Friday, July 25, 2025, 5:01PM | 
MENU
Advertisement

A bridge too soon

A bridge too soon

While I approve of ennobling local bridges with the names of illustrious Yinzers, I question the wisdom of Allegheny County Council's proposal to rename the 16th Street Bridge after the writer David McCullough ("McCullough, Rooney Touted for Spans," Aug. 22). I just don't believe he meets the standard that has been set.

The three suspension bridges over the Allegheny River have a graceful symmetry, which their honorees share: visionary scientist Rachel Carson, visionary artist Andy Warhol and athlete Roberto Clemente, who enabled us to envision the concept of athletic achievement beyond the descriptive limits of statistics. His on-the-field performances are barely described by awards or stats, and off the field he redefined the role of an athlete's public service and sacrifice. Collectively, these Pittsburghers had a profound influence on the entire world.

David McCullough is also an artist -- a highly accomplished popular historian and gifted storyteller. Measured in book sales, he is surely Pittsburgh's highest performing writer, although a few others of greater cultural significance come to mind -- like playwright August Wilson and songwriter Stephen Foster. Where are their bridges?

Advertisement

Mr. McCullough's highly popular books are considered by many observers as flattering of his audience and their sturdy American values while soothing of their guilt about empire ("The Path Between the Seas" about the Panama Canal), suppression of political opposition ("John Adams") or thermonuclear war ("Truman"). Like many popular historians before him, it is unlikely that future generations will consult his work or even remember him. Mr. McCullough is unquestionably an entertaining writer, but by failing to confront the big historical issues of his subjects, he may have severely limited his legacy.

It is much too soon to enshrine Mr. McCullough with the status of a permanent icon. Better to wait a few years until history has a chance to speak.

ERIC MARCHBEIN
Squirrel Hill

Advertisement


First Published: August 30, 2012, 4:00 a.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
David Mielnicki, left, and Debbie and Jerry Santucci, owners of Cafe Notte in Emsworth.
1
life
Cafe Notte sharpens its focus after transformation via a major TV makeover show
An aerial view of Hersheypark.
2
news
9-year-old dies in incident at The Boardwalk in Hersheypark
Pirates starting pitcher Johan Oviedo delivers against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.
3
sports
Pirates Pipeline: Johan Oviedo earns 1st win since 2023 as he inches closer to MLB
There is a large covered porch at the front of the house at 115 Forest Hills Road in Forest Hills.
4
life
Buying Here: Forest Hills home in its own 'mini-forest' listed for $425,000
New Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, (4), hauls in a pass during practice on the first day of Steelers Training Camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe Thursday, July 24, 2025.
5
sports
Steelers training camp observations: Aaron Rodgers-DK Metcalf connection is a work in progress
Advertisement
LATEST opinion
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story