Defying Gravity! April 27, 2009

After several days in 1883, this morning I woke up in my own bed. To my surprise I found everything just as it was a week ago when this whole thing began. My car is in my driveway, and my clothes are back to their normal state, thank goodness! I began to wonder if it was only a dream, but I know that this was no dream. Lying in bed this morning, I began to think about why I was sent back in time, to the year 1883. I had never really given a lot of thought to the Brooklyn Bridge. I was of course familiar with the bridge. After all, it is one of the most recognized American landmarks, but I don’t think many people know how the bridge got its start, and why it was so important to the progress of America during the Gilded Age. The significance of the bridge has a deeper and more important meaning than the surface lets on.
The completion of the bridge was a pivotal moment in history, and should be regarded as a milestone in which America would become highly respected around the world. The bridge wasn’t any ordinary bridge; it was an engineering marvel. Made of steel and masonry, it defied the laws of nature, and opened the door to more innovative building and technology. The bridge itself had all the making of a popular symbol. (Trachtenberg, 732) It is easy to see that the bridges span across the East River was a symbol of America’s leap across the continent. Montgomery Schuyler compared the Brooklyn Bridge to the cathedrals of Europe in the 13th Century. Schuyler wrote that the Bridge was an emblem of the Industrial Revolution, just as the Gothic Cathedrals of Europe were the symbols of the Medieval Age. The bridge represented the times through metal and the cathedrals with stone. (Billington, Mark 37) Although some regard the Brooklyn Bridge, as a high form of art, others like Schuyler criticized Roebling’s design. His opinion was Roebling’s use of the cables was not artistic; that it was caused by gravity, and natural law, therefore allowing the beauty to emerge without an aesthetic choice. (Schuyler, 173)
The idea for the bridge had been a long time coming. Almost one hundred years prior to the completion of the bridge, westward expansion began, and the demand for ideas and inventions to make travel easier and faster had become clearer. The invention of the locomotive and railroad system was the beginning of bringing America together, but the Brooklyn Bridge was the last thread needed. Roads meant economic survival of Americans; the fear being, that maybe the vast space of America and its territories would be its biggest downfall. The term “Cement the Union” had more than one meaning; it was figurative, but also had a literal tilt.
The Bridge became a national symbol for unity and prosperity. A Congressman from New York is quoted as saying, “There is no place where the great staple articles for the use of civilized life can be produced in greater abundance with greater ease, and yet as respects most of the luxuries and many of the conveniences of life the people are poor.”(Trachtenberg, 734) These people lacked these “luxuries” and “conveniences,” because they were isolated, and because without roads they would not have the access that the common people deserved.
Trachtenberg wrote that when “The first admirers of the Brooklyn Bridge hailed it as a threshold to the glorious future, an entire movement of thought echoed their claim. Internal improvements moved in the mind as well as on the land. In their symbolic function, they reinforced the popular notion that American history had begun a new.” (Trachtenberg, 736) Many historians agree with Trachtenberg, that this was the dawning of a new era, and a restoration of American pride after a long and brutal war that left the country torn apart.
Industrialization led to the celebration of mankind and scientific methods. In America this rapid industrialization, and the transportation revolution, led to celebration in America itself. The advancement of technology seemed to bring America closer to its “destiny.” However, Trachtenberg felt that not all Americans saw this revolution as a good thing, and industrialization created a contradiction between two ways of life, and two sets of values. Some people felt that the railroad would bring people to America, but would not contribute to the internal structure of America. Showing confidence in technology was essential to the success of the new inventions. It was extremely important that people believed these new developments would lead to benefits for all Americans. Without the support of the people it was sure to fall flat. (Trachtenberg, 739)
“Brooklyn Bridge stood in the minds of its beholders in 1883 for all the roads in America. It stood for the old ideal of mastering nature, and the new realities of the machine and the city. Looking at the bridge, Americans could fuse the separate parts of their national experience into one image: the bridge connected the past to the present, the land to the machine. It stood for passage, the main movement of American life.” (Trachtenberg, 741) The bridge was meant to make life easier, but it would stand long after the original surroundings had changed, and generations would pass.
The bridge is accredited for the development of Brooklyn and the area surrounding the bridge. With passage over the East River becoming more convenient, the bridge made it possible for people to live outside of Manhattan, while keeping productive in their job. After the Brooklyn Bridge’s success, three more bridges were built in the same area. To this day the City of New York reports that although the other bridges are newer, the Brooklyn Bridge gives the city less trouble than the newer ones, and with proper upkeep, the bridge will last at least one-hundred more years, if not more.
In Haw’s book Art of A Bridge: A Visual History; whether the bridges stands one-hundred, or one-thousand years, one thing is certain, “...writers will continue to write about it, artists will continue to make art of it, filmmakers will continue to make films about it, and the world will continue to walk over it. Cyclists will no doubt continue to shout at bewildered pedestrians who have unwittingly strayed across the white dividing line, and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will continue to pop up on the bridge every now and then to preach about the glories of his hometown, and remind us all that the Brooklyn Bridge remains one of New York’s great stages, for all the world’s Barnum’s, a place for pomp, politics, promotion, and pure pleasure, long may it all happily continue.” (Haw, 266)
David McCullough came to the most profound conclusion in his book The Great Bridge, writing that the bridge was not built in the past, nor should it be kept there. Although it wasn’t built in our time or our presence, it was built in the presence of the builders, and it will always remain that way. Although the New York City skyline has long since dwarfed the towers nothing holds a candle to the uniqueness of the towers themselves.
In 1964 the bridge was officially declared a National Historic Landmark. It carries more than 120,000 automobiles daily, and on a day when the weather is agreeable more than a thousand people go walking or bicycling on the promenade. One thing is for sure, the Brooklyn Bridge has had a lasting effect on American’s, and remains an American landmark in which tourists and immigrants seek out to take pictures of and stroll across. In my next trip to New York I will seek out the Brooklyn Bridge as well, and really study it as though I had actually watched it being built, brick by brick, in 1883. I eye witnessed a miracle! The stories I will have to tell my grandchildren.

(1) Billington, David and Mark, Robert. “The Cathedral and the Bridge: Structure

and Symbol.” Technology and Culture (1984) 37-52

(2) Haw, Richard. Art of The Brooklyn Bridge. New York, New York (2008)

(3) McCullough, David. The Great Bridge. New York, New York (1972)

(4) Schuyler, Montgomery, “The Bridge as a Monument” American Architecture and

Other Writings (1964) 17

(5) Trachtenberg, Alan. “Brooklyn Bridge and the Mastery of Nature” The

Massachusetts Review, (1963) 731-741

May 27, 1883

The Gateway to a New Century!
It has been a day since I last wrote. It’s a scary thought, but I am beginning to wonder when I will return back to 2009. I came down to breakfast this morning and spotted a New York Times paper, it was several days old and awaiting disposal. I was immediately drawn to it and when I saw it open to a story about Emily Roebling, I picked it up and began to read. This must be a coincidence! I had seen her at the ceremonies and heard people in the streets speak of her, but I wasn’t entirely sure I realized just how much of an effect this one woman had on something as monumental, as the Brooklyn Bridge. Although oppression of gender isn’t something I experience in 2009, I must remind myself constantly that these were different times. A woman, even as classic as Emily Roebling, wouldn’t have been permitted to partake in the building of something like the Brooklyn Bridge. Emily Roebling got her chance to shine, and many people took notice. Although it wasn’t under the best circumstances, Washington Roeblings falling ill to a fever, Emily took the reigns, and stepped in for her husband.
I recalled a book about this very subject that I had read in a history class I had taken several semesters ago, now I was actually in the thick of the events. Many historians accredit her to the great success the bridge ultimately had earned. David McCullough wrote, she was hard to get down, and there is nothing on record of her ever being negative about the fifteen-year job her husband took on. She remained supportive through it all. “She quite bluntly refused to give in. More, she seemed to gather strength as time passed and gradually she began exerting a profound and interesting influence in bridge matters.” (McCullough, 462) The rest is history, you might say. Stories began circulating about her, the parts she played, and many of these stories were the truth. However, she did not secretly take over as the engineer of the bridge, as some might suggest, instead she had a “thorough grasp on the engineering involved. She had a quick and retentive mind, a natural gift for mathematics, and she had been a diligent student during the long years he (her husband) had been incapacitated.” (McCullough 462-463) This, however, did not sit right with those trustees of the bridge. They questioned Washington’s state of mind, and the credibility was questioned of those who supported her. Despite the judgments made against those involved, Emily was “Quite literally his (Washington’s) eyes, his legs, his good right arm. And the more she did, the more the gossips talked.” (McCullough, 464)
I wasn’t sure what to think of this. I decided that I would take a walk down the river front, and take a second look at the now open bridge. On my way to the bridge, I passed the house in which the Roebling’s were living. I paced the street several times, and stood at the gate looking in on the old brick home. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Emily, but I didn’t have much luck, although I did get a look at the dog that chased me away from the gate. I continued towards the bridge and noticed the towers off in the distance immediately. As I was walking, I remembered a poem I once read about the Brooklyn Bridge.
Walt Whitman returned to his beloved city of New York in 1878, and saw the nearly completed bridge. He declared the visit provided "the best, most effective medicine my soul has yet partaken--the grandest physical habitat and surroundings of land and water the globe affords--namely, Manhattan Island and Brooklyn, which the future shall join in one city--city of superb democracy, amid superb surroundings." (Whitman) Having written the poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” earlier, he had a deep love for the city of New York. “It avails not time or place nor place, distance avails not….” (Whitman) It is interesting that Whitman wrote this before the bridge was fully completed, because it applies to the completed bridge in 1883 and in 2009. The sight of the structure makes you lose your breath, and time stands still for a brief second. I remember going on vacations to New York and staring in awe over the sight of the bridge stretching over the East River. A friend once recounted an experience he had had. Apparently, every year poets gather at one end of the bridge, and they read poetry at the top of their lungs as they walk across. When they get to the other side they stop and a person will read Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry.” When or if I ever return to 2009, I will come back here with a new perspective, and ready to read my favorite Brooklyn Bridge Poem.
"All modern New York, heroic New York, started with Brooklyn Bridge" (Haws, 61) Historians accredit the Brooklyn Bridge as a turning point for Americans. After the Civil War, and during the Gilded Age, there was great political unrest and chaos with the reconstruction in the South, economic recession, political corruption in New York, and labor unrest. This was a proud and triumphant moment for Americans, there was a technological leap, and the United States was at the forefront. "The key to civilization fashioned in New York can be found in the monumentality of its skyline, not in the lives of its inhabitants." (Haws p. 115) The bridge was only the beginning of the skyline, but already the fascination had begun. Haws wrote that the Brooklyn Bridge is an icon that has had a great impact onto the cultural development of New Yorkers and Americans. It served as a "Communal notice board upon which individuals and groups inscribe their thoughts and feelings" (Haws, 224).
The bridge is well known all over the world, and remains to be one of the few structures of the Nineteenth-Century that has survived New York City’s growth and development. It’s interesting to note that the same speeches give on the day the bridge opened were given at the fiftieth anniversary in 1933. The speeches were ones of progress and inspiration not on the current troubles of the times.
For fifty years after its completion, the Brooklyn Bridge remained the largest suspension bridge ever made. It was referred to by many as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and it was an even greater sensation that ever imagined by anyone involved. (McCullough, 543) The Bridge remained an endless fascination and amazed anyone who saw it. “For millions of immigrants arriving in New York through the 1880’s and 1890’s and on into the new century, it was one of the first things to be seen of the New World as they came up the bay. It was one of the landmarks they all looked for, the great world-famous symbol of the faith that was literally moving mountains.” (McCullough, 547) The fact that the bridge was designed by an immigrant himself increased its appeal to the mass population because it emphasized the “American dream.” It made people think that they could make something of themselves in a place with opportunity and promise.
The Bridge also served a practical purpose. It did everything it had promised. Instead of having to cross the East River on a Ferry you could now move it across with the ease of a bridge. In Brooklyn itself it “Stimulated growth, raised property values, and provided safe, reliable alternative to the ferries. It put Brooklyn on the map.” (McCullough, 551)
I thought about all these things I had learned in class and began to put them all together. I was also beginning to put together why I had gone back in time to 1883, and the importance of the Brooklyn Bridge. How much longer will I be here you might ask? I wish I knew the answer myself!

(1) McCullough, David. The Great Bridge. New York, New York (1972)

(2) Haw, Richard. Art of The Brooklyn Bridge. New York, New York (2008)

(3) Haw, Richard. The Brooklyn Bridge: A cultural History. New York, New York (2005)

(4) Wiedman, H. John. “Why we need our Brooklyn Bridges”. American Society of Civil Engineers. Library of Congress (1983)

(5) Whitman, Walt. "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry," Leaves of Grass. Washington, DC (2007)

May 25, 1883

Yesterday was an aw-inspiring day! I’m sorry I did not write yesterday but I was so consumed by the events at the Brooklyn Bridge. Not to mention the fact that people look at me rather strangely when I pull my lap top out of my bag. But, let me tell you about yesterday.
I made my way to where to the newspaper said. It was a beautiful day, we couldn’t have asked for better weather there was not a cloud in the sky (4). I could see many people arriving by boat along the shore line. Harpers weekly called it, “A festival so unique New York has seldom seen….” There were huge red, white, and blue flags were everywhere; on balconies, from roof tops, and from windows. (3) People were buzzing, waiting for President Chester Alan Arthur to finally arrive. The fence across the Chatham Street entrance to the bridge had been torn down by workmen and replaced by a solid line of police (1). I was amongst thousands of people waiting for the same moment I was. There were vendors selling Bananas, flags, gumdrops and buttons with the Roeblings faces on them were roaming the streets. (1)
At 11:15 A.M. the ceremonies began and the regiment sounded the escorted President of the United States, the governor of New York and the mayor of New York City into the commencement area. After them marched the soldiers wearing their summer uniforms. (4) I have never seen a more spectacular scene and the band played “Hail to the Chief 4 times. (1) The speakers called this a “Wonder of Science” and an “Astounding exhibition of the power of man to change the face of nature”. It was a “Monument to enterprise, skill, faith, endurance.” It was also a monument to “public spirit”, “the moral qualities of the human soul”. (1). At about 9:30 P.M. I could hear music playing. It sounded like a party so I went to look, surprisingly admission was free. (5) I decided not to dance because I knew my modern dancing style would give away my cover.
Like most people I waited around until sunset to see the gas lamps light up and the excitement continued into the night. The Times estimated that at least 150,000 people came out the East River to watch bridges first day in use. Suddenly a solitary rocket shot into the sky over the Mayors house and burst into blue stars. (1) People in the streets let out shrieks of surprise and happiness. It was announced that the bridge would open at the stroke of mid-night so people gathered on both ends and waited for their turn to walk across. However, it actually opened at 11:22PM. It cost one cent for me to walk across and I paid it and went on my way. (4)
After the long day I dragged myself back to my boarding house. I went upstairs and opened the door and fell to my bed from exhaustion! I have never walked so much in my life!

(1) McCullough, David. The Great Bridge. New York, New York (1972)

(2) Haw, Richard. Art of The Brooklyn Bridge. New York, New York (2008)

(3) Wiedman, H. John. “Why we need our Brooklyn Bridges”. American Society of Civil Engineers. Library of Congress (1983)

(4) "BRIDGE TOLLS ARRANGED :ONE CENT TO BE CHARGED FOR FOOT PASSENGERS.." New York Times (1857-Current file), May 15, 1883, http://www.proquest.com/ (accessed February 24, 2009)

(5) "THE BRIDGE OPENING :MAYOR LOW'S PROCLAMATION AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RECEPTION.." New York Times (1857-Current file), May 18, 1883, http://www.proquest.com/ (accessed February 24, 2009

(6) "MRS. ROEBLING'S SKILL :HOW THE WIFE OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE ENGINEER HAS ASSISTED HER HUSBAND.." New York Times (1857-Current file), May 23, 1883, http://www.proquest.com/ (accessed February 24, 2009).

(7) "TWO GREAT CITIES UNITED :THE BRIDGE FORMALLY OPENED. IMMENSE CROWDS ATTRACTED BY THE CEREMONIES.." New York Times (1857-Current file), May 25, 1883, http://www.proquest.com/ (accessed February 25, 2009).

May 23, 1883

I too am amazed by the date. It was just this morning that I was living in 2009 going about my business, getting ready for another day of exciting classes at UNLV, when I got in my car to drive to campus. All I did was stop at the local Seven-Eleven, everything seemed normal in the store, but when I walked out I found myself looking down a dusty old road filled with buggies, horses and the smell of life, I turned around to see not the Seven-Eleven that I had just come out of, but a small red brick mercantile. Feeling like I was in the middle of a Dali painting, I looked down at my feet only to find them enveloped in soft kid glove leather, high button shoes and a long beautiful gown, instead of the cute little outfit I left home with this morning. In fact, everything had changed; my clothes, my car, oh my God! Where the hell is my car? It’s a good thing I still have my laptop. Without my laptop I am lost, and I mean lost. I walked down this mysterious street and saw a “Newsie” on the corner, he was shouting “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” Immediately I bought a paper from this boy and started to rifle through the pages I realized that this wasn’t a dream I was actually in 1883! I glanced at the date, and it said May 23, 1883, then it occurred to me that I was sent back in time to cover the opening of the Brooklyn Bridge. This being a monumental event in US history, I will gladly leave the economic crisis and unemployed world of 2009 and venture back to 1883 when the US was filled with hope and excitement on the verge of a technological revolution.
Taking 14 years for it to be fully constructed; most people thought the day when one could walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn would never come. Twenty-seven people lost their lives during the construction including the architect himself, John Roebling (1). A Bridge over the East River had been thought about years before any proposal had been accepted. The first recorded proposal for a bridge uniting the two cities was recorded in 1800. This bridge was to be twice the size of any bridge Roebling had ever built. (2)
I decided it would be in my best interest to venture toward the East River to see this marvel. Although it wasn’t open to traffic just yet. I figured I would go to the shore and look at it. I started to toward the Bridge as it can be seen from many areas of the city. It’s a good thing it can be seen, because my Map Quest isn’t coming up on the computer.(1)
The skyline in 1883 is not quite what I remember from my New York City vacation. There are no sky scrappers. The common landmarks that I know aren’t here because they haven’t been built yet. When I got to the edge of Manhattan, I saw the materials this great bridge was built with, modern materials (steel, brick, etc.), common for 2009, but not 1883. (2) The bridge extends 1,595 feet and 6 inches across the East River, and at this time is the longest suspension bridge in the world. I felt so small looking at the great towers; they must take up a whole city block each! They must stand at least seven stories tall, and I can see the steel of which they are made so clearly! The towers must be sturdy to hold up the massive cables slung across the top (1) despite the tidal waters of the East River the bridge seemed very calm as the sun set.
I walked back toward Manhattan to look for a place to eat and sleep for the evening. I found Lilly Mae’s, a nice boarding house near midtown. The other boarders were like me, well not exactly; they hadn’t come from 2009. They were all in New York for the same reason, this great bridge. From asking around I’ve heard nearly 50,000 people are visiting the city waiting to walk across the great bridge. I have found myself incredibly lucky to have found room and board at all! (3)
There is much talk about Emily Roebling, she is the wife of Washington Roebling, the cheif engineer of the bridge. John Roebling, Washington’s father died suddenly on May 5, 1869 of a mysterious fever and since then Washington and Emily took the job of making this bridge a reality. Washington was asked to take on the job of Chief Engineer to finish the bulk of this project. (2) Emily is highly respected by those who speak of her. She makes daily (sometimes 2 or 3) trips to the bridge. There are messages to deliver and decisions to be made. She served as a principle contact for her late husbands company. I was very excited to hear she would be making an appearance at the ceremonies tomorrow. (1) One woman I met showed me a newspaper clipping about the opening of the Bridge. It read, “The East River Bridge will be open to the public Thursday, May Twenty-fourth, at 2 o’clock, 110 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn” (1)
It seems to be getting rather late here in 1883 and I want to be fully rested for the festivities tomorrow! Goodbye for now!