Coronado Bridge dedication in 1969

August 2, 1969
Original script
The 47-million-dollar structure rising 250 feet above the water at its highest point was dedicated with a combination of hoopla and nostalgia. A parade of horseless carriages became the first official vehicles to make the bay crossing. And as the antique autos clattered overhead, a parade of small boats crossed underneath the span. There were no evidences today of the active opposition that the bridge inspired when former governor Edmund G. Brown okayed its construction before leaving office. Governor Reagan made note of that talking to a crowd of 2 thousand at the ceremonies. The mayors of two cities linked by the bridge San Diego’s Frank Curran and Coronado’s William Paul Vetter unveiled a plaque at the toll plaza on the Coronado side. Then Curran and Vetter symbolically raised one of the bridge toll gates declaring in open for the public to look at. Later at a luncheon at the Hotel Del Coronado Governor Ronald Reagan hailed the bridge as the loveliest in the land. He also said the bridge is part of a proposed tribute to the first men on the moon. Reagan noted that the bridge may have already saved one life. A day before yesterday firemen used it to rush a prematurely born baby from San Diego to the hospital in Coronado. When the bridge opens at midnight tonight the public won’t be allowed to stop or get out of their cars. So, the span was opened for public inspection this afternoon. Navy amphibious vehicles and British double decker busses transported visitors to the crest of the bridge for their first and last opportunity to sightsee and take pictures. Beginning at 12 pm there will be no stopping and the 60-cent toll goes into effect. George Lewis reporting for TV 8 News.

[@chrismalcolm5518]

Ah, the good ol' days when the city pop. was 600,000 and a ferry boat ride gently rocked your car across the bay to Coronado.

[@brianchisnell1548]

And there was a fishing barge anchored a mile off shore and you could pay to get dropped off on it.

[@johnmonaco1028]

Ronald Reagan and California in the Best of Times to Remember!!

[@brianchisnell1548]

The San Diego I was raised in.

[@bxi1547]

You mean all white?

[@donnyscott9982]

Governor Reagan looked so young in '69!... 😎

[@javierguzman7929]

What great words from Ronal Regan, i hope that they will use those words in these days to fix all that needs to be fixed instead of throwing out the money to other countries like Ukraine and others we all know which ones, we see a lot of roads and infrastructure in need of fixing or replacing, and many many more things in this country of us, stop sending money out of this country we the people need it here it is ours invest, do more things.