The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is excited to announce the arrival of its seventh annual 500-piece Covered Bridge puzzle. This year’s limited-edition puzzle depicts a fall scene at the Josiah Hess Bridge. The Visitors Bureau is currently selling the puzzles for $12, tax included. A $2 donation from every puzzle sold will be made by the Bureau to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association. Puzzles may be purchased at the Visitors Bureau Welcome Center, located at 121 Papermill Road in Bloomsburg. They can also be purchased at the Visitors Bureau’s booth at the Bloomsburg Fair (located in the State & County Building), as well as at the annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival. Limited quantities of 250 puzzles are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Puzzles are also available to be shipped out of the area for an additional shipping charge.
The Josiah Hess Covered Bridge spans Huntington Creek in Fishing Creek Township, Columbia County. This bridge is located between Forks and Jonestown directly off Winding Road. It was constructed in 1875 by Joseph Redline, at a cost of $1,349.50. It was named after the Hess family who owned a sawmill and farm nearby. The puzzle photo was taken by Bob Erlsten, who was selected as the 2017 Covered Bridge photo contest winner this year.
Covered Bridge Association President, Chris Young recommends “slowing down with a good cup of coffee on a cold winter day and putting together your Covered Bridge puzzle. As you reminisce about time gone by, know that the $2 you donated will ensure these bridges are here for future generations to enjoy.”
The Columbia County Covered Bridge Association restores, preserves, and advocates for the covered bridges of Columbia County for historical and recreational purposes. Their purpose is simple: they recognized the historic importance of the covered bridges as a public treasure to be available to and enjoyed by the public and the important part they play in tourism. This non-profit association protects all of our covered bridges not only for today, but also for future generations.
There are still very limited quantities of the Keefer Mills, Esther Furnace, and Stillwater Bridge puzzles available for sale as part of the collector’s edition series. These puzzles may be purchased at a discounted rate of $8 per puzzle, tax included. The Visitors Bureau’s covered bridge puzzles are collector’s items and make for a great birthday or Christmas present. For more information about purchasing a puzzle, please contact the Visitors Bureau at 570-784-8279.