Here’s a quick video tour of a beautiful landmark I always pass by when I’m in the area. I wanted to film some other things in town, but storm clouds rolled in and that was the end of the sunny day! The Old Drake Hill Flower Bridge in Simsbury, Connecticut is a great example of 19th century metal truss bridge construction. Originally designed and built in 1892, it spans 183 feet and carries a 12 foot roadway suspended 18 feet over the Farmington River. This bridge is a single-span, pin connected Parker through truss construction with wrought iron, cast iron and steel. It rests on brownstone abutments. It is one of three surviving Parker truss bridges in the state, which was originally designed as a one lane, one way bridge used for vehicle traffic and it was replaced by a modern two lane bridge (which you can see in the distance) 100 feet to the North in 1992. The bridge was retained as a pedestrian and bicycle way and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 1995 it was restored as a unique bridge and within a years time groups began to develop a community gardens on and around the historic Old Drake Hill Bridge. The beautiful 72 flower boxes, 32 hanging baskets, 14 border column baskets and cottage gardens are planted and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. It’s definitely a sight to see, very picturesque and very peaceful. A great place to stroll through during the summer months!
I also include the historic Ensign House, which was right down the street. In the 1890s, young J.R. Ensign, fresh out of college, joined Ensign Bickford Company. In 1906, he had the stone Ensign House constructed, using red sandstone primarily from the local Ketchin Quarry. The Ensign House became the face of Ensign Bickford and served as Joseph’s office, a place of meetings and entertainment, lodging for company guests and as part-time residence for Joseph, his wife Mary and daughter Polly. The family spent summers at their beach home in Rhode Island and winters at their home in Florida. Today, it's home to 5 luxury apartments, the classy bistro Metro Bis Restaurant and Rhenium Salon & Spa.