old and new

Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.
Friendships that have stood the test--
Time and change--are surely best;
Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray;
Friendship never knows decay.
For 'mid old friends, tried and true,
Once more we reach and youth renew.
Cherish friendships in your breast--
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
--Joseph Parry (1841-1903) Welsh composer and musician

Well, okay, not exactly old and new -- but old and renewed. Certainly the Elizabethton Covered Bridge, is both old and gold. Built in 1882, it spans 134 feet across the Doe River. It is one of the best known landmarks in northeast Tennessee. In the distance, you see the arches of the Elk Avenue Bridge, which was constructed in 1926. This bridge was scheduled for replacement, but public interest and outcry led to its recent rehabilitation. It is nearly identical to the nearby Broad Street Bridge, built in 1929, which was also recently repaired. The 42nd annual Covered Bridge Festival is fast approaching, the dates for this year's event are June 11-15th.