Jacksonville History The Mathews Bridge -John E. Mathews: The Man & The Bridge

Jacksonville, Jacksonville history, Mathews Bridge, John E. Mathews, old bridges, the Arlington Expressway , the 1950s, Florida history

**HJPP-The History Jacksonville Preservation Project**
During the early years of the series, I worked with a collaborator named “Brit Webwell” He would film scenes and my talks at various places like the old City Hall, Confederate and Klutho Parks, and the old Jacksonville Police Department Headquarters (later was FDLE offices). This filming spree led us ultimately to The Mathews Bridge. I spliced his film and mine along with various photographs to create what I consider one of the best HJ episodes of all time. February 14th was a clear winter day – perfect weather for filming the bridge. My lecture from the riverbank on the downtown side of the bridge was epic. My hair is whirling in the wind. I’m waving my clipboard with my notes about unique facts of the bridge and having an exhilarating time. It even includes digital animation, pictures of John E. Mathews, closeups of the bridge and of course a thrilling ride in my 2010 Scion XD headed west on the Arlington Expressway over the bridge. They don’t make bridges quite like this anymore. I had such gusto back then. Having a collaborator also made it the classic it is today. Currently, it is the 19th most popular of the 178 shows on the channel. In this show I gave the viewer the opportunity to not just see the majesty of the bridge but also to enjoy the fun of going over it and realizing the great views - and pride some may experience as you descend off of the bridge towards Downtown in 2014.
George Farrar 7/21/22

Original Description Text

Welcome Back to History Jacksonville! Please join me as we learn about John E. Mathews Sr. and explore the History of the Mathews Bridge & Jacksonville from the 1950s to Today. Also enjoy our animation and ride along with me over the bridge later in the episode. Check Out Even More at theleftturnnetwork.com !