To the Editor:

More than 35,000 motorists drive over the Dunn Memorial Bridge each weekday, heading to their jobs in Albany or home to the suburbs beyond the city of Rensselaer. It’s safe to bet that few, if any, of these commuters who cross the bridge know anything about the person for whom it is named.

Even long-time Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings was stumped when asked about Parker Dunn. Who was Parker Francis Dunn? Where was this young man from? Why is this span over the Hudson River named for him?

On Nov. 2 at 7 p.m., at the Clarksville community Church, the Clarksville Historical Society will host a PowerPoint presentation including many photos of Parker Dunn from a toddler to a young man, and images of the bridge before, during, and after construction of each of the two bridges named for Dunn.

Keynote speaker Mark Bodnar will enlighten you on local history that’s been lost to today’s world and will reveal the life and bravery of a young hero whose name is known today only for the bridge that bears his name.

Mark has previously presented very interesting PowerPoint programs on historical figures of our local area. He is a past president of the Colonie Historical Society and currently president of the board of trustees of Albany Rural Cemetery.   

The public is welcome at all our programs and refreshments are served following the presentation. For information, call 518-768-2870.

Marilyn Miles

Program Chair

Clarksville

Historical Society