Construction of the Broadway Bridge

[Brendan]

[Brendan]

The appearance of orange paint on the structure is probably due to my restoration of the slide.  My father, John Carroll, took this picture.  ’59 I believe.

Our house, on the south end of Kingsbridge Terr, overlooked the canal and most places between Bailey and the Palisades.  Saw and heard a lot of cool stuff:  big crowds at Baker Field during early ’70’s winning streak;  Viet Nam vet NYPD helo pilot flying under the lowered bridge many times before bosses ended that;  Dairmuid McGuinness blowing by the Columbia skull team (every time!);  Sadly, a jumper on the northeast corner;  sadder still- recovery efforts for deceased rowers who overturned and became stuck in mud near north bank near spot near latest derailment.  I happened to be walking South on the bridge one Fri night when an Inwood fella I knew came upon me from behind saying God had just talked to him.  He was a normal, good guy who played for Good Shepherd, maybe had a pint, but didn’t smoke dope so forget acid, and was completely sober.  Walking on air and I couldn’t keep up with him after he told me it really happened!  Happy as Larry.  I know he spoke at wherever visionaries recognized by the Church speak.  My brother said we were/are maternal cousins of Roscommon Coyle sort.

[Brendan]

As with any old memory, allow for distortion.  I saw the police helicopter fly under the lowered BB (slowly) more than once, but the bridge may have been raised most other times.   Same time every time.

[jbakerjonathan]

Brendan, you speak of old memories and distortion. I have one that I can’t find any evidence for and it is of an accident on the elevated train at the 242nd street station. I “think” that the train accelerated and crashed through the bumper on the west side track, ploughing through the wooden platform and coming to rest, hanging out over Broadway. I can’t find any evidence that this occurred.

I was away, either at college or in the army (1955-1963). I remember new planking in that area of the station when visiting home during that period. I probably am making it all up in my mind. I’d like to have you go through your memory bank to see if there is anything there.

I recall the traffic diversion on Broadway when the bridge in your picture was being put in place. Fun times!

[tmara2]

[tmara2]

 

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