2000.210.16 © 2001 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Bulkeley Bridge Construction: Setting Stones on Arches, East Hartford

Datebefore 1907

MediumPhotography; gelatin silver print on paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (overall height x width): 7 1/16 x 9 7/16in. (18 x 24cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Object number2000.210.16

DescriptionFour large cranes on platforms supported by pilings are being used to place blocks of Stony Creek granite on three of the arches of the Bulkeley Bridge. Hooks and pulleys hang from the cranes. Temporary wooden centering spans support the stones. Ladders lead from the platforms to the tops of the arches. One of the Leete's Island granite piers is at the left. Trees and construction sheds are on the shore. The temporary iron bridge is in the background. The Connecticut River is in the foreground.

NotesSubject Note: After the temporary wooden bridge replacing the Hartford covered bridge was swept away by freshets in 1895 and 1896, the Berlin Iron Bridge Company constructed a new temporary iron bridge. The temporary iron bridge was begun May 4, 1896 and opened for travel on June 12, 1896. The Bulkeley Bridge has concrete foundations. From the foundation to the springing line of the arches, it is built of Leete's Island granite. The remainder of the structure is built of Stony Creek granite. Both the Leete's Island quarry and the Stony Creek quarry are in Branford. Construction of the new stone arch Bulkeley Bridge by McMullin, Weand & McDermott began early in 1904 and continued until the December 1907 when the bridge opened to trolley traffic and the general public.

Status

Not on view