George Gandy

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The Gandy Bridge looking east

George Sheppard "Dad" Gandy (October 20, 1851

developer, best known for constructing the original Gandy Bridge, the first bridge to span the Tampa Bay in Florida. He is also known for developing numerous buildings and transportation lines in Philadelphia and St. Petersburg, Florida
.

Philadelphia

Gandy was born in the

captain.[3] Gandy dropped out of grammar school and made money writing wedding invitations. The family moved to Philadelphia and, at age 16, Gandy earned $4 per week working as an office boy at Henry Disston & Sons.[1][3]

After 11 years, Gandy climbed to a top position with Disston launching his impressive career.[1] He married Henry Disston's daughter, Mary, who died at the age of 26 in 1876. Disston Memorial Church, on Tyson Avenue, in Philadelphia's Tacony section, is named for Mary. In 1882, he became secretary and treasurer of Frankford and Southwark Railway Company.[4] At age 35, Gandy began suffering from a heart condition which lasted the rest of his life and was occasionally aggravated by his business dealings.[5] He worked as an executive for several companies in Philadelphia, building more than 200 residences and the People's Theatre.[3] Gandy's passion however was transportation and, by the end of the 19th century, he had built 125 miles (201 km) of trolley lines in Philadelphia.[1][3] In the 1890s, he spearheaded efforts to connect Willow Grove Park to Philadelphia, making the park a popular attraction.[4]

St. Petersburg

In 1903, Gandy followed fellow Philadelphian trolley entrepreneur,

White Elephant" but it soon made hefty profits and silenced the critics.[3][6] The $150,000 theatre drew such attractions as John Philip Sousa's band and the controversial landmark film The Birth of a Nation.[3]

In 1910, Gandy began discussion with fellow entrepreneur

Florida Governor Cary A. Hardee ceremonially opened the bridge on November 20, 1924, it was the longest over-water highway in the world.[2] At the dedication, Gandy's entire speech was four words: "The bridge is built!"[2][11]

Late life and legacy

Despite his heart condition, Gandy lived another 22 years after his bridge was completed. He lost his sight while in his 80s but continued being

Cuban-American relations
.

Gandy's La Plaza Theatre was acquired by Florida State Theaters in 1948 and demolished in 1957.

Gandy-Sun Bay South
.

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Burnett, p. 5.
  2. ^ a b c d Hartzell 2002, p. 70.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Hartzell 2002, p. 68.
  4. ^ a b c Grismer.
  5. ^ a b Hartzell 2002, p. 69.
  6. ^ a b Burnett, p. 6.
  7. ^ Hartzell 2006, p. 73.
  8. ^ a b Burnett, pp. 6-7.
  9. ^ Burnett, p. 7.
  10. ^ Burnett, p. 8.
  11. ^ Gandy Bridge 1930 Archived 2006-08-28 at the Wayback Machine at the historic photos section of the Florida Department of Transportation web site.
  12. Find A Grave
    .
  13. ^ "Habana Race - St. Petersburg Yacht Club". www.spyc.org. Retrieved 2017-01-05.
  14. ISBN 978-1614237761
    . Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  15. ^ Deese p. 87.

References

External links

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