HIST 100: Engineering The Past

Nick Mooney Bridges

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To compare the most iconic bridges in the USA is a daunting task. The Brooklyn bridge has been around for over 130 years old, that alone is to show the level of craftsmanship. I think the main reason it has not been changed is because of that fact alone.  It is stated that Roebling built it 6 times stronger than required. He also revolutionized suspension bridge construction with the steel web supports on both sides of the bridge which increased stability. Because of his forethought to build something so strong it has become a mainstay of the New York landscape. Which i believe is why photographs of the bridge tend to include the whole landscape of Lower Manhattan.  Having been build over a 100 years ago gives the bridge a very rustic look. With lots of stone it has a blocky appearance which shows the age of the bridge, but also shows how far New York has come since the 1800’s.

The Golden Gate bridge is 50 years younger than the Brooklyn bridge. It is also a suspension bridge, because of this it has a lot of the same revolutionary designs from the Brooklyn. Being newer there was no stone used in the construction, because of this it looks much more contemporary. Which works in to the progressive beliefs  of the state and the city. I also believe that they left the Golden Gate as more of a blank slate, in that they have added an amazing idea. They added a movable center barrier, which increased safety so that were no head on crashes. Also because it is movable they can increase traffic flow in one direction over the other, helping with commute times.  The way that the Golden Gate is photographed shows more of a serene type setting. Usually with lots of fog around to make it feel that it is reaching for the sky.

BRIDGES

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Ellie Jay

1.02 Your Lens

History

1/15/16

The Brooklyn Bridge is far older than the Golden Gate Bridge. Both of these structures capture so much beauty and history in our world that many people do not realize. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 this bridge was known for being the first steel wire bridge. This bridge is absolutely stunning especially what it is lit up at night sitting above water with the lights of New York City behind it. This bridge has been seen in many movies because of the beauty that it captures. The structure of this building contains many different elements, from limestone to granite. It’s literally breathing taking. The Golden Gate Bridge is also a very well know and eye catching structure. This bridge is located in San Francisco California this bridge was constructed far after the Brooklyn Bridge, in 1933 construction began and was completed in 1937. This bridge offers a more simplistic view and far more rural atmosphere. It does not have the lights or busy traffic the Brooklyn Bridge does, although it is known to be far more peaceful and out of the way of the busy city life compared to the Brooklyn bridge. It does not offer the beautiful stone work the Brooklyn Bridge does but what it does offer is a beautiful scenery or mountainous terrain surrounding it. I believe that both of these areas value these structures more than most people realize. They have made sure to keep these bridges safe and fully functioning not only because they are a high source of transport but they are a huge mark in these areas and it’s important to people to still have these types of treasure around and catching people’s eye. Many people go out of their way to travel just to see these bridges in their lifetime and if one were to visit either bridge they would see why, they are part of our history and a treasurable sight to see. These are not your typical bridges you see every day unless of course you live in these areas.

 

Wikipedia. Golden Gate Bridge Vs. Brooklyn Bridge. WEB. 15 Jan 2016

My Lens – Jake Hinson

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Hi everyone, my name is Jake Hinson, I am a senior at Boise State studying Construction Management and this is “My Lens”:

  • Where did you grow up, and how did that place, as well as the people around you, influence you?

I grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone. When I was in high school I could not wait to get out and move to somewhere new, now I miss not being able to go to the grocery store or church without running into people that I have known forever. Growing up here influenced me in many ways, and it wasn’t until I started college that I realized that. For one, there was really only one type of people that lived in my hometown. So after beginning college I realized that I was very hesitant to talk or acknowledge people that were different than me. I think that my lens, in this aspect, has changed drastically since I began school here at Boise State and for the better.

  • What kinds of books or other texts did you read in school? On your own?

I have always been a fan of Louis L’amour. For those of you not familiar with this author, he wrote western and war novels mostly. I have always been fascinated by these two topics and the way that he researches facts and writes his stories to parallel actual history is so intriguing to me.

  • Where (e.g., specific website, television news channels, friends and family, church, etc.) do you learn about what’s going on in the U.S. and the rest of the world?

Growing up my family would usually talk about news and politics around the the dinner table. Now that I have moved away most of my news comes from the internet. I try to watch the news as much as possible but it is aggravating to me that every channel is so one sided and to find real facts is almost impossible.

  • How do you spend your leisure time, and how might it shape your view of the world?

I try to spend as much time as I can up in the mountains. Whether I’m hunting, fishing, shed hunting, or even just up snowboarding I love being away from society. I used to rodeo in high school but I had to sell my horses to pay for college. I am hoping to get horses again soon and start team roping.

  • How has your religious or spiritual journey influenced how you view other people and their decisions?

My religious views have no influence on how I view people.

  • Did your parents or guardians come from different cultures? If so, how did these cultures appear in your home when you were growing up?

My parents were friends since they were six years old, that being said, they have no culture differences. This really created a strong cultural background for my brothers and I to grow up in.

  • How has your perspective on the world changed as you have matured and gained more life experience?

Like I mentioned earlier, my perspective on the world has changed dramatically. Not in a way that I agree that we should be burning our nations flag, or protesting that our education should be free; but in a way where I can accept people for who they are and feel more comfortable in situations where I may have to hang around people that come from completely different background than mine.

  • Are there people or experiences that you consider formative in your life—that is, they are or were essential to shaping the person you are today? Explain.

My Grandpa. He is the person that I have always looked up to. Until I was about 5 we lived with my grandparents, I can remember my grandpa, dad, and uncle coming home from work and my grandpa had been finishing concrete for so long that he couldn’t walk from his truck to the house. So my dad and uncle would have to carry him inside and put him on the couch for his back to rest. And at 5 am the next day he would be up for work to make sure that he could provide for his family. It is because of this work ethic that he had installed in my father that has allowed me all the opportunities that I have received in life. I hope some day that I can do the same for my family.