to cross valleys and rivers in a cost-effective manner.

The Bridgeton Covered Bridge re-build (coming next Thursday) wasn't part of that era.  It does recall it beautifully.

Built in 1920, Nevins is still a couple years shy of its 100th birthday.

Thomas Levi Nevins bought land near the future bridge site in 1897.  A mill-owner and teacher, he bought land whose previous owners developed mills and shipping down the Little Raccoon Creek.

The last of its era - built in 1920.
7/3/2009  (dwm)

While his son, Eugene, likely did most of the work on this bridge - J.A. Britton gets credit for this as his last one at age 83.  He died at 91 years old.

There are difference between this and other Britton bridges - the shingles are wood and the portals to the bridge imitate the Daniels-built bridges instead of the usual Britton style.

I love the weathered look.  I'm not sure if that is intentional, and in my research I didn't find records of any recent restoration efforts.

Parke Co, IN
internet image

It was open to traffic during our visit, and at this writing apparently still is.  Low traffic counts have probably helped, Bridgehunter.com references 35 vehicles a day over the old bridge in 2016.

Nevins Covered Bridge

Built: 1920 built by J.A. Britton and son Eugene

Style:  Burr Arch

Length:  155 feet over Little Raccoon Creek

You can check out more Covered Bridges at this landing page.