Our Rich History: New book and new events at 2016 RoeblingFest celebrating John A. Roebling Bridge

By Paul A. Tenkotte
Special to NKyTribune

The John A. Roebling Bridge connecting Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky, is THE symbol of our region. Its graceful architecture draws our eyes vertically to its more than 200-feet-tall piers. Next, its suspension cables entice our eyes horizontally to the beautiful Ohio River shoreline of Cincinnati and Covington. And it doesn’t stop there—finally, our eyes are captivated by the astounding skylines on each bank. It’s truly breathtaking to realize that some of those skyscrapers are actually not much taller than the height of the John A. Roebling Bridge. And none of them are as old.

Click for larger image

In 2017, the John A. Roebling Bridge will mark the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of its official opening to vehicular traffic—the directors of the Covington and Cincinnati Bridge Company opened the bridge to pedestrian traffic in December 1866.

To celebrate the bridge’s upcoming anniversary, Don Tolzmann has released a newly edited version of a rare 1867 description of the bridge, written by Edmund F. Farrington. Farrington played a major role in the building of both the Covington and Cincinnati Bridge, as well as the later Brooklyn Bridge.

Farrington was an adventurer of his day, having sailed with a whaling ship to Africa and Brazil, worked in Santo Domingo, and joined the utopian community of Brook Farm in Massachusetts. When Brook Farm closed, Farrington became a journalist, and finally, a master carpenter, mechanic, and bridge-building supervisor. He was one of John and Washington Roebling’s favorite and most valued employees.

Tolzmann’s 85-page book is a real keepsake for anyone who loves history or bridges. It is richly illustrated, and contains a great Appendix entitled “Roebling Heritage Sites,” that lists places and artwork in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky associated with the Roeblings and Farrington. Reasonably price at $12.95, it makes an excellent and thoughtful gift.

Join Don Tolzmann and other experts for this year’s RoeblingFest 2016, scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2016, 9 am-5 pm. RoeblingFest is “A Celebration of Art, Architecture, History, and Engineering.” In anticipation of the bridge’s sesquicentennial, RoeblingFest 2016 will be bigger and better than ever. Join us on the Covington side of the bridge for the following exciting tours, music, vendors, and presentations:

Click for larger image

• Guided tours of the Roebling Bridge will be offered continuously every half hour, beginning at 10 am. Costs are $5, or $20 per family.

• Free guided tours of the Roebling Murals, the Riverwalk Statues, and a portion of the Licking-Riverside Historic District in Covington.

• Devougrass has scheduled an outstanding lineup of bluegrass music, beginning with “Strolling through the Bluegrass” at 10:30 am. The “Forget-Me-Not” dancers will also perform again this year.

• The History Tent on Court Street will include displays from many local historical organizations. Artist and vender booths will be located on Third Street, west of Court, and the weekly Covington Farmers Market will occupy Third Street, east of Court, from 9 am until 1 pm.

• At 11 am, Tiffany Hoppenjans will discuss “Devou Roots: Discovering the Devou Family’s History.” Ms. Hoppenjans works in the Genealogy and Local History Department of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. This program is free.

• Brand new this year: “The 3Rs: Roeblings, Rebels, and Restoration” at Roebling Point Books and Coffee, 306 Greenup Street, Covington. Presentations are $5 each, or all 3 for $10:

• At 2 p.m., Don Heinrich Tolzmann will discuss John and Washington Roebling, and the construction of the Roebling suspension bridge. Dr. Tolzmann has authored numerous books and serves as Historian for the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee.

• At 3 p.m., Paul Tenkotte will speak on “Regional Epicenter of the Civil War: Northern Kentucky.” Dr. Tenkotte is Professor of History and Director of the Center for Public History at NKU. He is the editor/author of many books and articles about Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati.

• At 4 p.m., Professional Engineer Richard Sutherland will tell us about “The Restoration.” A civil engineer and former employee of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Mr. Sutherland played a key role in the rehab and restoration of the Roebling Bridge late in the 20th century.

LSI Industries is the primary sponsor for RoeblingFest 2016. The company has played a major role in the upgrading of the decorative lighting system on the historic structure. The Cincinnati-Covington Suspension Bridge Committee (CCSBC) has spearheaded the event, beginning with the first RoeblingFest in 2005. CCSBC is a citizens’ group that is responsible for maintaining the decorative lighting and the flags atop the bridge towers.

We want to learn more about the history of family businesses in our region (Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky). If you would like to share your rich history with others, please contact the editor of “Our Rich History,” Paul A. Tenkotte, at tenkottep@nku.edu. Paul A. Tenkotte is Professor of History and Director of the Center for Public History at NKU.