Bridge of Dreams In 2008 and 2009, volunteers at Marist College's Hudson River Valley Institute conducted approximately 35 oral history interviews on the topic of the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge and its rebirth in 2009 as the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. These recollections and observations, gathered from a diverse group of area residents and others associated with the bridge, now form an important archive of living history. The following interview of architect Ed Loedy conducted by Jason Schaaf provides a lively sample of the many treasures in this archive awaiting future generations of historians, researchers and Walkway visitors.
Jason Schaaf: How long have you been in the Hudson Valley? Ed Loedy: I came to the Hudson Valley in 1953, so that's.. .1 am not sure about how many years. Must be about fifty something years. JS: And what is your overall feeling of the Hudson Valley? EL: Good Question. I love this valley, and I have traveled a bit because most people like where they have been or where they were brought up. And I have traveled a bit, and I keep coming back here because this is a terrific place to be. It's beautiful. The river's beautiful. The whole place is beautiful. JS: Anything in particular sticks out about the Hudson Valley? EL: I can't say anything particular except I like the topography and for instance, compared to Florida (which is rather flat and boring), this is interesting topographically—driving over hills, going over and underneath things. The river obviously is a big attraction to the Hudson Valley. I love the river. I lived close to it as a kid. I've been on it a lot. JS: So can you describe for me what it was like the first time you came across the bridge? EL: ...Well, actually the first time I came over a bridge to Poughkeepsie 165
