The Coles / Knoebels Covered Bridge

Today, the Lawrence Knoebel Covered Bridge, at Knoebels.

This bridge was originally located near Benton, in Columbia County.  Knoebels purchased it and had it moved to the park in 1937.  It was renamed the Lawrence Knoebel Bridge in a dedication ceremony in July of  1964

John R. Cole Covered Bridge, over West Creek on the west side of Benton along present-day SR239.  Named for the nearby Cole Farm.

A sign on the bridge identified it as being built in 1875, but most histories give the date as 1881.  

" It was built in 1881 by J.J. McHenry at a cost of $348. "

The bridge connected West Creek Road with SR239 and formed a “T” next to the former home of the John R. Cole farm. Because of the bridge’s location, it was identified as the John R. Cole Covered Bridge. 

1936

In 1936, state was rerouting the roads and planned to abandon two bridges - the Cold, enad the Brad Long Bridge.  Hartman and Lawrence L. Knoebel, owners of Knoebels Amusement Resort, purchased the Cole bridge for $40 .

1937, rebuilding the bridge at Knoebels

"When the road was re-located in 1936, the bridge was sold to Knoebels Groves and moved 50 miles to its present site the following year. Five men worked a week to dismantle bridge and transport it to Elysburg. After the foundations were placed, another week was required to rebuild the structure." - 1964 Newspaper

"The late Henry H. Knoebel, Sr., had expressed the wish that no paint be used on the bridge and that repairs be made in keeping with the original appearance.

 Wide boards were milled especially for the job, and when necessary, wooden shingles will replace the presepan roof." - 1964 newspaper

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1964 - Renamed 
The Lawrence Knoebel Bridge
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On Sunday July 12 1964, dedication ceremonies were held, and the bridge was renamed the Lawrence L. Knoebel Memorial bridge

A 1964 Press Release included:

Dedication ceremonies, in recognition of restoration of the bridge by the Knoebel family, will open with music by The Lancers, Lock Haven Drum and Bugle Corps. 

The Rev. Harold G. Williams, Jr., pastor of Elysburg Presbyterian Church, will offer the invocation.

 Greetings will be extended by Miss Grace K. Hackman, corresponding secretary of The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society. Edwin M. Barton, president of Columbia County Historical Society will deliver the dedicatory address after which Mrs. Vera H. Wagner, president of the bridge society, will present a commemorative plaque to the Knoebel family."

"Mrs Vera H. Wagner presented a commemorative plaque to Mrs Henry H. Knoebel, and Mrs Lawrence L. Knoebel, representing the Knoebel family. " 

"The Rev. Williams will then pronounce the benediction."

Sign on the bridge: 

The Old Covered Bridge, Built 1875, West Creek, Columbia County ROAD Relocated Bridge  and moved 50 miles to present site, 1937

The Columbia County Covered Bridge page says:

"This bridge was originally constructed over West Creek, near Benton, Columbia County, in 1881 by J. J. McHenry at a cost of $348.00. In 1936 it was sold to H. H. Knoebel and Sons for $40.00."

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Stats - 40-foot-long (12 m) mod­i­fied Queen Post Truss bridge with a wood shin­gled roof.