Charter Oak Bridge
PhotographerPhotographed by
Meyers Studios, Inc.
Date1940-1991
MediumPhotography; gelatin silver prints on paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 7 3/4 x 9 3/4in. (19.7 x 24.8cm)
Sheet (height x width): 8 x 10in. (20.3 x 25.4cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineGift of Denis Chicoine
Object number2014.72.27-.36
DescriptionA series of photographs shows the construction of the first Charter Oak Bridge, begun in 1940, the collapse of a portion of its span, its rebuilding, and the construction of a replacement bridge in the 1980s. Most photographs include construction equipment and construction workers. One includes a cement mixer. Several include cranes and high voltage electric lines. One photograph includes the South Meadows plant of the Hartford Electric Light Company. The pylons supporting the bridge figure prominently. Grafitti on one of the pylons reads : "I got Braces" "John / Bragdon / Is..." The East Hartford shore is visible in some photographs. In one photograph, the Hartford skyline appears in the background.
NotesSubject Note: Although the Charter Oak Bridge was projected as early as 1929, no work began until 1940. In 1941, a portion of the bridge deck collapsed, killing sixteen workers. The bridge was completed in 1942. In the 1980s, an entirely new bridge was constructed to support the interstate highways, replacing the original bridge.Status
Not on view
