Newfield in Tompkins County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Newfield Covered Bridge

Photographed By B. Carkido, June 5, 2009

1. Newfield Covered Bridge Marker

Inscription. Built in 1853 and dedicated to Elijah Moore, son of an early settler, this bridge is the oldest Covered Bridge in daily use in New York state. Constructed at the cost of $800.00, the distinctive diamond pattern of the "Town Lattice Truss" is pinned together with trunnels or "Tree Nails". The roof and siding serve to protect the structure from the ravages of nature. Popular in the 1800's because of plentiful and inexpensive timber Covered Bridges or "Timber Tunnels" became places for social gatherings. This is the only remaining Covered Bridge in Tompkins County.

Erected by Thompkins County.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 42° 21.773′ N, 76° 35.414′ W. Marker is in Newfield, New York, in Tompkins County. Marker is on Bridge Street just north of Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newfield NY 14867, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Lasting Legacy (here, next to this marker); Marie And Grant Musser Overlook (a few steps from this marker); Town of Newfield (within shouting distance of

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker); Historic Newfield Village Cemetery (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Miss Kate Dean (approx. 0.7 miles away); Teeter Farm (approx. 3.1 miles away); Fisher’s Tavern (approx. 4.4 miles away); Coreorgonel (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newfield.

Regarding Newfield Covered Bridge. The Newfield Covered Bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, February 25, 2000

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Newfield Covered Bridge

Also see . . . The Covered Bridge. (Submitted on December 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Additional commentary.
1. Grant n Marie Musser
Just wanted to say that I am very proud of my father for spending many hours on getting this bridge taken care of. He and Marie loved that bridge and all the others that they went to visit over the years.
They where very happy when they took on the "job" of getting and keeping this bridge in tip top

Newfield Covered Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By B. Carkido, June 5, 2009

2. Newfield Covered Bridge

Marker can be seen on the right under the pedestrian sign.

condition. My nick name for them was "The Trolls of Ithaca " I loved them and will miss them.

— Submitted February 2, 2024, by Richard Morris of Wilmer, Alabama.

Newfield Covered Bridge Interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2017

3. Newfield Covered Bridge Interior

Newfield Covered Bridge • <i>southeast corner<br>(view from near marker)</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2017

4. Newfield Covered Bridge • southeast corner
(view from near marker)

(Marie and Grant Musser memorial plaque in foreground)

Marie and Grant Musser Memorial Plaque<br>(<i>located near marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2017

5. Marie and Grant Musser Memorial Plaque
(located near marker)

For their dedication to the preservation
of the Newfield Covered Bridge
Marie and Grant Musser, long time residents of Tompkins County have actively pursued the preservation of the Newfield Covered Bridge since 1969. Their perseverance resulted in the restoration of the Bridge in 1972 by Milton S. Graton, a nationally renowned preservationist. For their dedication and service, Marie and Grant were honored by the Tompkins County Board of Representatives on April 30, 1973 with an appointment as the "Keepers of the Covered Bridge," an appointment they still hold today.

During the last 29 years the Musser's have selflessly made frequent and regular visits to the Covered Bridge ensuring that any necessary repairs were made in a timely and historically sensitive manner.

Presented by Tompkins County and the Town of Newfield
this eighth day of August 1998.

Newfield Covered Bridge<br>(<i>view from overlook • below marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 15, 2017

6. Newfield Covered Bridge
(view from overlook • below marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2009, by B. Carkido of Newfield, New York. This page has been viewed 904 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2009, by B. Carkido of Newfield, New York. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 6, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.