If only vehicles went through the tunnel with this kind of ease and order all the time. Before the Holland Tunnel opened in November 1927, the only way to cross the Hudson River was by one of 15 different ferry lines.
The tunnel was named after its chief engineer, Clifford Milburn Holland, who died before it was finished. The heart attack that killed him was attributed in part to the stress of working on the tunnel.
This 1920s postcard is part of the Walker Evans collection on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s a great exhibit with lots of New York postcards capturing the pre-war city—definitely worth a visit.
Tags: Clifford Milburn Holland, crossing the Hudson River, Holland Tunnel, Hudson River ferries, Hudson River traffic, Walker Evans postcards
Ephemeral New York 
March 30, 2009 at 12:07 pm |
I like that border sign, NY/NJ, it gives me a pleasant feeling…don’t know why…I always look for it when I’m going through the tunnel.
April 1, 2009 at 1:56 am |
That’s so strange. I always assumed it was called the Holland Tunnel in deference to the Dutch, who first colonized Manhattan.
April 4, 2009 at 6:42 am |
FYI, the Outerbridge Crossing, which connects Staten Island and Perth Amboy, is named for Eugenius Outerbridge, the first chairman of the then-Port of New York Authority.
November 10, 2010 at 10:01 am |
A group of people attempted, at least, to dance the Charleston through the Holland Tunnel during its grand opening. The ladies were surprised when the strong fresh air, pouring out from openings on the side, caused their skirts to fly up.
July 5, 2018 at 3:53 am |
The first time I rode through the Holland Tunnel was in 1960. The toll was not collected in New Jersey at that time. Instead, it was paid at a toll booth at the Canal Street side. An old photo shows toll booths for east-bound traffic on the Jersey side. I don’t recall any booths in Jersey City at that time. Would someone please verify?