Whose view? From where? — May 2013

We had two correct responses this month, even if one was part guess.

Eric Otterness writes, This is the Mendota Bridge over the Minnesota River looking downstream. The entrance to behind Pike Island is just below this bridge on the left side of the river. This bridge is exactly one mile across. As a child my brothers and I always tried to hold our breath across it.

Ron Middlestaedt writes, I think I've met my match (again?). The architectural detail matches that of the Mendota Bridge but the from where? is puzzling. I'd have to say (guess) that were looking NE, and that the span is at the west end where the old Minnesota River channel passed beneath. We were taught in elementary school (Howe, Minneapolis) that this was the longest concrete bridge of its type in the world. And, I had heard elsewhere that it was constructed in such a fashion to support future trolley tracks. I often ponder that tidbit when I cross it.

Match not met!

About Whose view? From where?

Each month in this section, we feature a photo somewhere along the river corridor in the Twin Cities that is in some way significant or important or just plain scenic. Individuals may then e-mail us and identify the view and explain why they believe it is significant to the community or important to them personally. Well publish some of your responses in the next issue of Mississippi Messages, where we will also reveal the correct answer.

To submit your guess and response, e-mail Bob Spaulding, River Advocate, through our contact form. The respondent to provide the first correct identification of the view and hopefully some interesting thoughts about its significance will receive a valuable prize for their effort. All entries must be received by the first day of the following month for consideration.