The Wilbur J. & Sara Ruth Watson Bridge Book Collection was the personal library of noted Cleveland civil engineer, Wilbur Watson. An authority on reinforced concrete construction, his work includes the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge and the Akron Air Dock. His daughter, Sara Ruth, was an English professor at Cleveland State and bequeathed her father’s library of civil engineering works in the 1990s, including a fund for their support. The conservation and digitization of these books are supported by the Emily M. Watson Endowment for the Wilbur J. and Sara Ruth Watson Bridge Book Collection.
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Origin and History of the Cleveland Viaduct
French Collins
"For the satisfaction of such of my friends as are not conversant with the history of the Cleveland Viaduct, and who may entertain a just pride in the success of all laudable undertakings by those for whom they feel a friendly regard, and also for those who may wish to secure a record of its history, and being in possession of some facts in relation to it that no other man has any knowledge of, I propose to give a brief account of its origin and progress up to the present time"
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The History of the Veterans Memorial Bridge
William E. Beyer
The History of the Veterans Memorial Bridge: 90th Anniversary Edition by William Beyer documents the history of the original construction of the bridge and the two major rehabilitations—the first was done from 1967 to 1969 and the second was done from 1995 to 1997. Some technical information is included, which may be of interest to some readers. However, the major emphasis of the book is the documentation of the history of the bridge and the surrounding community with photographs. The photographs offer a unique opportunity to glimpse into previous eras in Cleveland. The publication of this book was partially sponsored by the generous support from the Wilbur J. and Sara Ruth Watson Bridge Book Collection and the Emily M. Watson Endowment of the Cleveland State University Michael Schwartz Library, Special Collections.
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Bridges of Metropolitan Cleveland: Past and Present
Sarah Ruth Watson
The Bridges of Metropolitan Cleveland
is a compilation of a wealth of information, both technical and general as well as anecdotal, on the most important bridges in Cuyahoga County. This book should hold interest of all civil engineers in Ohio as well as lay persons who have a particular bent for history. From the introduction. -
Appendix to the Minutes of Evidence
The Lord's Committee
In 1829 legislation was submitted to the British Parliament, regarding improvements to the approaches to London Bridge. Referred to a Lord’s Committee, a report was issued, this being the appendix of exhibits offered in support. Note especially the maps at the end of the report. The original book, offered as an e-book here, is housed in the Wilbur J. & Sara Ruth Watson Bridge Book Collection, in Special Collections of the Michael Schwartz Library of Cleveland State University.