George R. Dyer
George Rathbone Dyer | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | August 31, 1934 (aged 65) |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, military leader, public official |
| Years active | 1889–1933 |
| Known for | Leadership of New York Bridge and Tunnel Commission, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Military service in New York National Guard |
George Rathbone Dyer (June 24, 1869 – August 31, 1934) was a distinguished businessman originating from Rhode Island who made his mark in New York City as a military leader and public official. He is particularly recognized for his leadership of the New York Bridge and Tunnel Commission, responsible for the construction of the Holland Tunnel, as well as his role with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Early life
Dyer was born in Providence, Rhode Island to Elisha Dyer Jr. and Nancy Anthony Viall Dyer. His lineage included both his father and grandfather, Elisha Dyer, who each held the office of Rhode Island governor. He received his education at St. Paul's School in Concord before relocating to New York City, where his brother Elisha was a senior partner at the brokerage firm Dyer, Hudson, & Co.
Military career
Beginning his service in 1889 with the New York National Guard, Dyer rose through the ranks to become colonel and commander of the 12th Regiment following his participation in the Spanish–American War. In 1912, he earned a commission as brigadier general, taking command of the 87th Infantry Brigade. He led forces along the Mexican border in 1916 and later oversaw New York state troops during World War I, managing regional defense operations until Major General John F. O'Ryan assumed command.
Although Governor Al Smith offered him leadership of the New York National Guard in 1925, Dyer chose to concentrate on his business interests instead. He concluded his military career with the rank of major general in June 1933.
Holland Tunnel and Port Authority
Dyer joined the New York and New Jersey Interstate Bridge Commission in 1907 and became its chairman in 1913. After that year, it was renamed the New York State Bridge and Tunnel Commission, while New Jersey established its own Hudson River Bridge and Tunnel Commission in 1917. The commissions agreed on constructing a tunnel, addressing ventilation as a primary engineering concern. Dyer endorsed engineer Ole Singstad's transverse ventilation system, which was implemented following successful trials. Construction commenced in spring 1922, and despite setbacks, the Holland Tunnel officially opened on November 12, 1927, bearing the name of its inaugural chief engineer, Clifford Milburn Holland.
In 1930, control of the Holland Tunnel passed to the Port of New York Authority, where Dyer joined the board of directors. Under this authority’s oversight, both the Bayonne Bridge and George Washington Bridge were completed by 1931. Dyer held the position of chairman from 1933 to 1934.
Home and family
On November 7, 1901, Dyer married Grace Gurnee Scott (1870–1926), with whom he had three sons: Walter Gurnee (1903–1974), Elisha (1904–1992), and George Rathbone (1907–1941). Elisha wed Katherine Whitaker from the prominent Whitaker iron family. Walter pursued a career as an African photographer and cameraman before becoming a vice-president at the American Museum of Natural History. George served with the 105th Infantry Regiment, a New York National Guard unit federalized at Fort McClellan, Alabama, at the time of his passing.
The family residence, constructed in 1909 in Roslyn—possibly now part of Brookville—was designed by architect Charles A. Platt, featuring gardens crafted by landscape designer Ellen Biddle Shipman.
Dyer’s final resting place is at Swan Point Cemetery located in Providence, Rhode Island.
Death and honors
On August 21, 1934, Dyer was admitted to Doctors Hospital in Manhattan, where he underwent intestinal surgery a few days later. He passed away on August 31. His funeral took place on September 4 and included honorary pallbearers such as Generals William N. Haskell and William Weigel, along with Colonels George William Burleigh and J. Mayhew Wainwright. In tribute, traffic was halted for a minute at the Holland Tunnel, George Washington Bridge, and other crossings managed by the Port Authority.
The street named Dyer Avenue in Hell's Kitchen, near the Lincoln Tunnel, commemorates his legacy.
When he retired from the New York National Guard in 1933, Governor Herbert H. Lehman commended Dyer for his dedicated military service and his leadership roles with the Holland Tunnel Commission and Port Authority—efforts carried out without any personal benefit. Cardinal George Mundelein praised him as "a soldier devoted to service who places his country's interests above all else...the kind of gentleman our ancestors respected."