The first view is from the roadway of the Williamsburg Bridge on the day of the opening. Close-ups of the parading dignitaries and members of the press are seen. From another camera position, taken over the heads of the crowd, buildings around the waterfront are seen, and the dignitaries, led by a standard bearer again pass the camera. The banner reads "MAYOR." Next, a covered platform, draped in flag bunting is shown, where the people previously seen have gone to begin the ceremonies. There is a brass band playing in front of the platform. Next, an unidentified speaker, probably Mayor Seth Low, can be seen addressing the crowd.
Epic...simply epic. I can only imagine how frigid it was that day with that killer wind coming off of the river. The Willie opened in mid-December of 1903. It had to have been mad frosty, man!
I'm so glad that the city has taken care of our ol' Willie over the decades. Because it has gone into some serious-ass disrepair at times throughout the years. And it's still my favorite East River bridge. (That's right, NOT the "Brooklyn" one!)
BrooklynEagle 1 month ago