Reprinted with permission from the August 2013 New Boston Bulletin

On the morning of Saturday, June 29, one lane of Lyndeborough Road [in New Boston, New Hampshire] was shut down at the bridge to allow for the crowd that had gathered for the dedication of this bridge to long-time [New Boston] Road Agent Lee Murray.

Constructed in the summer of 2000, this 60-foot wood bridge across the Piscataquog River was of special significance to Lee, as he had convinced the [New Boston] Selectmen to let his five-person crew erect the bridge. Not only did they do an outstanding construction job, but they also saved the town a lot of money in the process.

At the ceremony, highway crew member Ron Basha did a remarkable job as “host,” noting the history of the bridge and the crew’s respect for Lee.

Former Selectman Willard Dodge served as guest speaker. He not only reminded those present of just how respected the highway crew was in the construction of this bridge, but he also brought back fond (and hilarious) memories of Lee as the town’s road agent. Lee could not only operate the most ancient and confounding equipment, he was knowledgable, hardworking, and an innovator of incredible proportions.

After the ceremony at the bridge, folks went up to the highway shed for some great refreshments (with help from Elaine Perusse!) and to view incredible photos from decades gone by.

Lee’s wife, Dianne Murray, wants to thank everyone for their donations so that the plaque on the bridge was able to become a reality. “I’m so happy that people felt so much of Lee to do this in his memory,” she wrote. “The attendance from both New Boston and Andover [where Lee and Dianne later moved] show how well he was thought of. A special thank you to Road Agent Dick Perusse, his crew and the Selectmen.”