The Harlem News

Governor Speaks- At the official opening of the new Fred L. Robinson bridge across the Missouri River south of Harlem last Sunday, Gov. J. Hugo Aronson was one of the main speakers marking the event. The Governor is shown on the speaker's platform in the grove of the newly dedicated James Kipp Park adjacent to the bridge span and for whom the bridge is named. (Kenneth Rasmusson photo)

Crowd of 10,000 Harlem Well Represented At Fred Robinson Bridge Dedication Last Sunday

A crowd estimated at more than 10,000 persons converged to park 3,000 cars on the south side of the bridge, which crosses the longest previously unspanned stretch of the Missouri river from Fort Benton to Fort Peck.

To Mr. Robinson, Gov. Aronson said, if its service to the people of this state compares to the service you have rendered your fellow Montanans, it will be well.

Harlem residents turned out in force for the dedication ceremonies. Several hundred were reported in attendance, either driving or flying from Harlem.

The 70-year-old Republican state senator from Phillips county, for whom the bridge is named, was so happy at fulfillment of his dream to link eastern Montana's northern and southern economies that he provided free beef for a gigantic barbecue that preceded the dedication ceremonies.

Along with the various other towns and cities contributing to the barbecue, Harlem's share of the celebration, sponsored by the Harlem Business Club and the Harlem Lion's Club, was sixty gallons of Kool-Aid and $50 to help in reimbursement of expenses.

Of the planes that flew to the dedication, one didn't return. Story of the Alex Pitsch plane crash is below the above picture.

Arrangements had been made

The crowd turned six times to the food tables at about 11 o'clock and more than two hours later after thousands had been fed the lines seemed as long as ever.

Bales of hay were provided for seats as the crowd ate and listened to oratory and band music on the hot sunshiny day.

Gov. J. Hugo Aronson's prepared talk recited the highlights of bridge building in this country. He said at first they were built at major crossings to meet the demand of east-to-west traffic.

The governor declared that the $718,000 cost of the Robinson bridge will be small compared to the savings in travel and time involved.

The bridge and road (Montana 19) will also open a whole new recreational area, the new James Kipp State Park at the south end of the bridge. This will provide camping and rest stop areas for thousands of motorists, and the new road provides for much quicker roads to market for livestock and grain from northern Montana. It also opens a nationally famous fossil field to rock hounds and fossil hunters.

State Highway Engineer Fred Quinnell, Jr. called Robinson "the man with the dream."

Sawing of a log by Gov. Aronson and Fred Robinson marked the official opening of the bridge. The two cut through the log, already about half sawed, in about 2 seconds. At this time Gov. Aronson said the crowd at the ceremony was the largest gathering of its kind in Montana.

The first person to walk across the bridge after the log was cut the bridge officially opened was Mrs. Lena O'Neil long-time resident of Blaine county.

Gov. Aronson then rode across the new structure on a palomino saddle horse, owned and loaned to the governor by F. C. Ekegren of Harlem. The steed is well-known in the state.

The celebration then shifted to a platform in a shady grove of trees east of the south end of the bridge. Montana Chief Justice James T. Harrison acted as master of ceremonies for this portion of the program.

Highway Chairman Burns gave a short talk relative to the merits of the new bridge and of its service to Montanans as well as all travelers. He pointed out the value this will be to the state in opening up an untouched area of beauty and bringing central and north central parts of the state closer together.

Harry L. Burns of Chinook, chairman of the State Highway Commission, in his brief speech at the dedication of the Fred Robinson Bridge Sunday, said he was entirely in favor of replenishing the interstate highway fund and proceeding with the letting of contracts and securing of rights of way. He mentioned later that many Blaine county residents were also supporting the proposal to appropriate funds to go ahead with the highway construction.

Among the guests on the platform were Mr. and Mrs. Robinson former U. S. Senator Zales Ecton of Bozeman, former Congressman Wesley A. D'Ewart, Saskatchewan Minister of Highways E J. Douglas of Regina, Montana State Highway Commission Chairman Harry L. Burns of Chinook, Alvin J. Lucke of Havre, and William Reed of Harlem.

Aronson was one of the main speakers. The huge throng came by car, truck, boat and airplane.