Here's the history of the bridge:
The Double-arch Sandstone Bridge or more commonly known as the Sands Bridge, is a historic dry stone arch bridge over the Spicket River on Hampshire Road in Methuen, Massachusetts. Built without mortar between the stones, parts of it date back to 1735. It was used to handle traffic between Methuen and Salem NH.
The location: Along the old Dracut Path, was a marshy area
of the Spicket River that could be forded by horse or cart. The ford eventually
was bridged. The earliest town record, from the Town meeting of 1730, show a
simple plank bridge was used which required regular maintenance at the cost of
the township. The wooden bridge was replaced with the more durable stone arch
bridge in 1835. Solid abutment supports were constructed on each river bank. A
wooden frame shaped like the underside of the bridge, was constructed over the
river. The stones where then set on the frame, without mortar. The bridge was
filled in with rubble and dirt, which over time would compress against the
abutments. The wooden frame was then removed. If constructed correctly a
stone-arch bridge should last indefinitely, the Sands Bridge is not a well
built bridge. Photographic evidence shows the keystone had slipped by the late
nineteenth century. The bridge was used consistently until it was taken out of
service in 1963 when the Spicket River was rerouted and Interstate 93 was
built.
It was added to the National Register of
Historic Places June 20, 1984.Construction:
I started with a sketch of the bridge and then went right on to the collecting and cutting of fabric. I thought I would need to buy some, but decides to NOT get any more fabric - I can do this!
I stitched the stones, the dry leaves are tiny cut up fabrics with a netting sewn over them. I used some Inktense Pencils to do the artsy type of swamp look for the background. The edge was turned to the back in place of a binding.
Anyway, this was done in three days - with all the goings on and holidays, etc, I just think it slipped through the cracks. BUT it is done and I am very happy with it.
Carol, this is beautiful!!! In three days - wow it always takes me much longer! Very realistic portrayal of a very beautiful structure that should be preserved.
ReplyDeleteThis definitely presents as "strong", Carol. Love the historical information, the strong contrasts in the piece, and the great composition!
ReplyDeleteThis quilt might have been made in just three days, but it is one full of intricate and lovely detail. The overall design is outstanding. I love history and reading about easily-forgotten bits of our country's heritage. I am so glad that this lovely bride is part of the National Register. And I am delighted that you captured this piece of history in your striking quilt.
ReplyDeleteYou are brave, tackling a reflection in fabric is not easy, and you have done it so well. Lovely idea and execution! Love your colors, so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I agree that the colors, design and machine work are very well done. It's a lovely quilt!
ReplyDeleteHow appropriate...the stone bridge to quilting...you placed yours wo mortar as well? So glad you showed that you could do the stones and reflections so well wo more fabric. Brava!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of "dry wall" construction, but never would have thought that a bridge, especially one with arches could be constructed the same way. Thank you for the history of this beautiful structure. Your quilt truly honors it.
ReplyDeleteI love the bridge and reflection. Old stone bridges are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol.... I think your STRONG quilt is great ! I really enjoyed the history of the bridge, and learning about the construction techniques you used was wonderful. You were really creative in making this piece ... don't you just love those Inktense pencils ! And that you completed the quilt in 3 days.. Bravo :-D
ReplyDeleteCarol, this is just lovely. What a beautiful portrayal of a historic stone bridge. Love the stonework and the portrayal of the dried leaves. Beautiful!
ReplyDelete