1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Photo by Harry R. Boersig

1950 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Photo

Visible Area: 19 1/2" x 15 3/4"
Photographer: Harry R. Boersig
Circa: 1950
Media: Photograph with painted areas

Bought this today. Seller claims his grandfather was Arthur Nickleson with American machinery that installed the lights on the bridge.(more research nedded).

This is the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge that was built after the original 1940 Bridge collapsed during a wind storm. This view is looking east from Gig Harbor towards Tacoma. It appears the road is newly open, so it must be 1950.

GALLOPING GERTIE
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapses due to high winds on November 7, 1940. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was built in Washington during the 1930s and opened to traffic on July 1, 1940. It spanned the Puget Sound from Gig Harbor to Tacoma, which is 40 miles south of Seattle.

R.I.P. TUBBY THE COCKER SPANIEL
Tubby" the dog fell into fame when Galloping Gertie collapsed on November 7, 1940. As the only victim of that great disaster, Tubby has earned a special place in the hearts of many. His death symbolizes the drama of that terrible day.

AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PUGET SOUND
Today, the remains of the bridge are still at the bottom of Puget Sound, where they form one of the largest man-made reefs in the world. The spot was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in order to protect it against salvagers.

WWII DELAYS BRIDGE 10 YEARS
Constructing the replacement Tacoma Narrows Bridge was delayed for nearly a decade primarily due to the demand on steel created by World War II, and the fact that the state had trouble arranging insurance for the new span.

NEW BRIDGE - Oct. 14th, 1950
After 29 months of construction, a new and much safer Tacoma Narrows Bridge opened on Oct. 14, 1950. The current bridge is the 5th longest suspension bridge in the United States.

CONSTRUCTION DEATHS
Four people died during the construction of the bridge. Two deaths were accidents that resulted in a 120 foot fall into the water below. One was an electrocution while welding and one was crushed by a boom after a cable broke.