Cedar Bridge
Madison County, Iowa
About a month ago, I was looking for some Midwest scenes for a story I was working on and asked my Dad for a little assistance. He’s taken pictures as long as I can remember, employing family members to carry the extra lens and camera bag stocked with black and gold Kodak boxes of film. Those were not the days of digital imagery, he was technical and spent time thinking about the right film, F-stops, ISOs and everything else for the lighting and place. If anyone would have typical Midwest scenes, my Dad would have them. His slide shows were famous. Putting my husband to sleep instantly with the rest of us imploring him to “slow down!” he zipped right through the pictures! He’d already seen the slides a number of times with each one just slightly different than the one before. We called him the National Geographic photographer of the family. I won’t even tell you how long it took to take a group shot of the family! Now into his nineties and slide shows long past, we covet his slide filled carousels that are a literal driving tour through our family history. I’ve mentioned in past stories that my parents loved a good summer road trip, well, Dad’s slides are the documentation.
Holliwell Bridge
Madison County, Iowa
Dad took these pictures of the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa in 1973. (long, long before Meryl and Clint arrived on the scene) He, my mom and I were in Des Moines for one of her teaching conferences. Beautiful fall day, end of September. I remember this because Jim Croce has just died. Remember him? Me in my pink culottes, plaid blouse and lace knee highs! I’m squinting in the sun and not smiling because I’m wearing braces on my teeth! He and my mom lived in Winterset when they were first married right after college so I think this was a trip down memory lane for him.
Roseman Bridge
Madison County, Iowa
The Madison County Bridges website has the history of each bridge. I labeled each one with my best guesstimate of their names. They’ve been rebuilt since 1973. The interior shot belonged to the McBride bridge. Known for its Town lattice truss, it was burned in 1983. More info
Related info: The Covered Bridge Quilters is a local group who welcomes visitors. They meet once a month at the Winterset Public Library. More info And while you’re there, stop in at the Covered Bridges Winery. More info