Then and Now: The first First Bridge that spanned the Saco

The 19th century covered bridge shown at left would be easy to mistake for the Smith-Eastman covered bridge in Center Conway, which had an identical approach at the southern entrance. The Smith-Eastman bridge was never allowed to fall into such disrepair as this one, on which sheathing boards have been removed to admit light. This one, as betrayed by the tell-tale slope of North Moat in the distance, spans the Saco River on River Road in North Conway.

Conway still had four covered bridges when the 1939 Chevrolet in this photo started toward the West Side — five, counting a covered railroad bridge — and all of them were still in use. Thanks to progress and vandals, today there are only two, and the one over the Swift River in Conway has been relegated to quainthood as a photo op and picnic spot.