The St. Lawrence County Historical Association UARTERLY

Volume XLIII- Number 4- Falll998 The St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House

The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is a private, not-foJ?P!@'l'F.~~p organization based at tbe Silas Wright House in Canton, New York. Foun5!¢Jn.l~7, tbe Associatio~ovemed by a constitution, by-laws, and Board of Trustees. Th~1 Association's membership mee,annually to elect its officers and trustees. /.

Officers: ,~~ Trustees: President: Richard Foster, Ropi' Chris Angus, Canton Vice-President: Carl Stic~, Norwood Patricia Carson, Canton Treasurer: David Sw~n, Canton <-~-11"'> Dennis Eickhoff, Colton Treasurer: Carol ~on, Canton <''""'~ 11198> Shawn Gray, Massena Secretary: Ca~n O'Horo, Canton Gary Kelly, Potsdam<,.-...~ "'> ;r' E. Jane Layo, Waddington ~l' f Stan Maine, Pierrepont Staff: / Lowell McAllister, Heuvel n <,.-...~ 11198> 7 Tre lock, Executive Director Martba McLean, Massena < ·~ 11198> gshore, Collections Manager Jane Subramanian, Pots Vicki ·n, Archives Assistant Joanne Swift, Potsdam Mary Ellen es,Administrative Assistant Peter Van de Water, Canto Robert Wells, Canton Cay Zabriskie, Ogdensbur

' ~,, J. ·.-.,., 1 'dn,Mission L The St. Lawrence County Historical Association is a·bQt.for-pmfil membeJ:sbip organhaliao a! museum which serves as an educational resource for the use and benefit of the citizens of St. Lawrence County and others interested in the County's history and traditions. The Association collects and preserves archival material and artifacts pertinent to the County's history. In cooperation and collaboration with other local organizations, the Association promotes an understanding of and appreciation for the County's rich history through publications, exhibits, and programs. The St Lawrence County Historical Association operates within museum standards established by the American Association of Museums.

SLCHA Membership Membership in the St. Lawrence County Historical Association is open to all interested parties. Annual membership dues are: Individual, $25; Senior/Student, $20; Family, $35; Contributor, $50; Supporter, $100; Patton, $250; Businesses, $50 to $1,000. Members receive the SLCHA Quarterly, the Historical Association's bi-monthly newsletter, and various discounts on publications, programs and events.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association at tbe Silas Wright House 3 East Main Street, PO Box 8 Canton, New York 13617 (315) 386-8133 The St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly

Volume XLID- Number 4- Fall1998 ISSN: 0558-1931

CONTENTS

Buck's Bridges: Civil Engineering Roots in the Victorian Age 2 Alan Teichman

Massena Center Suspension Bridge ... 14 Atwood Manley

Issue Editor: J Rebecca Thompson

Cover lllustration: Fireworks display at the opening celebration of the Williamsburg Bridge in December of1903.

Courtesy o/LibrlJI')' of Congress, Prints and Photographs Dtvt#on, (IILCUSZ62 913578'CO 062054) Buck's Bridges: Civil Engineering Roots in the Victorian Age By Alan Teichman The evening's guest ofhonor, ies, politicians, and civil engi­ ·City as a deputy commissioner Leffert Lefferts Buck, was not neering peers. As chief engineer of bridges. Leffert's right hand known as a talker. It is likely that of the Williamsburg Bridge, man was reportedly Holton even the many familiar faces Leffert had carried primary re­ Duncan Robinson. Also a North scattered throughout the crowd sponsibility for this, the second Country native, Holton was from of 240 people brought him little East River bridge. As such, he Massena Center. He was Nelson comfort. Praise of his own per­ would have understood better L. Robinson's cousin and a man sonal achievements was not than most that no single man who became expert at suspension something Leffert was inclined could design, plan, and construct cable construction under Lef­ to promote. The gathering was such an ambitious work1 fert's mentoring. Paid high trib­ the January 30, 1904 dinner ute by Leffert that night, Holton meeting ofthe St. Lawrence Club To support his master bridge went on to construct other record of St. Lawrence University in project, Leffert asked his size cables, then a long list of in­ New York. Leffert stood to an­ nephew, Nelson Lemuel Rob­ novative bridg~s in partnership swer the accolades before an au­ inson, to join him as private sec­ with David B. Steinman. Buck, dience comprising a "who's retary. A native of Morley, Robinson, and Robinson, all St. who" from his home town of NewYork and a member of the Lawrence University graduates, Canton, New York. Joining them New York State Bar, Nelson, no formed a unique North Country at the Aldine Hotel were New doubt, provided legal advice as team 2 York City Public Works dignitar- well. He later served New York

The Williamsburg Bridge in the process ofbeing painted, (ca.l910-1925). In the foreground are ferry slips on the Brooklyn side ofthe East River.

2 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly "As to my work, I prefer to let the things I have accom­ plished speak for me," Leffert asserted in response to the evening's compliments' Since its opening, the Williamsburg Bridge already spoke of inter­ borough communication, eco­ nomic development, and in­ creased choice for the immi­ grants massed on the lower east side of Manhattan. Across the river in the quiet Williamsburg section ofBrooklyn, it foretold a migration from the tenements of Manhattan into Brooklyn's once quiet village. The silent movie, made at the bridge opening cer­ emonies on December 19, 1903, recorded jumpy images of a le­ gion of top-hatted dignitaries. Lead by mounted police, a press corps, and Mayor Seth Low, they marched across the new bridge in celebration of its massive Whirlpool Rapids Toll Bridge (1997) in the Niagara Gorge. strength and record length. Designed and built by L.L. Buck in 1896, it replaced Roebling~ Niagara Railroad Suspension Bridge. Still in service today, it The borough system in New carries trains above and road vehicles below on two decks. York had recently been devised in response to the city's explod­ ing size and political complex­ Finding the money to finance Buck's Williamsburg Bridge ity. This swelling metropolis such a project was also a major would never become the icon needed massive bridge projects challenge, often taking years to John A. Roebling's Brooklyn to insure and expand the com­ organize. All ofthis added to the Bridge had become even before merce which was feeding its decidedly difficult technical its completion.* The Williams­ growth. Weather, a major adver­ challenge: to design and erect a burg reflects Leffert's practical, sary ofthe ferry system then serv­ structure capable of carrying the sturdy, and unassuming charac­ ing the water-bound borough of anticipated traffic load over the ter, serving more with monumen­ Manhattan, made traffic move­ proposed distance of span, at rea­ tal utility than with monumental ments especially unreliable dur­ sonable cost. NewYorkCitywas style. For the largely Jewish im- ing winter. Bridge traffic, unlike neither an easy nor forgiving place to lead such a project. the ferries, was not affected by *The Brooklyn Bridge was John Roebling's the ice which intermittently Washington Roebling had con­ master-work, which he had carefully built choked the rivers each time the fronted political dispute, corrup­ toward over many years. Each of his other temperature dipped. Unfortu­ tion, financial shortfall, and remarkable suspension bridges developed and confirmed his theories on long, cable nately, bridges of the scope re­ schedule overrun during his suspended spans. At the inception of quired to span the East River, twelve year struggle to complete construction, while surveying on the located on such densely popu­ the first East River bridge, the Brooklyn side of the East River, John Roebling's foot was crushed when a ferry lated and highly valued land, Brooklyn, just downstream from suddenly bumped into its slip. The injury were extremely difficult to plan the Williamsburg. Only through led to the tetanus infection which claimed and to build. Many disparate such strong efforts was it pos­ his life less than a month later, on July 22, 1869. Responsibility for the project then groups competed in a rush to ei­ sible to establish New York passed to his son, Washington. Though ther protect the status quo or pro­ City's extensive bridge infra­ relatively young, Washington Roebling had mote their agenda for change. structure• worked closely with his father on other projects.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 3 -

first volunteer company in the Revolutionary War. A member ofBenedictArnold's unfortunate expedition against Quebec, he died there in the smallpox epi­ demic that swept the troops cap­ tured by the British. Leffert's grandfather Isaac served under Ethan Allen and participated in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga on May 10, 1775. In 1804, the grandfather moved his wife Sa­ rah (Hall), with his son Lemuel and the rest of their children, from their existing life in Addison, Vermont into the fron­ tier forest of northern New York State-'

At that time there was neither 1885 Birdseye View of Canton, New York. settler nor bridge in the wooded The Buck Family owned the property in the corner above the corner of the Town of Potsdam railroad tracks and left ofBuck St. and the residence on the river which encompassed the Grass side ofMiner St. just south ofthe Pine St. junction. River upstream from what is now Madrid. The community that migrant population, it provided York. Like these ancestors, it is sprang up soon after took its a way to literally walk out of unglamorous and appears lonely. name from Isaac Buck's bridge, squalor on New York's Lower Its beauty is harsh and sad." By built of wood in the primordial East Side into the developing in­ now the swooping arc of its dis­ landscape soon after 1806. It was dustrial quarter in Brooklyn's tinctive stiffening truss has been a modest and tenuous affair com­ Williamsburg section. The first accepted as a reliable, if eccen­ pared to Leffert's Williamsburg suspension bridge built entirely tric, feature on New York City's Bridge. Plentiful timbers from of steel, it illustrates Leffert's public works landscape. The Isaac's adjacent sawmill would willingness to take advantage of Williamsburg Bridge, celebrated have made repair or replacement emerging materials. It was con­ that evening at the St. Lawrence relatively easy. Bridge replace­ currently hailed as the world's Club dinner, was saved from ment was in that time frequently longest and strongest bridge, and flireatened replacement by a necessitated by the ice laden condemned as a ponderous utili­ 1988 decision to reconstruct it. floods of spring. The upheaval tarian giant. Some thought it Leffert's masterwork will con­ which Leffert's father, Lemuel, unworthy of association with its tinue to serve New York City into had experienced during his move graceful downstream neighbor, the next century. into the wilderness from Ver­ the Brooklyn Bridge, and the mont was rewarded by a rich proud city it was intended to Like his forebears, Leffert adolescence in that pioneer serve. As Levi Asher wrote re­ embodied the pioneer traits of settlement composed of farms, cently, "The Williamsburg independence, courage, tenacity, workshops, and his father's saw­ Bridge glide& like a low-flying ingenuity, and service to duty. mill and store. After marrying bat from Brooklyn near the Navy These traits were manifest in his Elizabeth Baldrige in 1822, Yard to Delancey Street on the father, Lemuel Buck, his grand­ Lemuel farmed for a time nearby Lower East Side of Manhattan. father, Isaac Buck, and his great­ in the Town of Madrid while This bridge once belonged to the grandfather, also named Isaac starting a new generation of factory workers ofBrooklyn's in­ Buck. An emigrant from New Bucks. The couple had produced dustrial waterfront and the Irish Milford, Connecticut, Leffert's four or five offspring by the time and Italian and Jewish and Chi­ great-grandfather Isaac had been political success led to their nese immigrants of old New a member ofPittsford, Vermont's move into Canton village upon

4 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly Lemuel's election to the office of vided directly from the land, or family's Buck Street property County Sheriff, in 18326 through a combination of direct gave a daily demonstration ofthe and indirect means, by barter power of steam. This was a pio­ Leffert Lefferts Buck, their with neighbors. Pivotal to the neer period for political organi­ seventh child, was born in Can­ transition from a produce-barter zation, requiring the creation of ton on February 5, 1837* economy toward a mercantile­ a public works infrastructure in Lemuel was by then a member cash economy was arrival in the towns of St. Lawrence of the local political elite, serv­ Canton of the railroad "cars", County. As a politician, Leffert's ing the first offour years as Can­ around 18567 father had to deal regularly with ton Town Supervisor. He was an issues of rights of way and tax intimate friend of Senator Silas Leffert was born into the twi­ assessment to finance public Wright, who he may have met light of the "age of homespun," roads and bridges. Buck Street back in Buck's Bridge. Silas when sheep outnumbered cows in Canton was named for Wright, who was soon to become in St. Lawrence County, their Lemuel, reminding us ofhis con­ Governor, reportedly often came wool being converted to cloth in tribution to civil life during those there to visit his cousin Warren the home. He experienced first­ settlement days in the North Wright, another of the early set­ hand the dawning of the "age of Country. He provided his son, tlers at Buck's Bridge. mechanization", as equipment Leffert with a strong model for powered by water was applied in public service and a rich palette Leffert grew up with a varied each of the industries springing from which to craft a life's work: experience which included both up along the rivers scattered agriculture, industry, business, farm and village. His father, across the North Country. Saw­ and politics. 8 Lemuel, was involved in politics mills like his father's and and the lumber business for grandfather's were among the years, yet reported his occupa­ first machine driven enterprises, tion as "farmer" for the 1850 working logs into boards, expe­ census. Farming was the preva­ diting the conversion of wood­ *No explanation or source for the curious lent occupation ofthe time, when land into village and farm. The name Leffert Lefferts Buck has been most heads of household pro- railroad tracks adjacent to his found by the author.

1885 Birdseye View ofCanton. Leffirt Buck apprenticed and worked as a machinist in the mills along the Grass River.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 5 -

From an early age, Leffert have been an exciting place in portion ofthe Canton supporter's found inspiration in the machine which to grow up. From his moneys were pledged on condi­ age. He reportedly experimented home upstream on the Grass tion "that manual labor for two with civil engineering as a child. River he could walk down Miner hours eacli working day should He built water wheels to harness Street into the jumble of indus­ form a part of its curriculum." 11 the brook running into the Grass try found in the shops and mills River near his home where around the river pond between The Theological School be­ today's Kraft Cheese Plant ad­ Falls Island and Water Street gan its academic program in joins the.railroad tracks on Buck (now Riverside Drive). Possess­ 1858. The following year, at age Street. He reportedly also built ing a determination to do things twenty-two, Leffert joined the bridges across other brooks in regardless of difficulty, it was inaugural class of the School of town. Leffert faced an emotional said ofLeffert that if an older boy Letters and Science. He studied watershed when his mother died could do something at sixteen under John White Clapp, A.M.; in 1849. He was twelve and she years, Leffert would be deter­ the professional civil engineer was forty-seven. This untimely mined to do it at fourteen years, and honorary graduate of event denied Leffert his mother's and did. After completing the Amherst College who had been nurturing influence during the curriculum at the Canton Acad­ placed in charge of mathematics transition into maturity. In her emy, which his father had joined and natural science. For the next absence, his family and church in founding, there was no nearby two years Leffert pursued the likely provided moral and spiri­ place at which to continue his fledgling university's secondary tual compass. The Bucks were academic education. He com­ studies program, which sought to members of the Canton Univer­ pleted instead a machinist's ap­ engender a love of classical lit­ salist Society, ofwhich his father prenticeship lasting three years erature and to "cherish and inten­ was a founding trustee. His old­ with Alvah Sawyer, then prac­ sify" the scientific spirit. 12 est sister, Adelaide Olive, was in ticed as journeyman for another her early twenties, and the twins, one and one-half years. It was In 1861 Leffert's college edu­ Cordelia Victoria and Cornelia during this period that Leffert re­ cation was threatened by the po­ Angelica, were just twenty years portedly conceived ofbecoming litical crisis which finally erupted old. No doubt they helped guide a civil engineer. 10 into war. By April, nervous him with influence and care dur­ South Carolinians could find no ing this time of adolescent loss 9 At about the same time, the alternative but to attack Federal Universalist Church had begun forces at Fort Sumter. What blos­ Little is recorded about to actively seek the establishment somed during that summer of Leffert's other siblings. Sister of a theological school some­ patriotic fervor was a tangle of Harriet was fourteen when their where in New York State. A weeds, a garden which neither mother died. His two younger group of Canton businessmen sisters were Elizabeth, ten, and were successful in attracting the Eugenia, six. His oldest brother, proposed theological school, *Holton moved from his home in Edwin, was in his middle twen­ which would become St. Massena in 1879, at age sixteen, to live with ties, and brother De Azro was in Lawrence University. Both the his Uncle George, and attend the Canton Academy. Stored in the attic of his uncle's his middle teens. Leffert re­ Universalist Church and Canton house, Holton found bridge plans on rolled mained close to Cordelia, return­ townspeople would benefit from linen oilpaper drawn by Leffert L. Buck ing to Canton to visit her and her the arrangement. The Universal­ whom he later met there. (Manley, 1939) ists were provided a three-story Upon Holton's graduation from St. husband George K. Robinson. It Lawrence University in 1886, Leffert of­ was through this relationship that brick building and a campus of fered him a position as rodman on a con­ Leffert got to know both the twenty acres, which also could struction crew, thereby initiating his career. Robinson's son, Nelson L. be worked as a farm. The people Holton's career effectively extended Leffert's professional influence well into the Robinson and their nephew, of Canton attached provision for first half of the twentieth century. Holton Holton D. Robinson, the men a College ofLetters and Science Robinson's partnership with David B. who would later help him on the which would provide a non-sec­ Steinman after 1920 created a formidable Williamsburg Bridge project.' tarian complement to the theo­ team. A particularly complementary pair, they completed many important projects logical school. Lest their chil­ prior to Holton's death in 1945. The For a boy of Leffert's inter­ dren climb too high into that aca­ Steinman firm continues its leading bridge ests, the Village of Canton must demic ivory tower, however, a design and consulting activity today.

6 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly side really cared to tend. Before the disagreement could be settled, four long years and countless agony was expended by both sides. Leffert's father re­ portedly offered Leffert the ben­ efit of an officer's commission, made possible through Lemuel's political connections. But Lef­ fert, lacking confidence in his abilities due to lack of military training, chose to enlist as a pri­ vate instead. He apparently pre­ ferred to learn from experience and to earn any advancement rather than to simply accept the more comfortable and perhaps safer commission. 13

The strange disturbance which arose in Canton on the ninth day of September, 1861, came from a gathering ofunprec­ edented make-up and purpose. Walking shoulder to shoulder that day was a crowd of 1OS men ranging from eighteen to forty­ five years of age. It is likely that many of them held a prevalent northern view that the Bill of Rights proclaimed so called Leffert Lefferts Buck "natural law", describing the natural rights of all humans. This farewell ceremony. Colonel Wil­ hope for survival. Their excur­ was the attitude that was encour­ liam B. Goodrich, a Canton law­ sion would become a vicious ex­ aging the growing abolitionist yer, recruiting officer, and co­ periment, straining the existing movement. Others in the group founder ofthe St. Lawrence Plain tactics and medical knowledge were probably responding to Dealer newspaper, accepted on with new weapons technology President Lincoln'sApril call for behalf of the men. As Leffert's and unsanitary living conditions. the patriotic defense of the memory of the farewell cer­ It would change these men's Union. For whatever reasons, emony was dulled by time and world in ways beyond experience the twenty-four year old Leffert distance, that presentation flag and impossible to imagine in that had decided to interrupt his stud­ would undoubtedly remain a re­ crisp September air. Caught up ies, duty bound to do "the right minder ofthe distant universe of in a relentless process, they faced thing." Leaving for the first time home and youth. 14 a hardening which would persist the protection ofhis father's roof, for almost four years. Each sur­ Leffert walked out of one life into Arriving in Ogdensburg, the vivor would be transformed in a another that day, not fully under­ men took up residence at Camp particular way by the hardship of standing the risk. The volunteers Wheeler, hurriedly set up at the years marching and camping in carried with them a United States old railroad shops there. They the open, with the boredom of flag that had been presented by then began the process of trans­ camp life periodically punctu­ the citizens of Canton. Profes­ formation from fuend and neigh­ ated by fear, chaos, then carnage. sor Massena of the Theological bor into tent- and team-mate, School was spokesman for the building the military skills and The first to organize at citizens of the village at a public trust which would provide some Ogdensburg, Leffert and his

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 7 fert, too, fell ill with "the fever," his constitution proved strong enough to avoid early burial in one of the makeshift cemeteries along the zigzag line of march. According to one account he lay in hospital weakened by typhoid and barely able to walk, his uni­ form having been placed out of reach. Hearing of an impending military engagement, but lacking release by the surgeon, he showed up with his command in hospital clothing, sword in hand15

The first significant military threat came in September of 1862 at Antietam, Maryland. As they entered into action, the third Brigade was caught at the rear of the Union forces routed from the west woods by fresh rebel units. In a moment, Col. William B. Goodrich was shot from his View ofFederal troops camped by the Tennessee River near horse and killed. Before he even Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain had a chance to fire, Leffert was shot through both thighs. Dis­ group from Canton were mus­ line between Washington, D.C. appointed but blessed, he stayed tered under William Goodrich as and Baltimore lasted through with his unit until a night on the the "A" Company of the 60th winter and spring. The follow­ cold ground stiffened his legs Regiment, New York Volunteer ing summer they faced their ini­ beyond walking, forcing him to Infantry. Receiving training in tial and most deadly enemy, ty­ hospital. The survivors experi­ basic drill at Camp Wheeler, they phoid fever, which caused an in­ enced a long hideous night learned to carry and care for their termittent plague of 767 cases among the dark groans oflinger­ Enfield rifles. On the first ofNo­ over time. While shadowboxing ing wounded. Antietam demon­ vember, 1861, 4'h Corporal Buck rebel units in northern Virginia strated the ignorance, on both moved south by train and and around Harper's Ferry, theirs sides, of the crucial value of po­ steamer with the 997 others who became a sad, diseased exist­ sition and protective works as de­ were bound to walk the roads, ence. With no understanding of fense against massed rifle fire. fields and woods ofnorthern Vir­ how the typhoid was caused or Cartridge loaded rifles fired ginia, Maryland, southern Penn­ spread, there was no chance to much more quickly, accurately, sylvania, Tennessee, Georgia, control its infections. Regular and reliably than the muskets of and South and North Carolina. washing ofhands was not a prac­ the preceding era. 16 They ultimately covered thou­ tical possibility for soldiers, and sands of miles on foot, struggling they had no recognition ofthe as­ The next spring at through mud, sleeping in rain, ymptomatic carriers in their Chancellorsville the enlisted enduring snow and winter cold, midst. Believing the outbreaks men proved to themselves that with ·short rations and sickness to be the result of"acclimation," they could perform as required as routine companions. they missed entirely the signifi­ in a prolonged fire-fight. The cance of unsanitary food han­ feeling among them grew that, if Company A's first assignment dling and accidental mingling of allowed by more decisive lead­ required forbearance. The bore­ waste and supply water each time ership to stand their ground, they dom ofrailroad guard duty on the they encamped.Although Lef- could beat the Confederates. It

8 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly is likely that Leffert's confidence stalled and critically short of sup­ ing stubborn, defensive fire, grew along with his comrades', plies. Col. George S. Greene, to Leffert found himself positioned as experience taught them prac­ their dismay, was wounded badly at the center ofthe forces feeling tical techniques for improvement in the mouth at Wahautchie and their way through a dense fog oftheir chances under fire. Turn­ forced from action for several toward the main rebel works near ing north from Chancellorsville, months. Toward the end ofNo­ the Craven House. Sergeant in a hurry to challenge Lee's in­ vember the Corps approached Leahy, bearing the colors, was hit vasion of Pennsylvania, their what was to be their climactic twice and grounded. Hearing the spirits were strong. More com­ battle experience, dubbed by the Adjutant's shout "The colors are fortable after re-supply with newspapers as "The Battle above down! Who will take them?" shoes and clothing, their emo­ the Clouds." Lookout Mountain Leffert responded, lifting their tions were boosted again on stood high above the Tennessee flag to lead his regiment into the crossing back over the Mason­ River, guarding the supply route defensive works. This perhaps Dixon Line. Leffert and his part­ on the south side ofChattanooga. appeased the disappointment he ners would have heard the artil­ Ordered as part of John Geary's had confided to Chaplain Rich­ lery fire as they approached division to take the mountain, ard Eddy after Antietam when he Gettysburg late on the afternoon Leffert and his fellow soldiers reportedly told Eddy, "It is too ofJuly 1. They nervously waited, were called on to undertake the bad they should have hit me be­ weapons at hand, through the action about which they had only fore I had a chance to fire once!" long night. Beginning just after dared to joke. Lookout Moun­ Leffert was rewarded for his daybreak on July 2, the men took tain was generally considered to meritorious conduct with brevet up battle position on a wooded be impregnable. Major rank." hillside. Working with a will, the men completed protective works The morning-long scramble After Lookout Mountain by around 9:00 a.m. under bri­ under fire up a rough, wooded came Ringold, two days later, on gade Commander George Sears slope, having to hurdle recently the twenty-sixth of November. Greene's direction. Their effort felled trees among the rocks and Then the men faced a test of an­ produced a well-conceived line ledges on the west side of the other kind. Approaching the of defense, snaking down the mountain, was exhausting. Fac- regiment's time for re-enlist- southeastern side ofCulp's Hill, a testament to Greene's ability. The long tense day of waiting that followed ended abruptly in late afternoon as four of their cannon barked a warning to ad­ vancing rebels. Around 7:00p.m. a massed attack by Johnson's di­ vision fell upon them, the sharp fighting continuing at close range until long after dark and erupt­ ing again the following morning. Leffert's "St. Lawrence Regi­ ment" held their ground, display­ ing a great coolness along with all of Greene's command. They succeeded in holding the Union right flank against heavy attack during those two pivotal days in 1863. 17

By October Leffert's Corps was transferred to Tennessee in A bridge pontoon constructed by the 50th New York aid of the Union Army at Chat­ Engineers near Rappahannock Station, Virginia. tanooga which was by that time Timothy H. 0 'Sullivan, photographer.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 9 ment, each veteran member had leadership, Leffert and the oth­ march of nearly two thousand to evaluate again his ability and ers may have begun to sense an miles in a hostile country, in good will to continue. The regimen­ inevitability of outcome. They drill, who realized they were be­ tal re-formation included a thirty had moved, against strong resis­ ing closely scrutinized by thou­ day furlough for the veterans. tance, deep into Georgia and sands oftheir fellow-countrymen Following a frigid twelve day were approaching the northern and by foreigners, ... an army in train journey, Leffert passed back outskirts ofAtlanta in the service the proper sense, well organized, through Ogdensburg to find him­ of a commander with a clear plan well commanded and disci­ self among his family and friends and strong resolve. It was after plined." As such this army in Canton for the first. time in taking Atlanta, during the long would remain the subject ofboth more than two years. The brisk march toward the sea through pride and controversy19 January air must have heightened Georgia, then beyond into South his anticipation. During the fol­ and North Carolina that the men After marching in the victo­ lowing weeks the warm glow of faced their greatest moral and rious "Grand Review" of May candle-light and stove-side com­ spiritual trial. 24, 1865, at Washington, D.C., panionship likely softened the Captain Leffert L. Buck was sharp North Country winter. Called on to wage and witness mustered out with his regiment Returning with the Sixtieth to at­ Sherman's scorched earth strat­ on July 17, 1865, and left to pick tempt completion of the terrible egy of"total war," their attitude up the threads of his life dropped job which had now dragged on was apparently one of men sim­ in Canton years before. Only the so long, I st Sergeant Buck chose ply seeking to put an end to the fallen had been spared a lifelong to reacknowledge his duty. conflict they had neither asked shadow ofwar memory. The liv­ for nor begun. Moving inces­ ing persisted, as soldiers must, The spring of 1864 opened santly through Georgia and searching out new lives in an with a southward advance from South Carolina, against every alien world. By this time Lef­ Chattanooga across the rocky, impediment of weather and ter­ fert's childhood experiments, wooded ridges toward Atlanta. rain, Sherman's army maintained academic training, and military At Resaca, Leffert was wounded an historic pace. This was the experience had crystallized into again. At Kenesaw Mountain, final stage in Leffert's hardening. a passion for civil engineering. the North Country regiment Contrary to their representation struck, then were hit hard in turn as a mob, General Sherman de­ Several catalysts could have by Hood's brutal onslaught at scribed his army as "sixty-five deepened this passion. The many Peachtree Creek. Now, under thousand men, in splendid phy­ pontoon bridges which provided General Sherman's unequivocal sique, who had ... completed a transient wartime river crossings may have inspired Leffert to dream of stronger, more perma­ nent alternatives, dedicated to peaceful purpose. Perhaps the crossing of Washington Roeb­ ling's hastily hung wire suspen­ sion bridge high over the Shenandoah River at Harper's Ferry quickened both his deter­ mination and his pulse. What di­ rect influence his regimental and brigade commander George Sears Greene may have had on Leffert's career choice is not known. A former mathematics instructor at West Point and prac­ ticing civil engineer, Greene had returned to military service in Buck and Robinson monument in Evergreen Cemetery, Canton, 1862. He was diverted from his New York. Leffert~ headstone is marked by a flag. career by the secessionist threat,

/0 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly as Leffert was' from his educa­ bridge. It would cross a deep Bridge made Leffert an intellec­ tion, Leffert's prewar studies ravine high on the Lima and tual heir.* under J. W. Clapp at St. Oroya Railroad, which was then Lawrence University had been being built across the high Andes Leffert's work in the Niagara his introduction to the civil en­ in Peru. Called the Ver.rugas Via­ Gorge spanned twenty-two years gineering tools of math and sci­ duct, at the time it was the in all, involving several bridge ence. Their relationship had also world's highest bridge. Later, sites. Just below the falls, the presented Leffert with the ac­ when this structure was de­ Niagara River had earlier been quaintance of a practicing civil stroyed by flood, Leffert persis­ crossed by what was at the time engineer. Leffert's home on what tently designed and built its re­ the world's longest suspension is now Buck Street in Canton, placement in 1890. bridge. This bridge was rebuilt was linked by the Grass River to by Leffert, then replaced by him his grandfather Buck's bridge. Returning to the States, in 1897 with the world's longest I Perhaps idle reflection on child­ Leffert supervised manufacture steel arch, the Falls View Bridge. I hood memories of the Grass of materials for the Louisiana In the nearby Genesee Gorge, in River and home were influences Bridge across the Mississippi 1890 Leffert had built one of during the arduous war years. 20 and worked on railroad projects America's earliest spandrel in the West. Two years after his braced metal arches, at Driving Leffert's mission at last election to the American Society Park Avenue, in Rochester, New turned from destruction to cre­ of Civil engineers in 1875, a piv­ York. This bridge came to be ation that summer of 1865. His otal opportunity presented itself viewed as the prototype for the energy focused on civilian ser­ He was engaged to carry out the steel arch with which Leffert re­ vice and his life became civil en­ repair and reinforcement of the placed Roebling's Niagara Rail­ gineering. Entering the cable anchorages of John Roeb­ road Suspension Bridge in 1896. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ling's famous Niagara Railroad A dramatic increase in the weight that fall, he faced an intellectual Suspension Bridge: This was the oflocomotives and freight loads challenge as severe as the Civil world's only suspension bridge in the last quarter of the century War had been physically and designed for heavy railroad traf­ had finally made this necessary. emotionally challenging. In fic. Considered originally by those early days atR.P.I., accord­ many engineering professionals While Leffert's association ing to David B. Steinman, "Only to be unbuildable, it had proven with the Roeblings certainly was the ablest and the most ambitious a great success. Leffert's renewal beneficial, his work bore the in- could stand the pace and survive ofthe corroded cable anchorages the ordeal. " 21 Completing the lead to replacement in stages of the wooden stiffening truss and *Washington and Leffert were civil engineering course in three contemporaries, both born in 1837. They years, Leffert graduated in 1868 the stone cable towers with new were members of the last generation of and started out by working un­ ones of steel. All of this he Americans raised in the rather primitive, der his former commander, achieved without interruption of frontier environment ofthe eastern interior. Both were R.P.L educated and Civil War GeorgeS. Greene, as an assistant scheduled railroad traffic. Be­ survivors. Both were in the Battle at engineer on the Croton Aqueduct cause it was a toll bridge, the feat Gettysburg, where each helped to hold a Project, supplying water to New made for twice satisfied owners. Union flank. Washington was on the left at York City. The following sum­ The professional papers Leffert Little Round Top and Leffert on the right at Culp's Hill. They both learned suspension mer, Leffert's father, Lemuel wrote describing this work re­ bridge design under John A. Roebling, the Buck, died quietly in Canton. ceived awards from civil engi­ master wire suspension bridge pioneer. Each Leffert was then thirty-two years neering societies. The project lost his father in 1869, Leffert as he began old, without parents, but well confirmed his engineering poten­ his engineering career and Washington at I the outset of the Brooklyn Bridge project. prepared to pursue his chosen ca­ tial and transferred to him the This loss caused Washington to face I reer. know-how of John Augustus completiOn of his father's vision without Roebling, creator of the Brook­ him. Leffert rebuilt in stages, then replaced After three years with the Cro­ lyn Bridge. While Roebling's John Roebling's famous Niagara Gorge railroad suspension bridge and also worked ton Project, the rookie engineer son Washington was the primary on the Brooklyn Bridge project. Leffert traveled to South America in pur­ heir to his father's genius, the formed a partnership from 1883 to 1888 suit of an opportunity to design, exhaustive reconstruction of the with the assistant- engineer responsible for plan, and construct his first Niagara Railroad Suspension the Brooklyn anchorage and tower of the Brooklyn Bridge, George McNulty.

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 1/ dependent stamp of originality, York with his wife, Mira ment of Its Organization in July, practical ingenuity, and resource­ Rebecca Gould ofPaducah, Ken­ 1861, to Its Public Reception at fulness. Leffert Lefferts Buck, tucky. He died at his home on Ogdensburgh as a ~teran Com­ the guest of honor at the St. July 17, 1909. Leffert was in­ mand, January 7th, 1864. Philadel­ Lawrence Club dinner that win­ terred with the Buck and phia: Eddy, 1864. ter evening in 1904, had earned Robinson families at Evergreen Evert's History ofSt. Lawrence international recognition and re­ Cemetery in his hometown of Co. 1878. Heart of the Lakes Pub­ spect. According to a memoir Canton, New York, where his lishing, 1982. published by the American So­ grave can still be found. Finnegan, John. "Looking ciety of Civil Engineers, "His Through a Main St. Window." Com­ personal character was striking, About the Author mercial Advertiser (Canton, N.Y.) and compelled admiration." Alan Teichman was raised in Dec. 16, 1952. Gen. Newton M. Curtis, a North Waltham, Massachusetts and at­ Harder, Kelsie B. and Smalhnan, Country contemporary, wrote of tended St. Lawrence University. Mary H. Claims to Name: Leffert, "It is safe to say that no After graduation in 1968 he Toponyms ofSt. Lawrence County. man of Northern New York has worked for two years for the St. Utica, N.Y.: North Country Books, accomplished more in applying Lawrence County Department of 1992. science to human needs, or won Social Services. Again a resident "Leffert Lefferts Buck, '63". greater distinction in promoting ofCantonfrom 1974to 1981,he The Laurentian. Vol. 8 (Nov. 1895)* the welfare of the people among operated a custom woodworking Manley, G. Atwood. "Holton D. whom he has modestly la­ business in the Village. Since Robinson," The Massena Observer bored ... "22 then he has resided with his fam­ ca. Aug. 1960* ily in High Point, North Carolina, -."Holton D. Robinson 1863- As the dinner crowd dis­ developing office furniture prod­ 1945, A Laurentian Bridge Builder." persed, Leffert could begin to ucts for Davis Furniture Indus­ Beta Theta Pi Magazine (Feb. relax, probably chatting good­ tries, Inc. 1939)* byes with those who would soon McCullough, David. The Great travel back to Canton. They Bridge. New York: Simon and shared more than just acquain­ Bibliography Schuster, 1972. tance, having mutually inherited Amistad (Dream Works, 1998), "Memoirs of Deceased Mem­ the experiences and values of an film. bers: Leffert Lefferts Buck," Trans­ upbringing in a Jess distracted Angley, Wilson, Cross, Jerry L. actions of the American Society of time and place. Leffert Lefferts and Hill, Michael. Sherman's Civil Engineers. Vol. 73 (1911) Buck was an example of the type March through North Carolina. Opening the Williamsburg of genius produced by that dis­ North Carolina Division of Ar­ Bridge (American Mutoscope & tant North Country universe. As chives and History, 1995. Biograph Co., 1904), motion the AS. C.E. Memoir went on to Asher, Levi. The Bridges ofNew picture. Available: http: I I say, "Few men have steered a York City. Available: http :I I memory.loc.govlammemlpaprl more direct course in life, wa­ www.levity.com/brooklyn/Bridgesl nychome.html (23 Dec., 1998). vered Jess in their estimates of Bridges.html (23-Dec-1998) Petrosky, Henry. Engineers of right and wrong, or made Jess Curtis, Newton Martin. From Dreams. New York: Vintage Books, effort to win friendship or ap­ Bull Run to Chancellorsville: The 1996. plause; and yet few men have had Story ofthe Sixteenth New York In­ Phisterer, Frederick. New York in a greater number of devoted and fantry Together with Personal the WaroftheRebellion 1861-1865. loyal friends, or received more Reminiscences. New York: G. P. Vol. I. Albany: J.R. Lyon, 1912. spontaneous and generous ap­ Putnam's Sons, 1906. Pink, Louis H. and Delmage, plause."" Cutter, William Richard, A.M., Rutherford E., ed. Candle in the Wil­ ed. Genealogical and Family His­ derness: A Centenial History ofthe Leffert Lefferts Buck had lived tory ofNorthern New York, Vol. III. St. Lawrence University. New York: the nomadic life of a civil engi­ New York: Lewis Historical Pub­ Appleton-Centnry-Crofts, 1957. neer until late in life. In 1902 at lishing Co., 1910. Robinson, Ernest Leffert. the age of sixty-five, he married Eddy, Richard. History of the Nelson Lemuel Robinson 1857- for the first time and settled down Sixtieth Regiment New York State 1944. Schenectady, N.Y., 1977.* in Hastings-on- Hudson, New Volunteers: From the Commence- - The Robinson House Ram-

12 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly bling Recollections. Bradenton, Photograph page 3. Alan Teichman, fetrosky, Engineer ofDreams. Fla., Sept. 1983.* cl997. Cutter, Genealogical and Family History, Smithers, Nina W. "Buck's Aerial views page 4 and S. Burleigh, 1107. C. H. "Canton, N.Y." C.H. Vogt & Son, lith, 6 EvertS, 239, 110; Finnegan, "Looking Bridge on the Grasse" The Quar­ I 8 8 5. Ava i I a b I e: http: II Through a Main St. Window." terly (St. Lawrence County Histori­ memory.loc.gov:8081/ammem/pmhtml/ 7 Cutter, Genealogical arid Family History, cal Association) v. IX (July 1964). paohome.htrnl (20 July 1999) 1107; Smithers, "BuckS Bridge," 10. "St. Lawrence Dinner" The Portrait, page 6. Cutter, William Rich­ 8 Harder and Smallman, Toponyms, 29; Laurentian. Vol.l7, no.2. (Feb. ard, A.M., ed. Genealogical and Family Robinson, Robinson House, 13. HistoryofNorthernNewXork, Vol. IlL New 9 Finnegan; Robinson, Nelson Lemuel 1904)* York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Robinson, 13. Williamsburg Reconstruction 1910. 1o Cutter, Genealogical and Family History, Project, 11-Apr-98. Available:http:/ Photograph page 7. Library of Con­ 1108.; "Leffert Lijjerts Buck. '63," 91. /www. b ccom. com/willyb/ gress. Prints and Photograph Division (LC­ 11 Pink aod Delmage, Candle, 27 index.htm (23-Dec-1998) B811-2672) 12 Ibid, 15, 19. Photograph page 8. Library of Con­ 13 "Memoirs," 493. Zeisloft, !dell E. ed. New York gress. Prints and Photograph Division (LC­ 14 Amistad; Eddy, Sixtieth Regiment, 6. Metropolis: 1600-Memorable B817-7273) 15 "Memoirs" 494 Events of Three Centuries-1900: Photograph page 9. Alan Teichman, 16 Eddy,Sixti~th Regiment, 307; "Memoirs," from the Island of Mana-hat-ta to cl999. 494; Eddy, Sixtieth Regiment, 175 Greater New York at the Close of 17 Eddy, Sixtieth Regiment, 260. Endnotes 18 Ibid, 307; Phisterer, New York, 322. the Nineteenth Century. New York: 1 "St. Lawrence Dinner," 25. 19 Angley, Cross, and Hill, Sherman 8 D. Appleton and Co., 1899. 2 Leffert's B.S. degree from St. Lawrence March, 109. University was awarded in 1885, "nunc pro 2°Eddy,SixtiethRegiment, 268. The author *Available: St. Lawrence University tunc" 1863 (that is, "now for then"). He has found no reference to direct contact Archives, Owen D. Young Library, St. was also awarded an M.S. degree by S. L.U. between Leffert Buck and George Sears Lawrence University, Canton, New York. in 1885. Nelson Lemuel Robinson was Gree"ne during the war. There is reason to S.L.U. class of 1877. Holton Duncan believe their paths would have crossed, and Acknowledgments Robinson received his B.S. from S.L.U. in that they certainly would have known each The author thanks the following 1886. other after the war. 3 "St. Lawrence Dinner." 21 for research assistance: Lynn Eck­ 4 McCullough, Great Bridge, 154. For implementation of the borough system, 22 "Memoirs," 496; Curtis, From Bull_Run, felt, Archivist, St. Lawrence Univer­ see Zeisloft,New Metropolis. For a general 191. 3 sity, Canton, New York; Tim understanding of the politics of building 2 A list of guests from Canton can be found Wright, Archivist, St. Lawrence infrastructure in New York City, see in "St. Lawrence Dinner." County Historical Association, Can­ ton, New York; Linda Casserly, Town Historian, Canton, New York.

Inspiration, suggestions, encour­ agement and criticism came from: Francis E. Griggs, Jr., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, author of a Buck biography in manuscript; Bob Hicks for advice, insight, direction, and criticism; Mark "Buck" Jones for research assistance, site photog­ I raphy, advice and encouragement; { Henry Petrosky, whose book Engi­ neers ofDreams led to the writing ofthis article; Natalie Teichman, for critical analysis and patience; and 1: Alan White for Civil War research materials. I Credits Photograph page 2. Library of Con­ gress. Prints and Photograph Division (LCUSZ62 9135781C0106878).

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly /3 Massena Center Suspension Bridge was Built by Holton D. Robinson Who Later Became Famous World Wide Written and Researched by Atwood Manley

Some interesting history was demi-touring car. As the story had to be done down there. The made in Massena back in the goes when he first drove this into board figured it would be good old horse-and-buggy days his barn he went instinctive, possible to vote and float a of 1909-1910. For one thing, pulled back on the steering wheel $40,000 bond issue for the job­ Walter F. Willson who had just and lustily hollered, "Whoa, but no more. become the County's first damn you, whoa." Superintendent of Highways, Barney O'Neil was a sound, had the first stretch of hard­ The other historic departure hard-headed, better-than average surfaced county highway built from the normal came late in lawyer and supervisor. He was from Louisville (his home) to 1909 when Barney O'Neil, sure he knew just the man to Massena village-nine miles in supervisor, and the Town Board draw up the plans and speci­ all. Some of Walter's cronies took the bit in their teeth and fications for this bridge. That thought he had gone a bit off his decided to have a bridge built man was Holton D. Robinson of rocker for he had just been bitten across the Grasse River at New York City, a native Massena by the new auto-bug. He'd Massena Center. They were son~ already noted as a bridge ordered a brand new copper­ under considerable local political engmeer. jacketed, four cylinder Cadillac pressure no doubt. Something

Massena Center Bridge. An early photograph.

14 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly But neither the Town Board unusual at that time and has . Holton D. Robinson probably nor Holton Robinson could remained so to the present. All became the world's most expert foresee what lay ahead. When one need do is to drive to The specialist in bridge cable the bids were opened the lowest Center and cross this bridge. construction. His partner, Dr. offer was for $60,000, utterly Then one will understand. David Steinman, once wrote that preposterousto Barney O'Neil. there probably was not a ml\ior When Holton Robinson was To provide a thoroughly suspension bridge constructed advised, his. response .was sound, substantial bridge but anywhere in the world but what, typical. He was positive that the within the cost-figure of$40,000, sooner or later, Holton Robinson bridge he had designed could be Holton Robinson designed a was consulted. Therefore, and built within $40,000-so, if no steel suspension bridge of only most important of all, the cables contractor was available at that one lane width. One-lane of this particular bridge, become price, why, he would come to suspension bridges are ofprime interest. Therefore, this Massena and personally uncommonly rare. In fact it is article will focus attention upon construct that bridge, and doubtful if there is another one them. become the contractor. quite like this one any where in the world. The skilled engineer The bridge was erected in As of July 6, 1910, the has recently referred to this 1909. It is of the suspension­ contract was signed between the particular bridge as "a minia­ cable type. From each bank of Town ofMassena and Holton D. ture." Its roadbed is a tight the Grasse River anchorages its Robinson with the stipulation twelve feet in width, insufficient two major cables sweep up and that said bridge be completed by to permit two standard-sized over the two 60 ft. towers and December 31, 1910, a matter of autos to pass with safety if at all, then down across the river six months; also that construc­ not too ample even for two mini­ channel. From "saddles" or steel tion begin immediately. The con­ compacts to pass. nodules, small, single cables, or tractual price was $39,990.00, no "suspenders", hang down to more, no less. Holton Robinson, What Holton Robinson built, carry the entire superstructure of of course, full-filled his contract. he built well. This bridge has the bridge, that is its girders and For him this had become a matter long since outlasted that nine trusses carrying the entire of personal pride and personal miles of hard surface road built roadway. One can, therefore, honor. Also, he had great by Walter Willson. It is today just consider the cables being the affection for the town ofhis birth. as sturdy, just as sound as the very core of the entire structure. year it was erected-although it One paragraph of that forty­ does sorely need a good Since 1909, and in fact, since three page document is ofat least scrubbing, sanding and some 193 5, three large steel sus­ passing interest. It stipulated that paint. Structurally, it hasn't pension bridges have been in case any dispute arose budged a fraction of an inch. The constructed over the Inter­ between the contracting parties only change has been to lay a national Boundary section ofthe a Board ofArbitration settle that macadamized roadbed where St. Lawrence River. We all know matter; that the Board consist of originally there was a three-inch them: The one spanning the main three men, one appointed by the pine planking, laid one-quarter channel to Cornwall; the Town Board, one by the inches apart, "with the heart side Ogdensburg bridge; and the first Contractov; the third by these two down." ofthe three to be constructed, the appointees. In case these two Thousand Island Bridge. This could not agree on the third The uniqueness of the bridge latter is also a Robinson bridge, member that he be appointed by at The Center is three-fold: First, that is specifically a Robinson & whom? By Walter F. Willson! because it is so narrow; Second, Steinman bridge. That is how Massena folks rated because of its smallness. It only Walter Willson: a Democrat in a has a 400 foot main span, with Drive to The Center, and then rock-ribbed Republican com­ 100 foot side spans; Third, to the over to the bigger bridge leading munity as of then. engineer technician, the cables to Cornwall. One glance .at the are an outstanding feature. ml\ior cables ofeach will indicate The type of bridge proposed, the difference in the construction planned and produced was of this particular part of those

St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly 15 two bridges. The large Cornwall bound and held together. In the "seizing" and then "squeezing" span has cables eleven inches in Cornwall bridge they are them, thus "binding" them diameter. Each of those cables encased, "wrapped" by a heavy together, and finally with his has a found, smooth surface, like wire winding, so closely and ingenius mechanism doing the a mighty steel tube. With the firmly bound to make them "wrapping" of the outer wire little bridge at The Center the impervious to water seepage. covering, or encasement. cables are only five and one half inches in diameter. They are not Holton Robinson became the Well, to reduce the cost of encased in a smooth covering. In world's recognized expert construction and still provide a fact, with the naked eye one can engineer in suspension bridge sound and secure bridge at The see just what cable construction cable design and construction. Center, Holton Robinson did not is like; how the major cables each This operation included stringing "wrap" or "wind" the group of consist of a number of lesser the lesser cables from shore to lesser cables into two major individual cables which are shore over the towers; then in cables. Instead, he used the "saddles" as "grippers" for the dual purpose of forming them into the major cables and at the same time using them for the saddles over which he looped the smaller suspender cables from which the super-structure is suspended. It all looks so simple! Actually a vast amount oftechnical skill and engineering techniques must be used to carry a given total of 125 tons; how each cable is anchored; the give and take of expansion and contraction for temperature changes. A close inspection of the lesser cables reveals how they consist of strands of heavy steel cable wire; that the wires are not strung straight, and parallel, but are twisted and wound much like a very heavy rope or hauser.

The famous Brooklyn Bridge is of the suspension-cable type. John Roebling and son, en­ gineers of worldwide fame, designed and constructed that bridge. It required thirteen years to complete. The stringing of its mighty cables required twenty­ one months. The big cables of the Cornwall Bridge over the St. Lawrence were strung in one month. Thus has modern bridge cable construction become Courtesy of J. Rebecca Thompson sophisticated. But it took two Robinson s use ofthe "saddles" as "grippers" for forming the major months to "wrap" or "wind" cables and to support the suspender cables is still visible in 1999. those big Cornwall cables with wire encasement covering.

/6 St. Lawrence County Historical Association Quarterly During the preparation ofthis asking how "his bridge" had Acknowledgements article, the writer has inspected fared during the quake and Atwood Manley's article was two other Robinson & Steinman noting that he still had in mind originally published in The bridges, both in the state of "widening and improving" it. Massena Observer in December. Maine; one is the famed Waldo­ Unfortunately, Holton Robinson 1974. It appeared in the column Hancock Bridge at Bucksport, died in 1945 and his improve­ "And They Call It Progress", ed­ Maine, constructed in 1931 and ments never came to pass. ited by Leonard H. Prince. Per­ receiving the award as the most mission to reprint it in its entirety beautiful bridge of its Class B When one approaches the was granted by the publisher and type ever constructed at a cost of bridge today, its age and by Mr. Manley's heirs. less than one million dollars. condition are all too apparent. The other bridge connects the Barricades block the entrance, Quotations from Holton mainland in Pennobscot Bay the deck is full ofholes, and trees Robinson are taken from "Aod with Deer Island. The cables of obscure one's sight of the other They Call It Progress" edited by this latter bridge are constructed side. But step away and take the Leonard H. Prince, printed in The similar to the little bridge at The long view. From this perspective, Massena Observer, December Center. They are not "wrapped", Holton Robinson's Massena 1974. not encased; the lesser cables are Center Bridge is still a graceful naked to the eye. and beautiful landmark spanning We thank Theresa Sharp, the Grass River. Massena Town Historian, for So, in crossing suspension calling our attention to this St. bridges take a quick look at the Lawrence County landmark and cables. Your life and those of all Atwood Manley's article and for who pass over them depend upon providing research assistance. those steel skrews. A man who was born near The Center, over at Robinson Bay, made modern cablization possible. Ofthat and of him more will appear in a later issue of The Observer.

Editor's Note The Massena Center Bridge still spans the Grasse River, but it has been closed to both motor vehicles and pedestrians for more than a decade. A newer bridge that better accommodates today's vehicles was built in the 1950s during the St. Lawrence Seaway project a short distance upriver, rendering Robinson's bridge unnecessary. Robinson, himself, acknowledged the limitations of the bridge. In August 1943 he wrote, "It is my wish to widen and improve its beauty and grace ... ; it will make a good post-war undertaking." And in September 1944 following the earthquake that Courtesy of J. Rebe«:a Thompson struck Massena, he wrote a letter Holton D. Robinson~ Massena Center Bridge in 1999. to a Massena correspondent

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