Footbridge to the Stadium

[TManz]

Under the topic "Hooray for Hawley Road", it came to light that Mr. Fred Miller bought the Rapid Transit Line bridge from The Transport Co. after Speedrail operation ended on 6/30/1951. He apparently wanted to donate the structure to the City to use as a footbridge, which would bring sports fans from the edge of the Piggsville neighborhood to the new County Stadium. The news account stated correctly that the structure would be in conflict with the proposed East-West Freeway, and would eventuallly need to be removed.

Here's my question: There WAS a footbridge from Piggesville to the east parking area of the Stadium during the late 1950s, because I remember using it. My mom would drop us off in Piggsville, and my Dad and I would walk to the Stadium. When going to a night game, the Afternoon Hiawatha from the Twin Cities would pass beneath the footbridge just before game time.

Does anyone have a photo? I don't THINK this was the old RTL bridge, but then, I WAS pretty young...

[just1paul]

This isn't a photo, but is this the bridge you are referring to? Ask Stadium Parking for Marquette Games

[TManz]

That does show that there was a footbridge in 1953. But was it the modified RTL bridge, or a newer bridge built just for Stadium patrons?

[TManz]

PS - I love the ad just below the article for "Your Show of Shows" on NBC at 7:00 PM.

[just1paul]

That does show that there was a footbridge in 1953. But was it the modified RTL bridge, or a newer bridge built just for Stadium patrons?

NO - it couldn't be. here is an article from September 1953 about the "Miller" bridge - - - Brewing Co., submits offer for bridge sale

From March 26, 1953 - Start Building footbridge

[TManz]

OK - so the footbridge I remember was a new structure, completed around the time of the first Braves home game in 1953, with its east end at the foot of St. Paul Street.

The article says that the some of the wood used for the footbridge was salvaged from Borchert Field. What was the last season for the old Brewers? If they played a full season in 1952, only a small amount of wood could have been recovered that fall, to be reused on the footbridge in early 1953. I once worked with a man who had a summer job (1953?) with the City, during which he helped to disassemble Borchert Field. At the time, I had never seen a photo of the old stadium, and didn't fully appreciate the size of the task.

I remember the site of Borchert Field only as a City playfield, having 2+ baseball diamonds, until it was gobbled up by the freeway in the early 1960s. Since this neighborhood baseball field existed for less than 10 years, I would imagine that photos of it are scarce.

[just1paul]

You know I just saw some pictures of Borchert being taken apart. I think it was on Google news archive. Not sure if I saved them. I'll get back to you.

[Dennis]

You know I just saw some pictures of Borchert being taken apart. I think it was on Google news archive. Not sure if I saved them. I'll get back to you.

Please dig these pictures and articles up. I would love to add these to the collection.

Dennis Pajot

[lallan]

I lived near Borchert Field. When the complex was torn down the playing field - diamond remained, although never maintained in any playing condition.