The covered bridge over the South River in Conway, Massachusetts, is one of the survivors of many such bridges built in Massachusetts and other states in New England in the 19th century. Constructed of wood, they often served as protection from inclement weather for travelers on horseback or in open carriages and were considered romantic since they provided visual privacy on a public way. Both the bridge, built in 1871, and the circa 1800 house in the distance are still in place, although the recently renovated (2006) bridge use is now limited to foot traffic. The photographer was Clifton Johnson (1865-1940).