Garrett Graton is a fourth generation timber frame restorer. I met him on the site of a covered bridge restoration in Ossipee, NH.

How will we live tomorrow?

“I want to hold off on answering that until I see how this marital law stuff works out. You know, the federal government is sending armed militia into states. Many think it’s the precursor to marital law. The governor of Texas sent a letter to Obama telling him that his actions are being watched. Check out Jade Helm online to see what is happening.”

After answering the question, Garrett turned to showing me the details of covered bridge reconstruction. 3G Construction has been restoring covered bridges for three generations. We try to keep as much of the sound lumber as we can and dovetail new to it.

I asked Garrett how often a bridge was restored.

My grandfather restored this bridge back in the 1980’s. The bridges are owned by the state or towns, but at that time my grandfather helped establish 80/20 federal / local funding mechanism. This restoration is being done under that arrangement, but it is about to end. The federal government isn’t going to contribute 80%. Communities will be holding church suppers to restore their bridges.