The Caribou Historical Society marked the grand reopening of its woodland trails on Saturday with a special addition: a new, arched footbridge that spans Spring Brook.
In a project that united volunteers, the community and the Caribou Tech Center, the bridge became the crowning achievement of the school year for 14 carpentry students and their instructor.
The Harriet Cousins Nature Trail network, located just behind the historical society’s museum on Route 1, first opened 12 years ago with several walking paths and a small footbridge over the brook. But time took its toll. The trails fell into disrepair and a flash flood carried the bridge away and dashed it into pieces.
What happened next is a testament to cooperation, Caribou Historical Society President Scott Michaud said.
“This is more than just a structure of wood and nails. It’s a symbol of collaboration, learning and community spirit,” Michaud said. “This bridge connects not just paths, but people — to history, to nature and to one another.”
Society members wanted to reopen the trail system, and volunteer Dennis Koch offered his help, Michaud said. A couple of years ago, Koch — largely with his own hand tools — started clearing brush, and discovered the footbridge was gone, its remains scattered some distance away.
Donna Murchison, the society’s volunteer coordinator, mentioned the need for a new bridge at a family gathering. Her daughter is married to Jon Daggett, instructor of the Caribou Tech Center’s residential carpentry program. And yes, the rest really is history.
The students started work a year ago, Daggett said. With community support and monetary help from S.W. Collins and Cary Medical Center, they acquired the materials. Caribou resident Jan Murchison, who is Donna Murchison’s daughter-in-law, helped with design and planning.
The result is a painstakingly crafted, sturdily constructed, arched wooden bridge, complete with railings, set in cement on each side of the brook.
“The support from the community was absolutely amazing. They said ‘Go for it and dream big,’” Daggett said. “I am so proud of my students and what they’ve achieved. This will stand the test of time.”
The construction students built the piece, but when it came time to set it in place, the project became a real collaboration, he said. Cement had to be mixed and poured, and maneuvering the incredibly heavy piece was no small task.
So students and instructors from agriculture, commercial driving and other programs got in on the action. Several even jumped in the water to help the construction crew shoulder the bridge and navigate it into place.
Daggett shared what he called “a real Tech Center moment,” when a building supply truck backed in at the trail site to deliver cement and a former student was driving.
“You see these students growing up and becoming young men and women in your community. It gives me chills,” he said.
More than 25 people, including some of the students, turned out for Saturday’s dedication ceremony. Theresa Dow, executive director of the Caribou Historical Society Museum, cut the ribbon to mark the bridge’s opening.
The structure is more than a crossing. It’s a reflection of the value of hands-on learning and shared pride in the area’s natural and historical treasures, Dow said.
“It’s a wonderful addition to the museum and walking trails, and to the community and all who will use it,” she said.
