"Still standing" is an apt description for the Long Grove Covered Bridge. In September villagers and officials gathered to affix a plaque stating the bridge is a National Landmark. Within days, two more drivers—ignoring ample warning signs—crashed trucks into the bridge.
In fact, the bridge has survived more than 40 crashes in the last two years alone. Thanks to a clever hardening of the bridge, it survives the typical knocks caused by unwitting drivers, leaving vehicles heavily damaged (and drivers paying hefty fines).
Now known as the Robert Parker Coffin Bridge, its namesake served more than 20 years as the Long Grove village president and 22 more years on the plan commission. While he was an architect by trade, he was also a community member who pushed for more open space in the Village and larger lot sizes so that Long Grove could maintain its rural feel and image.
In addition to the road leading to the bridge being named after Coffin, he also designed its cover, which was added in 1972 to protect it from the elements. Coffin was truly invested in the Long Grove community and demonstrated that commitment over four decades of public service.
