Saturday, June 18, 2011

View From (Under) a Bridge


You just can't find a bad angle of the historic Oaklawn bridge -- possibly because of all those lovely curves. When Charles and Henry Greene designed this structure back in 1904, they were proud of the fact that there were only two other concrete bridges in existence in the U.S. I don't know if those other bridges have withstood the test of time, but ours seems both modern and classic. The five arches still blend perfectly with the surrounding trees.

Maybe one of these days I'll actually get a decent picture of the curving, river rock benches attached to the bottom of one of the arches. I just noticed them recently, and it was like discovering a hidden Greene and Greene treasure.

12 comments:

Judy Williams said...

This is really nice. Like I'm sitting on one of the benches and just enjoying the scenery. Maybe in a perfect scenario, there is classical music playing in the background. I think I'll linger a minute and just soak it in. :)

Have a great weekend.

Dixie Jane said...

My thoughts of being under a bridge are much different from this. I imagine homeless people cooking their lunch or sleeping on the ground. This is actually pretty. Laurie, you have a knack for finding beauty in obscure places.

Auntie S said...

What a wonderful image, makes my heart beat. I'm happy! Crisp and simple curves make it one of my favorites, so keep on being inspired by this great bridge. Thanks.

Mister Earl said...

Here's a song that expresses what Dixie Jane was thinking, about people living under a bridge.

Christmas in Paradise

Mister Earl said...

This is a great photo. I like how the arch of the bridge reflects the curve of the concrete path, which almost looks like a reflection. I'm surprised Judy didn't mention that! ;-)

Cafe Pasadena said...

I know that bridge. Someone should write a song & titled it maybe, "Down Under The Bridge."

The song could start something like:
"When this old town starts getting to me, and the people are just too much for me to face, and jobs can't be found...Under the bridge, the view is as peaceful as can be, And the world above can't bother me. Lemme tell you now. Come on y'all, there's still room enuf for you, but it's going fast. Under the bridge. Yeah, yeah, yeah!"

Michelle said...

I've never walked around down there. This is beautiful, Laurie!

Shanna said...

The curves were the first thing I noticed...Nice!

Patrizzi said...

Oh Laurie, that's a gorgeous photo. I laughed though, at the title of your post---not because it's funny, but because it reminds me of a favorite first phrase my Italian grandfather taught himself in English. And excuse me if this sounds indelicate but this is what I'd hear him say over and over to me as a child: "That's wootar under the bitch"

and all that talk about bitch confused me until my sister explained to me that he was trying to say BRIDGE!

ay yi yi

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miles said...

Interesting. I had no idea it was so attractive underneath.

TheChieftess said...

You definitely do find beauty in obscure spots!!! I've never been below the bridge to see the beautiful curves!!!