Saturday, August 15, 2009

Working on the Railroad

This is the Connecting Railroad Bridge in Philadelphia which I think was built in the 1860's or 70's. Above it is a statue called The Laborer; it's by Ahron Ben-Shmuel 1952 (inscription: He wrought miracles).
The statue looks to be of an Asian laborer who are famous for building America's railroads in the 1800's.

The statue is the same one that I had a little fun with on Something Sighted.

20 comments:

VP said...

The statue is typical of the period and quite well made. The second photo has, to me, an 'european' look, probably due too the stone bridge.

Hilda said...

I like the old stone bridge and I think it's nice that the railroad workers back then are recognized now. I read a little about the history of America's infrastructure and found it fascinating though not always admirable.

Tinsie said...

Interesting statue. Well shot.

Anonymous said...

Awww the statue without two heads :)

Sunny said...

I love the bridge, what a project that must have been.
Sunny :)

Lowell said...

I like your "funning" touch! Beautiful shot of the bridge, too. The story of the Chinese working on the railroads is extremely interesting; and sad, too.

Jan said...

Both shots are great. Love the bridge, I'm such a sucker for reflections.

Ebie said...

This is my main blog.
Hahaha James, I still love the other shot posted in Something Sighted.

Inday said...

Wow! Almost similar to my background of my Travelogue blog. (No, it's not open to public yet, I think).

Cezar and Léia said...

Beautiful tribute and this bridge is adorable with those coloured stones!
Léia

cieldequimper said...

Isn't he a bit... ummm... stocky to be Asian? ;-) Must be the style of the 50s.

Lois said...

What a fabulous looking old bridge! I love the reflection in the water. The statue is nice too.

Carver said...

That's a great statue and also a beautiful bridge.

Rune Eide said...

I like those old-fashioned rail-roads. My father worked for the Norwegian Railways for many years, so I enjoyed the statue too!

Gerald (SK14) said...

that's a good old-fashioned viaduct.

Malyss said...

For once, there's a tribute to the anonymous workers, and a beautyful one..

crocrodyl said...

Beautiful bridge and superb photo of it! Really good work! Congrats!

penny said...

They just don't build them like they use to... I like all that natural stone work. Great craftsmanship.

B SQUARED said...

If you can believe this, I'm listening to Gordon Lightfoot's Railroad song while looking at the photos. Perfect!

Martha said...

I love the old bridges, and actually I think this is the one I was trying to snap some shot of while sitting in traffic.

There is a wall that is painted like one of these bridges with different scenes in each arch, you can see it from the expressway. I'm thinking of going searching for it one weekend! Once this HEAT wave is over!