New-York tribune., 1907-06-02
TO SAVE OLD BRIDGES.
Spuyten DuyrH 4roused by Threats
against Bronze Landmarks.

The two oldest connecting links between Maphat-
tan Island and The Bronx-the old Kings Bridge
and the old Free Bridge, across Spuyten Duyvil
Creek-are soon TO be destroyed according to re
port It IS only lately that the residents of Kings
bridge have become aware Of the plan, and already
they are preparing to defeat it.
The plans of the New York Central Railroad 10
erect a huge freight yard the bed of Spuytel.
Duyvl Creek said 70 include the razing Of
what among the most ancient relics of the early
settlement days this country. for the Old King :
Bridge was erected in 1888 and the old Free Bridge
IN l109 The inftueptiai property owners of the
Spuyten Duyvii section Of KinCsbridge are deter
mined that the historical brdses shall be preserved
and to that end they have the promised backing Of
many historical societies.
Randall Comfort. who is well known as the
Bronx historian and whose ancestors have been
residents OF The Bronx for two hundred years,
told the history of the two old bridges after
expressing his belief that everything possible should
be done for their preservation
AS far back as 1880" he said, Governor Andres
OF New York had ordered that the Splitting Devil.
at the northern end of Manhattan Island, should
pe examined WITH regard to the building of ii
bridge there and thirteen years later Flederyek
..ipse erected the nTSt structure, in spite of the
great expense and had the privilege Of enjoying
also the prerogative of his family untu the bridge
was forfeited owing to their loyalty to the Crown.
Among the city statutes in force that period
was this one, relative the Kings Bridge SO
Of the King:
l penny for each head of neat catteH;
pens for each mann and horse.
that i2 sha i'p pass s'2Ts 6e said P3ss Gs ana Sse'
pens for every boat, vessel or canoo
that shall pass the said bTige
and cause the same to be drawne up
Previous to the building of the Kings Bridge
ancient ferry existed between Manhattan Island
and the Maine. with this notice in a consp. cuous
position:
YE FERRYMAN-HIS RATES.
FoT lodging ana person pence per night In case
they have bed with sheets; and without
For sliTep lfi[eq''0r'"on of man and horse pence in
Everything went well for a while. hut eventu,
ally the early residents decided that they would
not stand for Mr. Phlpse and his bridge tolls.
Neither wouId they endure shouting at the harrier
gate to awaken the drowSy gatekoeper Therefore
about the middle Of the following century popular
subscription was raised TO build new bridge. to
The energy of these early Americans was not
appreciated by Colonel Phillipse. and by every
He forced enaan me- PaeT Is1 " the SoiS ttber g OF the
movement TO go further downstream. away from
ada thus compelling him to paw Tor sIbsIitutes'
Free or Farmers bridge was successfully
l75s, hundreds attending from New York city and
W NeStjchestsr Ceunty and; as tn" Old records say
iIses bridge tender threw up his Job. as has occu-
1t has been aptIy stated tha, the Free Bridge
"aS the nIsJ step toward freedom In this state
ne ancient + rec Brldge IS the central FOCUS,
SO 10 speak. OF the entire surrounding district.
lNngsbrdge Road, with its almost vertical Break
east few steps to the north the old Macomb
mansion looms up in its picturesque whiteuess To
the south, near the IHWOod hats, the old pyCkmau
farmhouse is stih standing ON Broadway. near
Hawthorne street their former homo having been
Turned by the BRITISH i'm retaliation for the noble
services rendered hy the Dyckmans iu the ranks OF
the 'Westchrst-r Guides
And so to-daE ;here stand the twin structures,
the Free Bridge and the Kings Bridge prac-
ideally as they looked U times Of yoUo. when tho
mercenary H"Ssiaus under Kuyuhauseu dashed
over to raid tie dreaded Neutral Ground
An English clergyman. the Rev. Nj. Burnaby.
who visited New York in carly days. refers to one
OF the bridges in his GuITy.
Just before entering The town, there is little
bridge commonly called Kissing Bridge" where
s. is customary. befYr" passing beyond 10 salute
the lady who is your companion
He further adds that he finds the custom Curl
Gus. yet not dispeasing.' "