Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge
Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | November 10, 1932 (aged 72) Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | First chairman of the Port of New York Authority; founder of Agasote Millboard Company |
Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge (March 8, 1860 – November 10, 1932) was an entrepreneur and advocate for patented fiberboard products, recognized as the inaugural chairman of the interstate organization originally called the Port of New York Authority. The Outerbridge Crossing, a bridge operated by the Port Authority, bears his name.
Biography
Eugenius was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Bermudian parents Alexander Ewing Outerbridge I and Laura Catherine Harvey. He belonged to a distinguished family that included his sister, Mary Ewing Outerbridge, who established American lawn tennis. His brothers and sisters were Albert Albany Outerbridge, Sir Joseph Outerbridge, August Emelio Outerbridge, Harriett Harvey Outerbridge, Alexander Ewing Outerbridge II, Laura Catharine Outerbridge, and Adolph John Harvey Outerbridge.
In 1909, he established the Agasote Millboard Company with the purpose of manufacturing high-density fiberboard, which was initially applied in railroad car and automobile roofing panels. By 1916, the company launched Vehisote, a multipurpose fiberboard crafted from recycled fibers at its West Trenton, New Jersey plant. Subsequently, both the product and company were renamed Homasote, a brand still in production today.
Outerbridge held the position of first chairman at the Port of New York Authority (currently known as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey), an agency created on April 30, 1921. This entity was the earliest interstate commission formed under a constitutional provision enabling agreements between states.
Additionally, he played a key role in founding the Richmond County Country Club on Staten Island in 1888 and was a longstanding member of the Union Club of the City of New York. At this club, he led the Building Committee responsible for planning the clubhouse on 69th Street until his passing.
Outerbridge passed away on November 10, 1932, at his Manhattan home located on Park Avenue.
Legacy
In tribute to him, the Outerbridge Crossing, a toll bridge linking Staten Island, New York and Perth Amboy, New Jersey, was named. This bridge commenced operation on June 29, 1928.
Timeline
- 1860 Born
- 1880 Appeared in US Census
- 1909 Founded Agasote Millboard Company
- 1916 Introduced Homasote product
- 1921 Appointed Chairman of Port of New York Authority
- 1924 Concluded chairmanship at Port of New York Authority
- 1928 Outerbridge Crossing named after him on June 20
- 1932 Died
