|
Marys
River (Harris) Covered Bridge
County:
Benton
Stream: Marys River
Latitude:
44°34'48.2"N
Longitude: 123°27'37.1"W
Truss
Type: Howe
Bridge Length (ft): 75
Year Built: 1936 *1929
World Guide Number: 37-02-04
|
|
|
Marys
River (Harris) Covered Bridge
Location:
From Corvallis take Highway 20 through Philomath to Wren. Exit the highway,
turn right twice to head back under the highway (veering) to the right
at the "Y". Continue to travel west on Harris Road for approximately 2.5
miles.
Background:
The Harris Bridge was built by H. W. Fiedler to replace a covered bridge
at the same site. Although Benton County records show 1936 as the construction
date, some locals claim the span may have been built in 1929.
The Harris
Bridge retains its rounded portal design and other features include narrow
windows below the roofline to light the bridge interior and longitudinal
deck planks. The
siding is board and batten style, and the roof is shingled.
Harris has
been a community since 1890, bearing the name of a pioneer landowner.
When the post office was established, residents petitioned for the name
of Harris, but postal authorities feared confusion might develop with
nearby Harrisburg.
The town
was known as Elam, for Mrs. Gladys Elam, but the name of the community
was later changed to Harris.
Source:
"Roofs Over Rivers" by Bill and Nick Cockrell
Information presented in cooperation with the Covered Bridge Society of
Oregon
|
