The Bridge Thrown Open

Ceremonies to Start Promptly At Announced Hour – Distinguished Visitors Arriving and On Their Way – Road Director Coming by Plane – Many Bands Will Head Delegations – Many Acceptances and Few Declines Because of Previous Engagement – Maysville Has Welcome for Every Person

All is ready!

This is Maysville’s greatest day and all is ready for the dedication of the splendid suspension bridge which will take place at the appointed hour of 10:30 a. m., the exercises opening with an invocation by Rev. Gabriel Banks, pastor of the First Christian Church.

The University of Kentucky Marching Band will play “The Beautiful Ohio,” and Miss Jane Young, of Morehead, will slash the white ribbon removing every barrier between the two great states of Ohio and Kentucky.

The unveiling of the tablet in memory of Simon Kenton, the great Indian fighter, who carried civilization to the neighbor state across the river after having siding in establishing it here.  The Daughters of America will direct these ceremonies and a number of addresses will be made.

Information was received last night that Judge W. T. Henderson will deliver the address at the unveiling exercises instead of Karl Price, of Kenton, Ohio, as announced.

The audience will then proceed to the Hardymon Warehouse where the program will be continued and concluded.  The official program was published in yesterday’s Daily Independent and will be distributed on the streets of the city so that every visitor may have thorough information.

It must be noted, however, that Governor-elect Ruby Laffoon, of Madisonville, Ky., will not be able to attend the dedication.  Yesterday afternoon a message was received by James N. Kehoe, general chairman of arrangements, that it would be impossible for the new Chief Executive to be present as he has not been in the best of health the past several days.  He regrets that he cannot attend what he considers a most auspicious occasion that will mark the future progress of this locality.

It was also announced yesterday that Mr. O. W. Merrell, Director of Highways of Ohio, will attend coming from Columbus to Aberdeen by airplane.  He will arrive at the Aberdeen Airport about 10 o’clock and arrangements have been made to meet the gentleman with an automobile and convey him to this city.  In all probability other gentlemen will arrive by plane and accommodations will also be provided them to this city.

Secretary Peterson is in receipt of approximately ninety acceptances of prominent officials and newspapermen of both Ohio and Kentucky who state that they will be present and participate in the dedicatory proceedings.  About thirty express regrets; because of previous engagements they can not attend.  Among those who sent their regrets are President Hoover; Mr. Samuel Insul, Chicago utility magnate; Col. Oscar Barrett; Major Fred W. Herman; Mayor Wilson, of Cincinnati; and others. Col. Barrett and Major Herman are attending a river meeting in St. Louis, and are on the program there.  Both regret that the dates conflicted.

The letters from all the gentlemen congratulate Maysville on the opening of the span which will prove such an important traffic link.  Col. Barrett, especially, desired to be present as he is a Mason County taxpayer and assisted in straightening out matters so the bridge could be built and properly located.

Messages continue to be received that a very large number of people are to visit the city today.  Fleming county folks are coming headed by a drum corps and a band.  More than 400 automobiles have been signed up for the parade.  Citizens of Mt. Sterling, Winchester, Paris, Carlisle, Lexington and other points will be early on their way.  The same good news comes from Ohio.  Towns and cities on Zane’s Trace between Aberdeen and Zanesville are each to have large delegations while a communication from Cincinnati and other down-the-river towns brings some gladsome information that “the folks are coming.”

The first arrival was a man from the distant mountains.  His method of transportation was a poor white mule drawing a dilapidated covered wagon while at the rear a stovepipe protruded indicating that he brought his makings along.  He informed a reporter that he had been making plans for a couple of years to attend the dedication of the bridge at Maysville and faith he is here.  Thus it may be seen that interest in the structure is far reaching.

 Other distinguished visitors arrived yesterday to be early on hand for the exercise.

From the Maysville’s Daily Independent, November 25, 1931