The Opening of the New Iron "Pelham Bridge" in 1871

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site

Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
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Over the last several months I have researched the tiny neighborhood that grew up around the Pelham Bridge in the 1870s and 1880s. The neighborhood seems to have begun to thrive after the "new" iron Pelham Bridge was completed in 1871.

For those who are interested in this area that I have touched upon in quite a number of Blog postings, you may wish to read at least the following posts:

Tue., Aug. 9, 2005: Cock Fighting at Pelham Bridge in the 19th Century

Tue., Jun. 28, 2005: The Hotel and Bar Room at Pelham Bridge

Wed., March 23, 2005: Prize Fighting at Pelham Bridge in 1884

Today's Historic Pelham Blog posting relates an account of the opening of the new iron bridge in 1871 after many trials and tribulations. The account, published in the New York Herald on June 3, 1871, appears in its entirety below.

"PELHAM BRIDGE.

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Opening of the New Structure.

The new iron bridge across East Chester creek, at Pelham, Westchester county, was turned on for the first time last Thursday, amid general rejoicing on the part of the citizens. This structure was contracted for more than a year ago for $30,000, and was to have been completed within a period of six or eight months; but the contracting party having failed, and other dificulties arising from mismanagement, the work progressed but slowly until last fall, when a new commission, consisting of William H. Browne, of West Chester; Andrew Findlay of East Chester, and H. H. Robertson, of Morrisania, was appointed, and an additional appropriation of $15,000 made. Today the bridge will be ready for travel, and the satisfaction expressed in consequence - and at the prospect of unrestricted commerce again - is general throughout the villages of West Chester, Throgg's Neck, Pelham, East Chester and New Rochelle, while on City Island the inhabitants are almost wild with joy."

Source: Pelham Bridge, N.Y. Herald, Jun. 3, 1871, p. 6, col. 1.

Please Visit the Historic Pelham Web Site
Located at http://www.historicpelham.com/.
Please Click Here for Index to All Blog Postings.