The number 175 seems to be a very important number up in Washington Heights this week.
First of all, today is the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the High Bridge. It was on July 4, 1848, that the opening of the High Bridge was celebrated. That was a very different time and the High Bridge looked very different at that time.
There was no steel span over the Harlem River as you see the bridge today. Rather, it was the stone arches that continued across the river. It wasn't until the 1920s that a number of the stone arches were removed in order to allow for improved navigation on the Harlem River for maritime traffic.
Also, there were only two tubes for water to cross the river on the bridge. The third tube which sits on top of and between the first two tubes wasn't added until the 1860s. It was at that time that the stone walls on the edge of the bridge were incorporated into the bed to carry the new water line. Upon completion of the third line, the brick herringbone pattern on the deck and the railings were installed.
In addition to the High Bridge celebration this week, we are also honored to host the Tony Awards at the Palace Theater at the corner of Broadway and 175th Street on Sunday, June 11. There is excitement in the air. Workers are sprucing up Broadway in the area and there are hopes that this will lead to a revival of the area as a destination for both New Yorkers and the millions of visitors that come to New York each year.
We, of course, are hoping that the visitors will stroll along Broadway and down 175th Street to Highbridge Park and continue their stroll across the Highbridge and take in the magnificent views.
