Bay Bridge and Its Opening Ceremony

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While the Golden Gate Bridge often receives attention, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened six months earlier, rivals it in scale and functionality. Completed in 1936, this bridge is a crucial link between San Francisco and Oakland. It features a unique two-tier structure and accommodates over 300,000 vehicles daily, surpassing the Golden Gate Bridge in terms of utility.

Early Advocacy and Challenges

During the Gold Rush era, San Francisco faced difficulties in transporting goods. Although the transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, connected to Oakland by land, there was significant demand for a bridge linking Oakland and San Francisco. The bridge was advocated by colorful figures like Emperor Norton, who resided in San Francisco.

Construction and Impact

In response to this demand, several plans were proposed, and construction finally began in 1933. The construction of the Bay Bridge was marked by many tragedies. Over the three-year period, 24 workers lost their lives, and many suicides occurred on the bridge, leading to numerous ghost stories. Some drivers have reported hearing knocks on their car windows or seeing a headless man running alongside their vehicles at the same speed.

Koreans at the Opening Ceremony

Finally, on November 14, 1936, the 13km Bay Bridge connecting San Francisco and Oakland was inaugurated. The bridge, divided into east and west sections by Yerba Buena Island, featured a dual structure with a railroad running on the lower deck. Koreans participated in the opening ceremony with a vividly prepared parade, which they had organized over several weeks. The Korean National Association President, Mr. C.H. Choy, visited households to explain the event’s significance, prompting widespread participation from the Korean community.

The Korean parade was chosen as the most beautiful among those from various countries. On November 21, Mr. C.H. Choy (presumed to be Choi Jin-ha) received a letter of appreciation from the relevant authorities. The letter stated that the judges had decided to award a special prize for the most beautiful parade among the participating countries at the bridge’s opening ceremony. As a token of appreciation for participating in the world’s most beautiful bridge opening, a commemorative cup would be sent, engraved with names, directly from San Francisco’s Grant Brothers. The letter expressed the hope that this cup would serve as a memento of participating in the finest bridge opening ceremony.