1924: Bridge connecting the states should open in August

May 29, 1924

YANKTON, S.D. — Some date in August of this year, as yet not definitely set, will mark a new epoch in Yankton’s history, for that is the date when the Meridian Highway bridge will be thrown open as a completed structure, the connecting link between that city and north Nebraska.

Yankton is making plans for a great celebration when the bridge is opened for use, and judging from all reports it is going to be a great, grand and glorious affair. It will probably last for several days, and will be attended by notables from all over the country. The completion of the bridge means much to Yankton, and the business men there are aware of this fact, for they are looking forward to an era of growth which will give the city a population of at least 10,000 by 1930. This figure is a very conservative one, as it is based on the natural growth which has been evidenced by the town during the past few years. Yankton has always been located in an ideal place for a city which wishes to be a commercial center. It is in one of the richest agricultural sections of the country, where crop failures are unknown, and where there is abundant rainfall for any of the crops which can be grown in this latitude. Yet for over 50 years, Yankton has been partially cut off from one of the richest parts of that section, the territory in northeastern Nebraska. During at least half of the year the Missouri river formed a barrier which could not be passed. The comparative isolation of northeast Nebraska has been a handicap to the people living in this section, although they have progressed despite this. Proper market facilities were often times unavailable, and railroads have never been what they should be. Yankton has also felt this drawback, cut off as it is from such a rich part of its territory, but all this will be changed when the bridge is opened.

May 29, 1924

YANKTON, S.D. — Retard work in the Missouri River west of Yankton will be finished within three weeks, and it is believed that the work which has been done will do much in the future to cut down the damage which is usually done by the “Bid Muddy” along the South Dakota banks.

Two retards are now being built at the Pierson ranch, Where the river has been doing some unusually serious cutting this spring. One of the retards will be 250 feet long when completed, while the other measures 75 feet. These retards will prevent the stream from doing any more damage in that spot. Considerable trouble has been experienced in building these retards because of the rock, but all the drilling to secure anchorage has been completed. As soon as the job at Yankton is completed the entire outfit, which belongs to the Woods Brothers Construction company of Lincoln, will be sent down the river to a point near Kansas City, where over $100,000 worth of bank protection work is to be handled this season. The outfit now at Yankton comprises the steamer Julius F. Silber, three barges, and a large amount of equipment. Work was started on the retards near Yankton about a year ago, the company being hired to come there by Yankton county and the landowners whose property was being taken into the river. During the winter months work was suspended, the company’s boats spending the winter at Yankton. There is more work to be done along the river than the company can do, according to the superintendent of the Yankton job. The river is causing much damage at places along its course, but it is impossible to take care of all the work which can be done at this time.

May 29, 1924

SOUTH YANKTON — Do you want to know anything about the whims and vagaries of the Missouri River? Then take a trip to Yankton and when you are crossing the river on the ferry boat, the B. A. Douglass, go up into the pilot house and talk with Captain Joe Giesler, who is celebrating his 25th year as the captain of the ferry this month.

Captain Giesler is the oldest licensed pilot on the Missouri River anywhere in the northwest, and what he doesn’t know about that stream could be written across the face of a postage stamp without canceling it.

He has battled with the stream in summer and winter, he has studied it as a person would study a book, and as far as is possible for any human being he has “learned” the Missouri River.

From his lofty pilot house, 50 feet above the turbulent waters of the river, Captain Giesler handles his boat as it battles the current. Under his immediate control, in addition to the pilot’s wheel, are the various levers used in navigating the boat, and by manipulating these levers, Captain Giesler takes the boat on its countless trips across the river. To a novice the task of piloting the ferry looks like something which the ordinary man would never attempt. The swift current of the stream, the numerous sandbars, the floating logs and trees which are a menace to navigation, and countless other dangers must all be avoided, for often the boat has a precious cargo of human lives and property. Yet Captain Giesler handles the task easily, and he is trained for it by his many years of service. This is undoubtedly the last year that the ferry will be used at Yankton, as the completion of the Meridian Highway bridge will mean that traffic can be handled in another way. Captain Giesler does not regret the change, however, for he feels he deserves a vacation, and he has been one of the most enthusiastic boosters for the bridge.

May 29, 1924

YANKTON, S.D. — Riveting of the steel on the Meridian Highway bridge at Yankton will be completed within two weeks, or some time early in June, according to the head of the contracting company, in Yankton this week.

The riveting gangs are working now on the big lift tower, which is now all in place, and on the South Dakota approach, while the work on the remaining spans is being rushed. Much concrete is being poured at the bridge these days.

The big counterweights for the lift span are being made. The first of the baseweights, which weigh about 18 tons each, and on which the other concrete blocks will rest, have been completed on their heavy steel frames. The concrete piles on which the Nebraska approach to the bridge will be constructed are also being poured.