On this date in 1883, the Brookyn Bridge,, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York, was dedicated by President Chester Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland.
It's interesting that much of the engineering and almost all of the public relations work was done by Emily Roebling, wife and daughter-in-law of the two original architects (both men) and an architect/engineer in her own right. Her involvement was downplayed because of the prevalent sexism.
Even with all the sleight of hand exercised to minimize Emily's involvement, she was THE FIRST PERSON TO CROSS THE BRIDGE.
I love the Brooklyn Bridge and personally thank Emily for building it.
And the beat goes on........
Ah yes, I love the Brooklyn Bridge. There's also a great children's book Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing by April Jones Prince about the true story of elephants that walked over the bridge that helped people feel it was safe to cross. I, personally, have been offered to buy the brooklyn bridge many times, but always decided against it. Additionally, my grandmother always asked - If you're friends jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you do that too? Luckily, none of them ever did. Thanks for this info on one of my favorite bridges!
ReplyDeleteThe Golden Gate Bridge seems much more dramatic to throw one's self off of! I might have to settle for the St. Johns here in Portland!
ReplyDeleteJus Kidding!
Well, tova, I'm glad you didn't buy the bridge cause I actually own it. Are you interested in "renting"
ReplyDeleteMorgan
I might be interested in renting, but is it rent controlled?
ReplyDeleteI lived "under" the Brooklyn Bridge for a while
ReplyDeleteAh, Casimire, that must be where I know you from.
ReplyDeleteFor you tova, rent control.
Morgan