This commemorative metal paperweight is made from cable used by John A. Roebling Co., the designers and builders of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was found in an antique shop in New Jersey and sold on eBay in 2007. John Roebling began construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1869. Unfortunately, John never saw its completion, as he contracted tetanus at the work site and subsequently died. His son, Washington Roebling took over the helm of the company and completed the bridge in 1883. Finding this paperweight led me to learn about the Roebling family and the remarkable history of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. The joy of antique hunting is often in the research.
Hi Mr. Lourie!
ReplyDeleteIt's Florian (from Austria). I just wanted to say: I think you're cool! Jen said I should post that here :) Good luck with your blog!
Florian
(PS: Please say Hi to Mrs. Lourie!)
Hi Mr. Lourie,
ReplyDeleteIt's Leanne (friend of Jennifer's from way back at Hall School). Just dropped in to check out your blog. Interesting piece. I watched the PBS special on the building of the Brooklyn Bridge a few years back and found the history of it fascinating as well. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and happy blogging.
Leanne (Fecteau) Hammonds