POP POP AND THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE

Tappan Zee Bridge

     Before my son left for his long weekend in the New York City area, specifically in Tappan, NY, I happened to comment that his paternal Great Grandfather, George Henry Hughes aka Pop Pop, worked for American Bridge Company that constructed the Tappan Zee Bridge.  Garrett's host and good friend drove across the bridge so Garrett was able to say to me, "Mom, I drove across Pop Pop's bridge." Good thing too, it is about to be deconstructed and a new replacement build in the next couple of years.  

Photo postcard

     Pop Pop began working as a employee with American Bridge, located in the company town of Ambridge, Pennsylvania when he was 13.  He left the employ of the company to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War I.  When he returned from service he was hired as a draftsman and stayed with the company until his retirement about 1961. 

     As a draftsman, I doubt Pop Pop had any input in the Tappan Zee project and yet, perhaps some of his job entailed "drafting" a plan for the American Bridge construction crews to follow when erecting bridge.  Long story short--Pop Pop was part of the team at American Bridge when the Tappan Zee was constructed in 1955.

     I found a very interesting video regarding the construction of the Tappan Zee in the 1950's. 

     And a couple of photos from the American Bridge photo file:

Also on Flipside:

Fifteenth Edition of Smile for the Camera:  George Henry Hughes

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