It is believed that this bridge was built after a tragic accident took place where a local farmer lost his life while trying to cross the river during a winter snow storm.
Location history
A full narrative history section
The original Everett Covered Bridge, which crosses Furnace Run, is the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County. When it was built in the 1800s, it was one of over 2,000 in the state. During that period, Ohio led the nation in covered bridge construction. This bridge played an important role in the transportation system of its time. Local histories emphasize the role of the Ohio & Erie Canal. With the canal, farmers could ship products to Cleveland and beyond. But to get to the canal and other local destinations, people needed functional roads. The bridge that stands on the location today is a reconstruction.
The covered bridge along Everett Road was supposedly built only after a carriage was swept away in the flooded river crossing. People have reported feeling uneasy in the area surrounding the bridge. Ghostly vapors and partial apparitions have reportedly appeared in photos taken at the bridge.
On a winter night in 1877, valley farmers John Gilson and his wife had to cross Furnace Run when returning home from visiting friends. A winter storm had caused the waters to rise and ice to obstruct the ford they would have used. In passing around the ford, Mrs. Gilson was thrown into the stream. Mr. Gilson lost his footing and was dragged by his horse into deeper water. Mrs. Gilson was rescued, but Mr. Gilson's body was not recovered until four days later.
