Knights Inn Racine

Strange Art Deco Bridge

by TheFishmonger

This is one of the strangest bridges I've ever seen. The arches of this bridge are adorned with the most unusual glazed terracotta pieces. There is a sort of bas-relief seal featuring a bison surrounded by a wreath, upon which rests an eagle. Another faux seal features to overflowing cornucopia flanking a shield with a sheaf of wheat, a plow, and a a sailing ship, all topped by a steer. But my favorite adornments are the river monsters - at least that's what I call them. There are a couple of dozen of these. Sort of winged fish heads, or creatures from the black lagoon.

Apparently, the bridge is architecturally significant, and I've included a link under "Other" that can fill you in on that. I just love it from an artistic standpoint. It's so peculiar. It makes me wonder if, in the 1920s when this bridge was built, there may have been a group of local citizens worshipping the strange creatures that lived the river, and sometimes soared above it on their piscine wings. Then again, maybe it's just me.

The bridge is on Sixth Street, but the best view if from Horlick Drive: Take 6th street east from downtown until it crossed the bridge and then ends at Kinzie. Turn right onto Kinzie, then right again onto Horlick Dr.