[Dedication of the first Hood Canal Bridge, bicycler, August 12, 1961] / photo by Merle Junk, Olympia, Department of Transportation, Agency Library, Photograph Collections, Washington State Archives

On August 12, 1961, thousands of Washingtonians gathered on the eastern side of the Hood Canal Bridge celebrate its dedication. The bridge took over a decade to develop, solving for the variable tide levels, variable channel depth, and harsh winds around the channel. At 7,869 feet, the Hood Canal Bridge is the longest floating bridge built in salt water and the first of its scale to connect the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas.

Ernest Caddick (1895-1973), a retired magician from Bainbridge Island commanded the spotlight during the day's festivities. Known in his performing days as Ernesti, The Clown Prince of Magic, Caddick claimed the honor of being the first person to cross the new bridge— and the first to do it blindfolded. Leading the governor’s 1914 Overland car after the ribbon cutting, the once and future clown mounted his bicycle with a black bag atop his head. Guests and state officials alike had been invited to confirm that the bag was indeed sight-proof before the stunt began. Teetering over not once but twice upon his side, the Great Ernesti found his balance on the third try and sailed smoothly to Jefferson County.

Photographs of Ernesti’s epic ride were recently processed by archives intern Max Lustro. Find these images and more from the dedication of the first Hood Canal Bridge by searching “hood canal bridge dedication” in the keyword search of the Washington State Department of Transportation Photograph Collection on the Digital Archives.

References:

Ferguson, Adele. “Bridge Opens, and How! 13,000 Cars Use it During First Day and a Half”. Kitsap Sun, 12 Aug. 1961. “https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun/197037213/

“Shows of Magic for Children and Adults to be Given Here”. Kitsap Sun, 13 Mar. 1941. https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun/203736545/