Chicago Bridge Rededicated To Honor Former Alderman
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A bridge at Congress Parkway and Wells Street downtown once again bears the name of a man considered to be one of the city's most significant political leaders.
Chicago Bridge Rededicated To Honor Former Alderman
Because of recent construction on the bridge at Congress Parkway and Wells Street, plaques that dedicate the bridge needed replacing.
Three days after the sudden death of then-14th Ward Alderman Clarence Wagner, "The city council voted to name the new West Side Superhighway Bridge over the south branch of the Chicago River the Wagner Memorial Bridge," explained today's 14th Ward Alderman, Ed Burke.
So the rededication ceremony was scheduled to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Wagner's death, July 10, 1953.
His descendants, including his son Pat were there for the ceremony. Two grandsons unveiled the new plaque.
"I know he's just tickled pink looking down on us today and seeing his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who are here," his son Pat said.
Wagner was considered a frontrunner to be Chicago's next mayor when he was suddenly killed in a car crash in Minnesota.
