Golden Gate Bridge, cross-stitch embroidered

     Albeit not denying its cinematographic appeal, we focus on the gloomy record reached by the bridge, the record of suicides. Too often public opinion proves to suffer from myopia (shortsight) with an apparent inability to look into the distance. There aren’t lenses that treat this intellectual disorder, only the study can placate it. 

     The pages of history that have mostly aroused my curiosity coincide with the series of events that followed from the economic crisis of 1929. It had a devastating impact that even struck high walks, degrading it. A few years later, in 1933 Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected as president of the USA. Forged from health problems, he had a very strong character and acquired the same autonomy as needed over the country.

     The dramatic situation was witnessed by 13 million of unemployed. Was necessary to find immediately the social propellant that raise the economy and the moods. Roosevelt found that propellant in the creation of a “state contractor” by the promotion of large public works managed by federal agencies. Job opportunities arose and unemployment was stemmed. Among these public works includes the famous bridge that celebrates 79 years on May 27, 2016: the Golden Gate Bridge. That’s why that bridge is for me synonymous with hope. And at that time represented a lighthouse for all those who were involved in its construction.

     When I’m sad and I need motivation, I think the San Francisco bridge.

     It’s captured from different angles, several as we would like the opportunities of success in our lives.

     It has a peculiar color, the red lead (minium) or international orange, and exerts great charisma. Even the Bay Bridge, which opened a year before (1936) with a higher length and built on two levels for both travel directions, is relegated to the “shoulder” of the Golden Gate Bridge.

     The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in 1933, and in June of 1936 an earthquake tested it by shaking violently the towers. However (and this notion should be an example to be emulated in Italy) was completed within the agreed date and at a cost less than the quote.

     On May 27, 1937 the bridge was opened to pedestrians.

     On May 28, 1937 at 9:30 a.m. passed the first vehicles.

     In the picture: the memorial cross–stitch embroidery made by my mother. 

     Source: “La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno”, an italian newspaper, May 12, 2016, p. 30.