Ralph Modjeski

Ralph Modjeski (January 27, 1861 – June 26, 1940) was a Polish-born American engineer who achieved prominence as a pre-eminent bridge designer in the United States. In 1893, in Chicago, Modjeski opened his own design office, which still exists as "Modjeski & Masters," after it was joined in 1924 by Frank M. Masters. Modjeski's first project as chief engineer was Government Bridge over Mississippi River at Rock Island, IL. He took over the mis-designed Quebec Bridge after the 1907 disaster that killed 75 workers, and succeeded in creating the longest truss span in the world. Modjeski was world-famous as a designer of bridges and built nearly 40 bridges spanning the great rivers of North America. He trained succeeding generations of American bridge designers and builders, including Joseph B. Strauss. Modjeski was considered "America's greatest bridge builder." He was the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees.

MODJESKI INFORMATION:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Modjeski

SOURCES:

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Modjeski

Ralph Modjeski was the son of Helena Modjeska, a famous and popular Shakespearian actress from Krakow. She settled in California in the landmark Modjeska House also known as Forest of Arden. She also had two American theaters named for her in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Augusta, Georgia.