West elevation view

Grayscale photograph, with pencil inscription on verso: "Toll House{1} south end facing Schuylkill River showing condition of roof. " This is actually a detail view of the west eaves wall [facing the Schuylkill River], showing the severe damage to the roof, which exposed the roof framing, attic floor and joists to inclement weather for at least several years. FOOTNOTE {1} According to a note written on the verso of MFHPH45--1005.01.046 by Theresa Beard, the name was changed from "Toll House" to "Bridge House" because it was discovered that bridge tolls were collected on the other side of the Schuylkill River. The source of Theresa's information was probably the designation "Toll House" for a building in Union Township [the Kulp house] on the map of Amity Township [and part of Union] on page 27 of the 1876 "Illustrated historical atlas of the Berks County, Penna." This structure, constructed and first occupied by Michael Fulp during intervals between 1783 and his death in 1808, is sometimes referred to as the "covered" Bridge Keeper's House. A "keeper" typically had responsibility for inspecting the bridge and its timber components, removing winter precipitation and debris from the approaches and portals, and spreading snow on the bridge planking to accommodate sleighs. See also Footnote {1} to records MFHPH18--1005.01.019 and MFPH22--1005.01.023, and further discussion of the "bridge keeper" issue in MFHPH47--1005.01.048, indicating a lack of documentation supporting the "bridge keeper" appellation for the Michael Fulp House.