The Arly L. Hedrick Bridge, built in 1919 by the firm Hedrick & Hedrick (Ira G. Hedrick and his son, Arly L.), was one of the smaller bridges built by these prominent early-day consulting engineers. Whitney’s history states that “the firm had no superior in bridge building in the entire country and that their admission to foreign engineering societies indicates the regard held or their technical ability in European lands. The 1920 Kansas City Park Board souvenir booklet gives this description of the Hedrick Bridge: “The 542-foot bridge of concrete carries 27th Street over Vine Street on an easy grade. This together with the fill now being made east of Woodland Avenue across Spring Valley Park, will make 27th Street an important thoroughfare.” Arly L. Hedrick lost his life at the Battle of the Argonne in World War I. in 1927 the park board authorized the placing of a bronze tablet on the bridge of honor. Ira G. Hedrick in 1923 moved his family to the northwest where he became famous for two bridges in Portland Ore., the 3,500-foot Burnside Bridge spanning the Portland harbor and the 4,000-foot Ross Island Bridge. The Burnside Bridge, with a bascule span in the center, permitted the clearance of the largest sea going vessels. Hedrick’s bridges were built over many of the great rivers in America. Two in this area were the Intercity Viaduct (now Lewis & Clark) and the bridge over the Kaw at Lawrence. In the background of the post card is the old Christian Church Hospital, now the Robinson Memorial Hospital. Kansas City Star, May 13, 1972
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