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The SLCHA Quarterly,
Volume XlIII - Number 4 - Fall 1998 contains a biography of Leffert. L. Buck titled:
"Buck's Bridges: Civil Engineering Roots in the Victorian Age", by Alan Teichman.

Read the "Quarterly" article in PDF format.

Synopsis:
"Buck's Bridges: Civil Engineering Roots in the Victorian Age", opens by describing the celebratory dinner of the St. Lawrence University Club in New York City following the opening of the Williamsburg Bridge in 1903.
   It then reveals the family relationships which connect Leffert to the hamlet of Buck's Bridge, in Potsdam Township, and to the Village of Canton, NY.  His family were active members of the North Country community, participating in politics and helping to found educational institutions including St. Lawrence University.
   Some of Leffert's most trying experiences came as a member of the 60th New York Volunteers during the civil war.  Leffert was wounded twice while serving with the North Country Regiment, which took part in several of the major battles of the war.
   Following the civil war, he enrolled at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and upon graduation, began a leading career in civil engineering.  Leffert's interest lay primarily in bridge design and construction.  Several of his bridges were of record length and he regularly demonstrated ingenious methods of construction.

Nine illustrations accompany the article.

Companion Article:
"Massena Center Suspension Bridge", by Atwood Manley is also in Volume XlIII - Number 4 - Fall 1998.  This article originally appeared in the Massena Observer in December, 1974.  In it, Manley tells the story of how Holton D. Robinson (1863-1945)  interrupted is civil engineering career to design and built this small suspension bridge in his home town.
   Holton had gotten his start in bridge building by working for Leffert L. Buck, and was partners with David B. Steinman for many years toward the end of his career.  Holton was an expert in suspension cable construction and their partnership built many long span bridges, including the Thousand Islands Bridge.

Three illustrations accompany the article.



The SLCHA "Quarterly" is a periodical addressing the history of St. Lawrence County.
It is published by the St. Lawrence Co. Historical Association
for its members and friends.

The "Quarterly is available from the St. Lawrence Co. Historical Association.
The cost is $4.00 (non-members) or $2.00 (members) +7% Sales Tax + $2.00 for shipping.
for further information, see their SLCHA Publications web page.


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