Arnold Milton Graton, age 87, Master Covered Bridgewright, passed away on May 6, 2025, at his home in Ashland, New Hampshire with his wife Meg by his side.  Arnold devoted his life to preserving America’s architectural heritage through the restoration and construction of covered bridges and historic structures. Arnold and his team often lived and worked at his projects across the United States.  His work was his passion as well as a cold, dark beer at the end of the day. Arnold was a problem solver and excelled at tackling difficult projects. He was widely respected for his commitment to traditional craftsmanship and historical accuracy.  Arnold was a man of few words but often offered a dry sense of Yankee humor.

Throughout his notable career, Arnold built 16 new covered bridges and restored more than 65 others. His reputation brought requests for covered bridge work well beyond his New Hampshire home such as the Bunker Hill Bridge in North Carolina (1994), Knight’s Ferry Bridge in California (1995), Auchumpkee Creek Bridge in Georgia (1997), Utica Mills Bridge in Maryland (1997), and Tuscarora Covered Bridge in upstate NY (2012).  In 2005, Arnold consulted on the work at Kentucky’s Goddard Bridge which would be followed by work on six other Kentucky covered bridges over the following 20 years.  In 2008 his team reconstructed the former Bagley Bridge of Warner, NH as the Will Henry Stevens Bridge in North Carolina, 42 years after it was removed from its original location.

Arnold’s experience extended well beyond covered bridges to varied undertakings such as relocating a round barn to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, work on the timber frame at the James Madison mansion in Virginia, restoring a church in South Carolina, repairing NH fire towers, building Timber bridges on Mt. Washington’s Tuckerman’s trail and work on the Mayflower II at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. 

 Arnold was known for his quiet humility and demeanor, allowing his work to speak for itself. His integrity was evident in every project he undertook—his handshake, a reflection of his honesty and determination. Arnold preferred to go about his work to the best of his ability without seeking the attention, awards and accolades often associated with such accomplishments. He was more at ease working with wood and building a bridge than he was talking about his ability and knowledge.   He was happy to discuss details of his projects with anyone interested in listening, not out of pride, but to educate others about his methods so they could learn from his lifetime of experience. 

Arnold’s legacy and work will be carried on by his wife, his stepson Tim and the team of Arnold M. Graton Associates.  They are committed to carrying forward his principles and work ethic.  

Arnold requested that there be no funeral or public observance of his passing. 

An appreciation of his life and work will be planned for a later date.