The morning of March 17th, a couple hundred of us gathered at the west end of the Bridge of Lions for the re-opening of the Bridge. It was raining. It was also raining in 1927 for the original opening ceremony. But, the rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those of us attending. We were all there to participate in the history of the moment and to honor those who fought to renovate the bridge instead of tearing it down and building a modern bridge. The Save Our Bridge committee led a community wide battle that ended with the commitment of the city and the state to renovate.

Just before 10am, the festivities began.  Mayor Boles made the introductions and reviewed the history of the bridge.  He introduced attending city and state leaders, the attendees who had been at the original ceremony, the Save Our Bridge committee, and members of the ’27 Club.  The surviving attendees in attendance were Isabella Ingraham Heard, who is 92, and Lois Bennett Todd, who is 98.  Ms. Heard had the honor of cutting the ribbon.  Both of these women rode floats during the opening ceremony 83 years ago.

Following introductions, the ribbon was cut, and the ’27 Club members were the first to begin crossing the bridge. The 27 members were selected by drawing to lead the rest of us onto the bridge. They were followed by vintage cars representing each decade since the original bridge opened. Once the last car reached the bridge, we all were allowed to walk across the bridge. It was a most inspirational experience. By then, the rain had stopped and we all wandered around, taking pictures and marveling at the quality of the workmanship. You’d think it was 1927 all over again.

Some facts regarding the bridge renovation:

The original bridge was named the Matanzas River Bridge. The city fathers made a gutsy decision to build something more than a replacement wood bridge.

Construction on the temporary bridge began in Feb 2005 and began service in May 2006. Demolition of the old bridge began at that time. Dismantling of the temporary bridge center span began Monday, March 22 and should take a week. Between now and 2011, the temporary bridge will be completely dismantled, parks at both end of the Bridge of Lions will be completed, lights installed to illuminate the bridge at night, and The Lions replaced at their rightful and historical spots.

35,000 tons of concrete and 2,130 tons of steel were used in the renovation. The columns that hold up the bridge are up to 100 feet long including the portion beneath the riverbank.

There will be a total of 195 light fixtures on 72 poles on the bridge, adjacent roadside, and in the parks at the east and west end of The Bridge.

During the opening ceremony, Mayor Boles talked about the significance of the Bridge of Lions being functional, a work of art and architectural design, and of historical significance. His comments are reminiscent of remarks made at the original opening ceremony.

“As the new Matanzas bridge stretches in sweeping arc 1,545 feet from shore to shore of the turbulent river which runs in St Augustine’s front yard, it is obviously a thing of beauty. Its graceful proportions, its massive pillars, its symmetrical towers, moreover, were not accident, as has been the case with many bridges, but were planned long in advance according to the original stipulations that the bridge be, not only useful, but also ornamental.”

Congratulations to the original city fathers and to the current city fathers for having the courage to continue to protect the architecture, artistry, and historical significance of the oldest city in the United States.

To see all 50+ photos, check out my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/jock.ochiltree