bearly logical

When the Bear Mountain Bridge opened in 1924 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Plans for a bridge at this location predate our ClockTower by 20 years. In 1887 there were reports the bridge would be finished within two years. It was not to be so.

In fact not until 1922 when a private concern raised about $4.5 million to complete the span did the Bear Mountain Hudson River Bridge finally open. The private ownership planned to convert to New York State ownership no later than 1962. See the train tunnel on the eastern bank connecting NYC with all points upstate?

I took this photo from the train:

The transfer to the NYS Bridge Authority was actually completed in 1940 and the toll was established at fifty cents. Today it is still only a dollar and collected only from eastbound vehicles.

The bridge and tollhouse were added to the National Register of Historic places in 1982. An average of 17,695 cars cross each day.

The bronze elk was a 1935 gift from Victor H. Berman, Palisades Park Commissioner between 1935 and 1953 when the dedication plaque was placed.

But at this location? I wonder why it’s not a bronze bear.