Obvious progress on repairs to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens has been slow. These images are from November 6th, the last time I had enough light when I passed by to capture some images.
Long White Bridge, Under Repair
The supports for the bridge sides have been added, and painted white.
Long White Bridge, Under Repair
Late blooming Azaleas give a hint of one of the sought after views of the bridge, especially with brides and recently wed couples posed in the middle. You’ll have to imagine the criss-crossed bridge sides in place for now.
Long White Bridge Across Azaleas
Unfortunately those Azaleas were only blooming on the side away from the pond and there was no pink water reflection to be had.
Long White Bridge From End of Pond
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 6, 2020
The Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which was severely damaged by a falling maple tree on July 7, 2020.
Progress is being made on repairs to the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens which was severely damaged by a falling maple tree on July 7.
Long White Bridge, Back side, planking in place for repair access
Some of the safety barricades that were in place on my last Update have been re-positioned which allowed a closer look when I was there on August 20.
Long White Bridge, Front side, Reflections
A garden cherub is supervising the whole process, but couldn’t tell me what this yellow thing is.
Long White Bridge, old and new
The maple tree that fell was at the far left, on the other side of the bridge. That end of the bridge sustained the most damage, but cracking of the fascia and decking, along with the support framing went the length of the structure, leading to a major overhaul.
Long White Bridge, Front side
The view through the gazebo is not as dramatic without the white bridge; a few long blooming Azaleas spiff up the lawn. I look forward to taking a similar shot when the repairs are complete.
Long White Bridge, through the Gazebo
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
August 20, 2020
Yesterday I went to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for the first time since the Long White Bridge was damaged on July 7.
In an email update today Magnolia said that “during an inspection on Thursday morning, July 8 that the hard realities were revealed.”
“Decking boards were pulled up. Upright posts with railing and lattice detail were analyzed. Copper sheeting for waterproofing under the deck and 100 years of assorted hardware, straps and layers of wood structure were exposed. On that brilliant morning, the bridge showed every one of its 180 years of age.”
Two South Carolina companies have joined forces to recreate the bridge: one that specialize in old growth wide planks and slabs, including recovery of old growth sinker cypress and heart pine and another that custom mills lumber products.
Long White Bridge
A Little Blue Heron, just visible in the lower left corner, had the best view of the exposed bridge structure.
Long White Bridge
Access to the immediate area of the bridge is restricted for safety, limiting what you can see. Enlarge this close up for more detail on the condition and how the bridge was put together in the 1840s.
Detail of Long White Bridge
Amazingly, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens reports that no one heard or saw the tree that landed on the bridge come down.
“At 6:00 PM, the bridge was whole. At 8:00 PM, more than forty percent of the railing was in pieces and the structure was torqued in both the vertical and horizontal planes.”
View from the back side of the bridge, with a temporary structure for worker access. Remember, there are Alligators in this water!
Long White Bridge, Back Side
The next image is a similar view that I took in March.
Long White Bridge, Back Side, March 16, 2020
This small replica of the bridge was the centerpiece of a display at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington DC for their 2019 Gardens Across America exhibit.
Replica of Long White Bridge
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 30, 2020
Quotes from Magnolia Plantation & Gardens public email and Facebook page, July 31, 2020
I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens over the last five years. Even when there isn’t anything extra going on, like blooming azaleas, a Great Blue Heron hunting, or a perfect reflection–it just calls out to be photographed. I took this image the last time I was there, July 3rd.
Long White Bridge, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
On Tuesday this week a large tree on the left end of the bridge came down on the bridge. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but there was extensive damage to the structure. The bridge dates to the 1840s and plans are underway to rebuild promptly and exactly as it was.
Alligators take casual swims around this pond, often looking for a sunny spot to get out of the water. After some heavy rains they have less places to choose.
Alligator Patrolling Pond
I liked the mottled reflections of the trees in the pond, dissected by the passing Alligator.
Alligator Patrolling Pond
Lines and more lines of an Alligator, a dead branch, lots of vegetation and all of their reflections.
At one time a wide lawn leading up to the Ashley River side of Magnolia Plantation would have been the welcome to visitors who had journeyed via boat from Charleston. Now that expanse has narrowed with trees and there is no clear view of the whole house from the river bank.
Magnolia Plantation House Weather Vane
I was ready for wildlife photography with my 100-400 MM lens attached, but the impending storm made a cool sky so I took some images between the trees at 100 MM.
Magnolia Plantation House Cupola and Weather Vane
If you are zooming in to see the weather vane details you’ll see spots. At first I thought my lens might be dirty but after comparing the images I’m pretty sure those are rain drops.
This cluster of azalea blooms were a bright spot as the shadows deepened just before sundown on a recent evening at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. An “old photo” treatment takes us back in time.
