I’m in the midst of reading *Coral and Brass* by General Holland “Howlin’ Mad” Smith, his account of his many years of helping to shape the modern Marine Corps. Last night I was reading how the Marines, as WWII broke out, had wanted an amphibious tank, and that their wishes were fulfilled with the development of the amtrac, or LVT (Landing Vehicle Tracked) – invented as the “Alligator” by one Donald Roebling.
That name caught my eye. A quick Web search, and I knew: he was the great-grandson of John Roebling, and grandson of Washington and Emily Roebling, the father-son-daughter-in-law combination that envisioned and built the Brooklyn Bridge.
What a great family.
Steve Chicoine
September 3rd, 2017
Indeed, a great family. Yes, those ties – forgotten, but now discovered – are always so interesting. Part of the fabric of what make up this country.
And, no, I had no idea that the invented of the Amtrak was tied to the Brooklyn Bridge (which my immigrant grandfather crossed many time in the early days of the bridge).
THANKS FOR SHARING, Jim
jim
September 3rd, 2017
I agree, Steve — it’s the fabric of America. Thanks for your thoughts!