In this episode of Cidiot®, we explore the literal "connective tissue" of our region: the bridges.
Host Mat Zucker is joined by Chris Steber, Public Information Officer for the New York State Bridge Authority, to discuss the five major vehicular crossings—from the "grand-daddy" Bear Mountain Bridge to the Rip Van Winkle.
We dive into the fascinating history of these landmarks, including why Franklin D. Roosevelt vetoed the first attempt at a northern bridge, the "engineering epic" of the Mid-Hudson Bridge construction, and the mystery of why the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge doesn't actually land in Rhinecliff or Kingston.
The episode also highlights a truly unique marriage of infrastructure and art: Bridge Music. Composer Joseph Bertolozzi transformed the Mid-Hudson Bridge into a massive percussion instrument by recording the sounds of its cables and railings. If you're walking the bridge between April and October, look for the listening stations at each tower to hear the bridge's own soundtrack!
Episode Highlights & Resources:
Engineering History: Insights into the Bear Mountain Bridge Centennial Page and archival 1924 Fox Newsreel Footage of Bear Mountain Bridge of its construction. (Note: This footage was provided courtesy of the Moving Image Research Collection at the University of South Carolina.)
Local Lore: The story of Monsignor Joseph Sheahan, the Poughkeepsie priest who campaigned for the Mid-Hudson Bridge, and the 1930 Universal Newsreel showing its grand opening.
Chris’s Recommendations: Explore the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College or the "hidden gem" gardens at Wethersfield Estate & Garden.
Special Thanks: A huge thank you to Joseph Bertolozzi for his generous permission to feature his music in this episode. We also want to extend gratitude to guest editor Brett Barry of Silver Hollow Audio and host of Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast, for his expert help in bringing this story to life.
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