When opened 1913, the Eighth Street Bridge was the longest and highest reinforced concrete arch bridge in the world. The Lehigh Valley Transit Company organized the Allentown Bridge Company in 1911 for the sole purpose of building the bridge. The structure operated as a toll bridge from its November 17, 1913 opening until the 1950s, at which time the toll was five cents for an automobile. The concrete standards that once supported the trolley wire are still standing. Harry C. Trexler, founding member of the Transit Company and Lehigh Portland Cement Co., was a principle player in the construction of this bridge. General Trexler's grave-site, in Fairview Cemetery on Lehigh Street, affords unique views of the bridge and center city Allentown.
Let's all face facts. The Free Government Goodies Army simply don't give a damn about local history. And neither do the Democrats who created and perpetuate the Poverty Magnet.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Nancy Pelosi wants her crumbs back ... so please enjoy the election results which will have consequences.
Respectfully,
ROLF OELER
That photo is priceless.
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteIf you review the history of the bridge a little deeper you will discover that the toll booth pictured is the second toll booth on the bridge, not the original. This is the one I and probably you vaguely remember on the north end of the bridge. Originally there were 2 smaller toll booths, one on each end, that were located on the sides of the bridge. When first built pedestrians were charged a penny to walk across it.