New Jersey History and Sites

Located in Cherry Hill, the Scarborough Covered Bridge, also known as the “Kissing Bridge,” is one of two remaining covered bridges in New Jersey.

The covered bridge was designed by architect Malcolm Wells and later named after Robert (Bob) Scarborough. Mr. Scarborough was a well-known developer of the Barclay Farms neighborhood, where the covered bridge is located.

The Scarborough Covered Bridge was officially opened to traffic on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1959. In true Valentine’s Day fashion, 101 couples were reported to share a kiss under the newly opened bridge. Thus, the Scarborough Covered Bridge became known as the “Kissing” or “Friendship” Bridge. Historically, covered bridges always had a romantic notion to them. Whether young or old, people loved going under the dark, covered bridges because they gave a sense of privacy for intimate moments. Many couples were known to hold hands or steal a kiss under a covered bridge. On the 50^th anniversary of the Scarborough Covered Bridge, the township held a remembrance ceremony, where many couples showed up to share their own kisses under the bridge.

Located within a residential area, the Scarborough Covered Bridge constantly has local traffic driving through. Nevertheless, it’s quite an interesting historic landmark to behold. Sidewalks allow visitors to walk from one side of the bridge to other. Over the side of the bridge, visitors can see the north branch of the Cooper River flowing underneath. In addition, there is a large, grassy area next to the park, known as Scarborough Park. The Park is a nice place to play catch with your dog, have a picnic, or play sports with your friends.  If visiting the South Jersey area, the Scarborough Covered Bridge is worth checking out and possibly sharing a kiss with a loved one underneath.

Resources

Garlipp Jr., Richard J. “Images of America: New Jersey’s Covered Bridges.” Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing, 2014. https://www.google.com/books/edition/New_Jersey_s_Covered_Bridges/bhE7BAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Richman, Steven M. “The Bridge of New Jersey: Portraits of Garden State Crossings. United Kingdom:” Rutgers University Press, 2005. https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Bridges_of_New_Jersey/5V2lnUoPXo4C?hl=en&gbpv=0

Sanders Allen, Richard. “Covered Bridges of the Northeast.” Mineola, New York: Dover Publications Inc, 2004. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Covered_Bridges_of_the_Northeast/9wt-Uh2To70C?hl=en&gbpv=0

“Scarborough Park Through the Years” Signage. Cherry Hill: Cherry Hill Township. Visited July 13, 2024.