ART & ART DECO CLEVELAND 2006
September 13-17, 2006

Guardians of Transportation Pylons (1932)

on the Hope Memorial Bridge (formerly the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge) — Frank Walker, architect. Henry Hering, sculptor.

The most monumental Art Deco images in Cleveland serve as gateways (and guardians!) to the east and west sides as the mile-long high level bridge spans the Cuyahoga River. The pylons are 43-feet tall and constructed of local Berea sandstone. There is a pair of pylons on each end of the bridge, with a "Guardian" on each side of the pylon, for a total of eight figures. Each is holding a different mode of transportation: stagecoach, passenger car, covered wagon, several kinds of trucks, etc. In 1983 the bridge was named in honor of entertainer Bob Hope's father. Although born in England, Hope's family moved to Cleveland when he was four years old. His father was a stone mason, and he helped construct this bridge.

The Guardians of Transportation were the inspiration for the "Art & Art Deco Cleveland 2006" logo.

The final photo in this series is of some "urban art" decorating a nearby "Bridge Auto Parts" storefront; it appeared abandoned when we were there. However, we enjoyed the updated image of the Guardian: more buff, and holding a modern "muscle car."

Main Post Office