We Are All Connected: Historic & Inspirational Short Stories

By George S. Evans

The Golden Connection: Three men bond while working on the G. G. Bridge.

Jeffs Dream: A man goes west during the gold rush and a raven changes his life.

Hannos Song: A boys love and an elephants courage overcome all obstacles.

Nikos: A Greek family seeks refuge during the Greek-Turkish war in 1920.

The Red Box: A red shoe shine box changes the life of a homeless man and his family.

Stormy: A thoroughbred and a young man struggle together to reach their goals.

April Fourteenth: Black Sunday affects peoples lives and a childs future.

Chapel on Wheels: A poor southern family experiences an eventful life in Chicago.

Maska: A cattle rancher learns to understand and respect wolves.

Kostas: A fisherman has to make a choice between wealth and doing whats right.

A Crow and a Burglar: Jewelry fascinates a crow, a burglar and a ruthless woman.

The Dream Painter: Magical paints help people fulfill their dreams.

Qanuk: A polar bear survives global warming and wins the hearts of the country.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 7, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456747527

George S. Evans

George Evans, a retired educator, grew up in Gary, Indiana. He served four years in the air force as a control tower operator, received his BA degree from the Univ. of Vt., and a master’s from the Univ. of Co. He has three sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.

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Contents

The Golden Connection

Jeff’s Dream

HANNO’S SONG

e Nikos

The Red Box

Stormy

April Fourteenth

Chapel on Wheels

Kostas

The Dream Painter

Qanuk

A Polar Bear’s Struggle to Survive

Maska

A Crow and a Burglar

The Golden Connection

By George S. Evans

The San Francisco Bay is swarming with crowded ferries during the prosperous 1920’s. The heavy traffic creates congestion, dangerous situations and frequent delays. To alleviate these problems, several proposals to build bridges across the bay are repeatedly offered to the officials; but the highly profitable, influential ferry boat companies and other powerful groups vigorously oppose the ideas.

Joseph Strauss, a world-renowned bridge designer, dreams of building a bridge to span the mile-wide Golden Gate strait, the bay’s entrance to the Pacific Ocean. The strait is known for its strong winds, treacherous waters with its heavy swells and white-capped tides, connecting San Francisco with Sausalito and the magnificent coastal redwoods.

Fifteen years of contentious debates cause years of delays just before the country enters into the era of the big depression. Legislators and the people think that the estimated cost of $35,000,000 for such an impossible undertaking during the depression is not prudent or realistic. Adding fuel to the hotly contested debate, Strauss sets aside the traditional bridge designs in favor of a suspension bridge that was not only functional but it would also be a structure of beauty. After countless meetings and presentations, Strauss finally convinces the authorities that the graceful bridge is feasible, safe and economical.

Finally, Joseph Strauss proudly stands with 200,000 people to witness the ground-breaking ceremony at Crissy Field on February 26, 1933. The Marin anchorage on the Marin headlands above Ft. Baker’s Horseshoe Cove would be built at the same time as the San Francisco’s southern anchorage. But Strauss’s dream would become riddled with nightmares.

Besides the frequent occurrences of blinding fog banks hanging over the San Francisco that make it hazardous for traffic to maneuver on the Bay, the economic hardships also make it difficult for the people to navigate their lives. The poor, middle class as well as the wealthy are all treated equally with disdain during this time of high unemployment causing hunger and uncertainty.

One of many unemployed is Bob, normally gregarious and happy, walks alone as he sadly passes through the main gate for the last time after working there for fifteen years as a welder. His head is down and his shoulders are slumped as he heads for home located in a middle class neighborhood. Bob isn’t in the mood to talk to his neighbors working in their yards. He is preoccupied with what to tell his wife, Joan. Bob pauses at the front door for a few moments, collecting his thoughts. As soon as he enters the house, Joan greets him with a kiss.

How was your day, honey?

His downcast eyes said it all.

Joan’s smile fades as she senses that something is terribly wrong. He hands her his three months severance check without saying a word.

Joan becomes teary eyed and they embrace. Joan, wearing a mask of confidence, says, Something will come up. We’ll just have to watch our expenses and I’ll look for work.

No, honey, our two sons need you at home. Besides, once the factory closes its doors, the whole town will be in trouble.

I’m afraid we’ll lose our home when our savings run out, laments Joan.

It worries me too. Maybe we should consider selling it before things get worse and rent a smaller place.

For months, Bob tries to find work but it’s hopeless. They have no choice but to get out from under their mortgage and move into a low- rent basement apartment in a less desirable part of town. Most of their furniture is sold at bargain prices. The only place they can afford is a damp and depressing basement apartment. Two light bulbs suspended by a frayed cord barely shed enough light on their few pieces of furniture. They cancel their newspaper subscription and depend on their radio for the news and entertainment. Like many other families, they live in the shadows of poorness for the first time.

However, living on the edge of poverty is not new to Bob. He grew up on a small dairy farm. Bob’s father, Jim, develops a heart condition and the burden of working the dairy farm falls on Bob’s broad shoulders. In addition to milking twenty cows twice a day, Bob feed the herd, cleans the stalls and maintains the equipment. It is an all-consuming, difficult life. Coping with and surviving nature’s erratic behavior was an on-going challenge. Even during a good year there is barely enough money left over to buy basic necessities after the mortgage is paid. The lingering drought during the early thirties and the widespread dust storms hamper milk production and eventually bury many families under mountains of debt. The majority of banks are reluctant to loan money to farmers and ranchers during these uncertain times.

Eventually, Bob’s family is forced to sell the farm, equipment and cows for pennies on the dollar at an auction. They pack what little they have and move to a small apartment in the city. Long lines of the unemployed compete for a limited number of jobs and the fortunate few who are hired have no choice but to work for sub-standard wages. Jim works as a handy man, does minor repairs for home owners and he also works as a dishwasher in a restaurant. Mary, Bob’s mother, bakes and sells pies. Bob, now twenty-seven years old, finds a part-time job as a welder; which eventually becomes full time. He had learned to weld and repair their old farm equipment since they always had to make do with what they had. In time, Bob had saved enough money to live on his own and he rented a room from an Irish, Catholic family that lived in a large, old house located in a well-established neighborhood.

Within a week, Bob is convinced that he chose the right place to live when he met Joan, the eldest of three daughters. It isn’t long before Bob takes a strong liking to Joan who often sits on the front porch swing to take in the cool breezes after a hot summer day. Joan, 25, is a waitress at one of the local restaurants. After a few weeks, Bob puts aside his shy nature and he joins Joan on the swing. They talk and laugh late into the night. It becomes a nightly ritual and their happy moments together make it easier to bear the hard economic times.

After a few months of courting, Bob, to no surprise to anyone, asks Joan’s father for permission to marry his daughter. On the following evening while Bob and Joan are on the porch swing, Bob proposes to her. She happily accepts the ring without any hesitation. The parents are very pleased and relieved that their oldest daughter is finally engaged. Shortly afterwards, they are married in the church and the reception for a few friends and relatives is held at the house. The honeymoon is postponed until they can afford it.

Bob and Joan live in Joan’s parent’s home parents they find a suitable apartment nearby. Bob and Joan work hard and live a frugal life with one major goal in mind. Within a year they save enough money to make a down payment on a small home. Shortly afterwards, they have a son Michael and Joan quits her job to take care of him. Two years later James is born. It’s difficult to support a family of four on Bob’s wages, but they manage well enough until the depression changes everything.

 Chapter Two

A small radiator in the basement apartment and the heat radiating from the furnace through the open door fail to adequately warm the apartment during the freezing winter days. As part of the rental agreement, Bob keeps the coal furnace fired up to heat the apartments above them. Joan does the best she can to create a home atmosphere out of less than next to nothing.

On every Saturday night, five-year old Michael and his three-year old brother James take turns sitting in a large metal tub on the kitchen floor filled with warm water Joan carried from the kitchen sink, bucket by bucket. Joan scrubs her sons clean and then she vigorously dries them off with a large towel. After the boys put on their flannel pajamas, they go straight to bed and soon fall asleep under several layers of blankets.

Shoemakers are very common; however, many families can’t even afford to have their shoes resoled. Makeshift cardboard inserts serve as a temporary measure. Nothing is wasted or thrown away. Bob straightens out crooked nails and saves scraps of wood. Also, they only go to the dentist if a toothache becomes unbearable. Out of economic necessity, home remedies are commonly practiced before going to a doctor as a last resort.

Since many families can’t afford meat their daily diet is limited to potatoes, pasta and greens. Only the fortunate few have chicken, fish or ground beef once a week. Dinner plates are always left clean. Since they can’t afford to buy a car, the family either walks or relies on the bus and streetcar. Joan buys clothes for the family at the used clothing store and the children wear hand-me-downs. Bob always plants a vegetable garden in an adjoining empty lot and he works it after spending most of the day looking for a job. Joan learns the art of canning fruits and vegetables to sustain them during the long winter months.

The family adjusts to their living conditions and life is tolerable until Michael’s cold gets worse. After the boys fall asleep, a deeply concerned mother confronts Bob, sitting at the kitchen table, with a painful reality, I’m worried about Michael and our bills are piling up. I’m afraid we have no choice but for us to move in with my parents until you find work.

Bob, a proud man, sadly looks at Joan, I worry about it too. Please wait another week.

Joan understands his agony and says nothing. She gets up from her chair and goes over to Michael and James, kisses their foreheads, and tucks in their blankets.

After dinner, it’s customary to listen to the radio for the evening news. It’s the usual reminder of the poor state of the economy except for one unusual announcement. A bridge is to be built in San Francisco and hundreds of workers are needed. Bob looks up, smiles broadly, Honey, they’ll need welders and since there’ll be a lot of men applying for those jobs, I’d better take the first bus to the city tomorrow morning.

Joan, smiles with a glimmer of hope in her eyes and says, Great! I’ll pack your lunch tonight and you can get an early start.

 Chapter Three

Good morning, Mr. Swartz, said Dan, a short, young elevator operator in a twenty-story office building in San Francisco. Dan has worn his crisp, burgundy and black trim uniform for longer than he wanted.

Jacob Swartz, preoccupied, looks straight ahead at the fast-moving pointer as the floors quickly pass by, says nothing. He doesn’t even crack a smile.

Jacob usually acknowledges only the people who are in a position to enhance his wealth. As the president of an investment firm, he’s respected for his uncanny ability to make millions during the years of unbridled wealth. In spite of his success in the financial world, his colleagues do not completely trust him. Jacob’s penchant for wealth pushes the limits of business ethics to the point of practicing cruel business tactics, with little regard for the consequences suffered by others.

Since Jacob’s life is deeply immersed in the company, his family life is virtually non-existent. But he does make time for his daily morning workouts - lifting weights and swimming laps in the country club’s pool. He also achieved a black belt status in karate. Jacob, like many other investors, leverages his investments at a dangerous ratio believing that the stock market will continue breaking historic highs.

His fourteen year old daughter, Ann, hardly knows her father. Jacob’s marriage has become strained to the breaking point as he chases the brass ring. His attractive wife, Helen, is lonely and resorts to drinking to pass the day and to submerge her frustrations. No one can ever please her. She often takes out her resentments out on the gardener and maid. The maid manages to tolerate her and remains loyal in spite of Helen’s unreasonable demands and caustic remarks. Worst of all, Ann doesn’t receive the parental love she longs for during her formative years.

One morning during breakfast, Jacob looks up from the newspaper and asks, Helen, why is there a different gardener every month?

She replies, It’s hard to find someone who can do a good job.

The garden looks okay to me, responds Jacob.

It can be better and I want someone who’ll do what’s expected of him without constantly being reminded.

Well, it’s your domain and you should run the household as you see fit.

Angry, Helen stares at him and complains, I wish you shared some of the responsibilities; but you’re hardly ever home. And when you’re home, you’re always at your desk. Everything is always up to me. Our daughter and I don’t really know you anymore. Ann needs your attention and love.

Angry, Jacob says, I need to work long hours to support your high society and glitzy life style.

Frustrated, she turns and while walking away cries out, You just don’t get it!

Jacob shrugs his shoulders as if not to care. He isn’t surprised at another one of his wife’s outbursts. He slams the door and returns to his desk.

Black Friday, a day of reckoning, put an end to easy money and catches Wall Street off guard. Jacob and other investors are suddenly faced with an out-of-control downward spiral of the stock market. The Crash swallows billions of dollars, leaving in its wake widespread, financial disasters and despair. The market that once gave generously suddenly takes it all back without mercy. No one is spared the agony of a change in their life style. Bogus investments become worthless. Financial institution’s unregulated greed instigates a deep depression, causing untold suffering among millions.

Like many others, Jacob has no choice but to file for bankruptcy. His investments plunge in value overnight and his debts far exceed his assets. Jacob has no choice but to sell their mansion, which often accommodated lavish parties, release the maid, the cook, the gardener and sell their two luxury sedans. The family has to be content with living in a small apartment. They can no longer afford to send their daughter to an upscale private school and enroll her at a neighborhood public school. All trips are cancelled, beauty parlor appointments are less frequent, purchase of stylish clothes cease and eating at home instead of eating out becomes the norm. Forced to downsize, most of their furniture and stuff are sold at bargain prices. Their baby grand piano is also sold, forgoing Ann’s private piano lessons. She relearns the art of grocery shopping and prepares meals. In time, Helen feels more worthwhile by making a contribution to her family’s welfare and these change help end her drinking habit. Also, Jacob finally realizes that there’re other important things in life besides accumulating wealth. The fortune that Jacob inherited from his grandfather, who made millions from investing in railroads, is nearly gone.

Ann complains, Mom, I don’t want to go to that school. I don’t care for the kids who go there and I bet they have low standards. Also, I hear that it’s not safe.

Mother responds, Ann, I understand your feelings and I don’t relish the idea of you mingling with those kids; but we have no other choice. I’m sure that it’s only temporary. Your father will find a way to get us out of this dingy neighborhood.

Ann asked, Did you ask grandpa for help?

He also lost a great deal of money in the crash and they need to be careful with what’s left for their old age. I’m afraid that we’re on our own.

Ann experiences a different world, a school with students of different nationalities and color. She keeps to herself and she avoids any close contact with students. Ann chooses to sit alone in the cafeteria. After eating sparingly she goes out to the playground. A tall, slender yard supervisor with short red hair, wearing a broad-brim hat and a whistle around her neck, sits next to her, smiles and says, Hi Ann, I’m Jane Hill. How’s it going for you?

Ann hesitates to answer and finally asks, How did you know my name?

It’s a standard practice here to know each student by name. The principal asked me to look out for you.

Ann is impressed and she finally smiles, I’ll only be here for a short time so I sort of keep to myself.

I understand. But is there any harm in making new friends while you’re here?

I guess not. But I’m not sure how to go about it.

Maybe if you make an effort, you’ll be surprised as to how easy it is. Were you involved in sports at your other school?

I was on the swim team.

Great! Did you know try outs for the swim team are this coming Monday?

Yes, I saw the notice on the hallway bulletin board. But there’s no point in trying out since I’ll be back in my old school in a few weeks.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try out. Also, it’ll keep you in shape.

I never thought of that.

There’s the bell, I have to go. Have a good weekend.

Thanks.

On Monday morning, Ann’s mother can’t help but notice that Ann doesn’t have to be pushed out the door. Ann and several other girls report to the coach of the swim team on Monday after school. The coach hands out permission slips to be signed by their parents and to wear their bathing suits on Wednesday. Ann’s mother is surprised that Ann wants to try out for the swim team and she is reluctant to sign the permission slip; but she finally agrees after a little pleading from Ann.

Ann, eager and ready, lines up with the other girls and they take turns swimming two laps doing the free style while the coach times them. Then they do the backstroke, followed by the breaststroke. The coach is impressed with the times and says, You’re all pretty good. Show up for practice tomorrow. It looks like we’re going to have a fairly good team this year.

Ann can’t wait to tell her parents and the yard-duty supervisor about making the team. Jean Hill is pleased to hear that Ann is on the team and she wants to be kept informed about her performance at the swim meets. Ann runs from the bus stop, slams the door and bursts into the kitchen.

Ann, slow down. What is it?

Mom, I made the swim team!

Helen pauses and finally says, That’s nice, honey. Be sure to tell your father when he gets home.

As Ann walks away and remarks to herself, Does he really care?

Ann is disappointed that her mother isn’t more enthused; but she’s not surprised. After all, mother was never the athletic type. She doesn’t approve of having a muscular daughter. It just isn’t feminine.

Within a short time Ann acknowledges that students from different economic levels are quite intelligent, capable and friendly. Also, Ann finds the class assignments challenging and stimulating. These experiences negated what she had presumed and learned from her former peers and mother. Her thinking has become more global and she acquires a respect for differences in people. Riding the school bus with her newly found friends gives her a new sense of belonging in a world different from what she once knew.

Six month have passed and Jacob is still unable to find a job, forcing him and his wife to pawn the family jewelry; which includes a Rolex watch, diamond and pearl necklaces and a set of sterling silverware. They worry about how much longer they can afford to pay the rent, the utility bills and put food on the table. Ann feels humiliated waiting in a long line for free government surpluses of cheese, day-old bread, slightly bruised apples and cans of grapefruit juice. Jacob attends the library regularly to read the want ads. He decides to go to the library first before walking the streets, looking for work. Jacob turns the page to the newspaper’s want-ad section and his eyes open wide when he sees a want ad advertising the need for men to build a bridge in San Francisco. He dashes out of the library and practically runs all the way home to tell Helen.

As soon as he opens the door, he goes to the kitchen and announces, Honey, they’re looking for workers to build a bridge in the city.

That’s wonderful.

I’ll apply early tomorrow morning.

What can you do?

I’ll do anything. A job is a job.

Helen gives Jacob a hug and a kiss.

Ann smiles with approval when she sees her mom and dad embracing. Ann goes up to her father and tells him about making the swim team, not expecting much of a response.

To her surprise, her father smiles and says, That’s wonderful dear. I’m proud of you. How’s school going?

Ann pauses and responds, Great, dad. I hope that you and mom have time to come to the swim meets.

We’ll certainly try, said Jacob.

Ann becomes hopeful and grateful to finally be acknowledged by her father.

 Chapter Four

Dan overhears two men in the elevator discussing a bridge to be built across the Golden Gate strait. This seems to be the opportunity he has been waiting for a long time. Dan is bored going up and down several times a day in an enclosed box, enduring a wide range of personalities. He feels that it’s time to make a change in a career that has no future. Working on the bridge would certainly pay more- enabling Dan to have his own place and be on his own. His father is a retired policeman and his mother performs the usual household chores.

Dan is very excited about the possibility of being a member of a team of men who are about to make history. Dan discusses the change with his parents and they advise against leaving a secure, steady job at this time. After giving it considerable thought, Dan decides to postpone turning in his uniform until he’s assured of a job on the bridge. He has no specific skills and he never finished high school; but he’s clean cut, eager, friendly and reliable.

Dan often thinks about Janet, who he has liked since they were in grade school; but he can never muster up enough courage to ask her out. Occasionally, he runs into her at the grocery store and they usually have a pleasant conversation. Dan always regrets that he didn’t ask her out when he had the opportunity.

The following morning, Dan joins a long line of hopefuls who have been waiting for hours. While standing in line he is surprised to see Jacob Swartz in line with the common man. What irony, Dan thought. Humility has become a newly acquired trait.

Most of the men in line have families to support and some of them are homeless. It’s a long-awaited opportunity to regain their self respect.

After hours of waiting, Dan is finally close to the front of the line. However, out of nowhere, a tall, husky, rough-looking man deliberately cuts in front of Dan.

Hey, you can’t do that! complains Dan.

Oh yea, try and stop me, answers the unshaven hulk, wearing a black wool cap, a red plaid flannel shirt and thick-soled black boots.

Dan, being much smaller knows that he’s badly outmatched, wisely backs off.

Bob sees what’s happening and he goes up to the man and says, That’s not right.

Snarling in defiance, I don’t care what you think!

Bob becomes red-faced with anger and he tries to pull him out of line; but the man throws a quick punch, catching Bob off guard. Undaunted, Bob gets up and takes a fighting stance against a bigger man who’s known to be an experienced, dirty street fighter.

Bob stands his ground. Fists up, they slowly circle around each other, both looking for an opening to throw the first punch. A crowd quickly gathers around two men who are about to do battle. Before a blow can be launched, Jacob intercedes. He looks at the trouble-maker straight in the eye and says,

Sir, your place is at the end of line.

Get out of here before I smack you, snaps the line crasher.

Jacob grabs him by the arm and the man pushes him away hard and Jacob nearly loses his balance.

That push gives Jacob a good reason to punish the man. Jacob calmly takes off his hat, suit coat and his tie, rolls up his shirt sleeves and faces the man in a martial arts stance.

The man laughs, So you’re one of those guys. This’ll be easy.

The brawny thug wasted no time. He throws a vicious right and Jacob uses the force of the punch to his advantage by throwing him to the ground. Surprised, the man gets up, pulls out his six-inch switch blade knife and attacks; but Jacob’s quick reflexes evades the knife as it slices through the empty air; but the slashing knife does manage to cut through his shirt. Jacob ignores the minor wound and he puts on a different move, causing the man to hit the ground hard, dropping his knife. Frustrated, he slowly struggles to his feet. Angry with rage, he lowers his head and desperately charges at Jacob. This time, Jacob renders him unconscious. The bystanders show no sympathy and leave the beaten bully lying on the sidewalk.

Spectators pat Jacob on the back. Dan approaches Jacob and says, Thanks Mr. Swartz.

Jacob, puzzled, asked, How did you know my name?

Dan looks up. Sir, you don’t recognize me out of my uniform; but I run the elevator.

Jacob, somewhat embarrassed, Well, I guess we’re now in the same boat, looking for work.

At that moment, a company official approaches Jacob, I saw the whole incident and we could use a man like you.

Jacob grins and says, Thanks. He put his arm around Dan and motions Bob to come over. How about taking the three of us?

The official nods his head, smiled, Of course. When you finish filling out your applications, give them to me personally.

This calls for a celebration. So, Jacob, Dan and Bob go to a nearby tavern. Dan buys a round of beers and they talk about their lives, families and other issues. After having a few sips of beer, Jacob observes, Who ever thought that the three of us would ever have a beer together.

I know. It took hard times to make this possible, responds Bob.

Dan says, I guess we owe it all to that big guy.

Jacob says, Dan, you’re right and we’re all lucky to be hired. By the way, my father- in- law can no longer drive and he’s giving his Cadillac to me. I ‘ll be happy to drive you both to work.

Thanks, that would help a lot, said Bob.

Dan smiles and says, Count me in too.

Jacob, in a serious tone, said, I feel for the hundreds of men who weren’t hired. I hope this damn depression ends soon. It’s sad to see so many people sleeping under bridges and begging in the streets.

Yea, and the soup lines aren’t getting any shorter. People need help. Bob laments.

After finishing their beers, they part and head for home with the good news.

As Jacob is walking from the bus stop, he can’t help but notice lilac bushes in bloom along the sidewalk and he picks a few sprigs of blossoms. Jacob had an exceptionally successful day and can’t wait to tell his family about it. He holds the flowers behind his back as he shuts the door and goes into the kitchen.

Helen looks at him and asks, Oh my God, what happened? Why is your shirt bloody? Are you okay?

I’m fine. There was a little misunderstanding. He smiles like a teenager on his first date and hands her a bouquet of love and fragrant success.

Elated, Helen’s mood quickly changes to one of relief and kisses. Jacob then describes what happened. Helen is happy to see her husband become the kind of man she first met, a man she can respect and admire.

Meantime, Bob also rushes home with the good news; but there is no one home. Bob’s first thought is that his wife must have taken Michael to the doctor’s. Worried, he goes to the kitchen and notices a note on the table.

Dear Bob,

Michael’s cold isn’t getting any better. I called my parents and after I told them about Michael, they insisted that we all live with them until you find work.

I hope you understand it’s better for the kids. In time, I’m confident that things will work out.

Love,

Joan

Bob pauses for a moment and then he rushes out the door and runs part ways to his in-law’s home. Joan answers the door and she’s surprised to see Bob who’s out of breath. At first, she has a worried look; but after she hears the good news, Joan smiles and sheds a few tears of relief. She makes the all-important announcement at the dinner table. The depressed mood of the family quickly changes to one of laughter and renewed hope. Needless to say, they’re planning to buy a home of their own.

 Chapter Five

The workers report for work on a typical, windy, foggy San Francisco morning. Each man is issued a leather helmet, safety goggles and a list of safety measures and regulations. After they are assigned to teams they go to their respective job assignments. The heavy excavation by large cranes with manganese steel, clam-shell buckets on the north and south sides of the bridge have already been completed. The hard rock at the southern end wore out several buckets and it was slow digging. Building the southern foundation of the bridge proved to be much more difficult than the northern end.

Dan is assigned as the timekeeper and he answers the phone from inside a small building, about the size of an elevator. Dan laughs to himself, accepting the fact that he’s destined to work in a small space, surrounded by four walls. Well, at least he has a window and a good view of the construction of the bridge.

Bob quickly learns how to install rivets. His fear of heights is somewhat alleviated with a special diet ordered by Joseph Strauss. Bob clearly understands that he has no choice but to learn how to cope with and endure new heights. His confidence grows as the bridge towers gradually climb the sky and everything below him becomes smaller as the towers soar higher and higher. He soon earns the honor of becoming a member of the bridge monkeys.

Jacob is in charge of ordering supplies and updating the inventory. Joseph Strauss’s ambitious building schedule is challenging and demanding. Jacob fulfills his role beyond expectations and he often confers with Joseph Strauss. Jacob feels a great sense of accomplishment being part of a challenging and historic endeavor. It’s unlike Wall Street.

Deep-sea divers go to a depth of 200 feet to make the necessary soundings of rock formations under several feet of mud. They are paid exceptionally high wages due to the great risks they have to take in the inky blackness and be exposed to the strong, tugging currents. The divers can only stay down for a maximum of twenty minutes in periods of slack between the tides. Special precautions are taken to lessen the great pain and sometimes death due to the bends. A trained diver slowly returns to the surface so his body can gradually acclimate to the changes in pressure.

The extremely rough sea at the southern pier site is calmed down by building a massive oval wall of concrete around it. With the oval wall in place, several men work at a maximum of twenty-minute shifts and are able to build the pier forms with timber pilings. Unfortunately, on August 13, 1933, in the dense fog, a large freighter plows into the pier forms and carries away 300’ of it. Soon after being replaced with new timber pilings and freshly poured concrete, a storm with 20’ waves crash into it repeatedly and the whole structure topples over into the deep water. These unexpected incidents delay the building of the concrete pier that will support the south tower. It becomes a daunting challenge to build a base 1,000 feet from the shore on a rocky ledge 65’ below the surface.

While Jacob is observing a man in his diving suit plunge into the water to perform a task in deep water, a boom breaks loose from a crane and it falls onto the vicinity of the diver. Jacob immediately yells at the tender, who’s