Rip Van Winkle Bridge History 2

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11 sections of the bridge had been built by November 1934. At the end of December, 60 men were busy closing the last 100-foot gap over the main channel. The last link was put in place on January 18, 1935, the two cantilever arms of the main span being jointed by the use of 16 300-ton hydraulic jacks. Three deaths occurred during the construction, which was a low number of fatalities for such a project.

Dedication ceremonies took place on July 2, 1935, in combination with a celebration of the founding of the City of Hudson. Events included a luncheon, a parade of 50 official
cars, and site activities. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included Frank Glynn of the Bridge Authority, F.S. Greene from the Dept. of Public Works, and Governor Lehman. Over 7,000 people attended the festivities. Beginning at 3 p.m, dedication speeches were made by Bridge Authority Executive Clifford L. Miller, Colonel F.S. Greene, State Senator William T. Byrne, and Governor Herbert Lehman. The ribbon-cutting was performed by Mrs. Frederick S. Greene
on the Greene County side, and Laura Carter Miller on the Columbia County shore. Approximately 3,000 cars crossed the bridge during the "free hours" that followed. The first toll was collected at 6 p.m. that day.

The toll schedule was complicated when the bridge opened. Passenger cars were charged $.80 plus $.10 per passenger up to a maximum of $1.00. Trucks were subject to a charge ranging from under a dollar up to $1.50. Motorcycles were charged $.20, or $.35 with a sidecar. The lowest toll was $.10, for pedestrians and bicycles. There was also a provision for 1- and 2-horse wagons. All tolls were charged in both directions.

Over 400 people applied for the position of toll collector when the new bridge opened during the Great Depression. The fortunate men to get the job were Avery Rednet,

William Greene, Leo Leib, Charles Wardle, Hubert Cosgrove, William Schunk, Edward Burns, and Aloysius Curran. Both Burns and Curran worked with the Bridge Authority for over 40 years. Burns served as Chief Operating Officer for 22 years, and Curran managed the Rip Van Winkle for 16 years.

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