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I'm pulling the information about this older bridge from "Crossing and Re-Crossing the Connecticut River" by Charles W. Whittlesey. I'm not sure how definitive this book is. Does anyone know? - Denimadept (talk) 19:16, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'm pretty sure there was a bridge there in the 1920s. It might have been at a slightly different location though. --Polaron | Talk 19:32, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah, old topographic maps from the early 1940s show it slightly north of the current bridge. You can still see the approach on the Old Lyme side on Google Maps. Is there any reason you seem to be doubting your reference? :)--Polaron | Talk 19:46, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes. See Suffield and Thompsonville Bridge which refers to a second bridge. The original text there, which I think came from the local historical society, says that bridge was destroyed in 1900. Whittlesey says it was destroyed in 1898. I'm about ready to split that second bridge off into its own article, honestly, but the sourcing issue remains. You'd think the historical society would know, but Whittlesey was closer to the event in time so maybe he's more accurate? "1900" could be a rounding error.
The "slightly different location" is something I think we're both aware is standard. Generally speaking, you don't remove a bridge before replacing it. The exception is when the old bridge was destroyed by something first, like a flood, otherwise the next bridge will be in a slightly different location. You'll remember that I did include the older covered bridge in the Memorial Bridge (Massachusetts) article, yes? While that one carried a different road, it was in effectively the same place for the same people. - Denimadept (talk) 19:58, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
By the way, my copy of the Whittlesey book came yesterday. Signed, with dust cover. Sweet. Today, I was searching around for the Edwin Bacon book, and found that Google has scanned the whole thing! Granted, it's out of copyright, but jeez! Saved me some $$, maybe, depending. - Denimadept (talk) 20:01, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I see what you mean about the older bridge. Essex road on the west there terminates. On the east side, there's another thing which looks like an old road which would continue that line, if there'd been a bridge between them before the marina was built. - Denimadept (talk) 20:05, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]
