Herline Covered Bridge in Manns Choice PA

The Herline Covered Bridge, located in Manns Choice, Pennsylvania, is a historic covered bridge that spans the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. It was built in 1881 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania. The bridge was named after the Herline family, who were prominent landowners in the area.

The Herline Covered Bridge is a unique example of the Burr Arch Truss design, a type of wooden bridge that uses a combination of arches and trusses to support the weight of the bridge and its traffic. The bridge is covered with a roof and siding to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. The bridge is 73 feet long and 14 feet wide, making it one of the smaller covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Herline Covered Bridge has a rich history and has played a vital role in the development of Manns Choice and the surrounding area. It was originally built to provide a means of crossing the river and connecting the nearby farms and homes to the rest of the region. The bridge was also used by horse-drawn carriages and later, by automobiles. The bridge served as a crucial transportation route for many years until it was eventually closed to vehicle traffic and became a pedestrian-only bridge.

Today, the Herline Covered Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for photographers. The bridge has been beautifully restored and is now open to visitors who want to experience a piece of history. The bridge is surrounded by a beautiful park and picnic area, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day trip. Visitors can take a stroll across the bridge and admire the beautiful scenery, including the river and the surrounding forests.

In conclusion, the Herline Covered Bridge is a historic landmark that has stood the test of time. The bridge is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the builders of the past, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations to enjoy. If you're in the Manns Choice area, be sure to visit this beautiful covered bridge and take a step back in time.

The Herline Covered Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

 

Cambria Freeman - February 6 1874

Strange Effects of Local Option.

The following story of a haunted bridge is from the Bedford Inquirer of last week. It seems to have had a serious effect on someone in the Inquirer offise, as the paper is dated Feb. 30 1874:

And now we stumble upon a mystery known as Kintin's bridge, which spans the Juniata, and is a spot of no mean significance in the history of the township. My many of the citizens, for many years, this bridge has been dreaded, and there are those who rather cross it would wade the sparkling stream at a temperature of 20 degrees; not that the super-structure is faulty, or that there is any petty jealousy because Smith or Jones built the bidge, but because it is believed that the Devil or some other body or thing who has not the interests and happiness of the citizens at heart, wield a terrible evile magic infuence over it. Many wonderful, and, if theydid not come from men of unquestional veracity, we would say slightly incredible stories are told concerning what has happened on the famous bridge, but as we have not the space to account them all, we will give the latest sensation.

One afternoon some time since a farmer started with a load of corn to Mann's Choice, and on his wayhad to pass through the bridge. He was a man not given to fear nor to the belief in spooks, ghosts and hob-goblins. He arrived at the town in safety, unloaded his corn and started for home. Just as the sun was disappearing in the western horizen, entered the bridge, when all of a sudden, they came to a halt - whack went the whip about the legs of the fiery steeds, who strained every nerve to go forward, but it was a dead stall. the driver dismounted and examined the wagon, found that it had not cought against anything and proceeded to lead his team but to his great astonishment the wagon would not move. He unhitched the hourses, led them out of the bridge and tied them to a fence. He then returned with the intention of backing the wagon out, but he found that the wheels were firmly set, the tongue was immovable, and the light bed whe he had handled many a time without assistance, was so solidly fixed that he could not move even the one corner. Night came on, and with anathemas loud and deep, he declaired he could not go home without his wagon, to be laughed at by his neighbors. the services of a man and boy, who lived near the bridge, were brought into requisition, They has a lantern. The trio did all in their power to loose the wagon, but it remained as stationary as though it were part of the bridge. Finally the gave up in dispair. The farmer had already mounted his horse preparatory to starting for home when the chains attached to the tongue rattled. He went back - the magic speel was broken, and the wagon followed in the wake of the horses as though nothing had occurred. The affair created a wonderful sensation in the neighborhood, and to this day is a dark mystery.

So late as one night last week two young men in a buggy drawn by a pwerfully built horse, approached the bridge, and when about two-thirds through, their progress was suddenly and mysteriosly stopped. The hourse put forth his best licks, but the buggy remained firm. The gentlemen alighted, and discovered that their had grown fast to the bridge and would not give anywhere. After half an hour's pulling and tugging the concluded to unhitch and go home. When the horse was about half unhitched the buggy became loose and they went on their way rejoicing. We do not pretend to give and reasons for these mysteries, but we are willing to swear that we  get our information from as reliable men as Bedford county can produce and that they are candid in their convictions.^[2][3][4]

This story refers to the Kinton bridge which existed a short way away. The Herline bridge was a replacement for the Kinton bridge and was built in 1902.

This story was reprinted in the Catoctin Clarion February 21, 1874 and the Juniata Sentinal and Republican February 25, 1874.