Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge

Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge (March 8, 1860 – November 10, 1932) was a businessman and promoter of patent fiberboard, and the first chairman of the interstate agency known then as the Port of New York Authority. The Outerbridge Crossing, a Port Authority bridge, was named for him.[1]

Eugenius Harvey Outerbridge
BornMarch 8, 1860
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedNovember 10, 1932(1932-11-10) (aged 72)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
EmployerHomasote Company (1909–1932)
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (1921–1924)
Known forHomasote
Outerbridge Crossing
Parent(s)Alexander Ewing Outerbridge (1816–1900)
Laura Catherine Harvey (1818–1867)
RelativesMary Ewing Outerbridge, sister

Biography

Eugenius was born on March 8, 1860 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Bermudians Alexander Ewing Outerbridge I and Laura Catherine Harvey.[1] His sister, Mary Ewing Outerbridge, was the founder, in 1874, of American lawn tennis which was the progenitor of modern tennis. His other siblings include: Albert Albany Outerbridge; Sir Joseph Outerbridge (1843–1933); August Emelio Outerbridge (1846–1921); Harriett Harvey Outerbridge; Alexander Ewing Outerbridge II; Laura Catharine Outerbridge; and Adolph John Harvey Outerbridge (1858–1928).[1]

Outerbridge incorporated the Agasote Millboard Company in 1909 to produce a high-density fiberboard. The company used the material to produce roof panels for railroad cars and automobiles. In 1916, the company introduced Homasote, a versatile fiberboard made from recycled materials, made by the Homasote Company in West Trenton, New Jersey. Homasote was still being produced as of 2020.[2]

Outerbridge was the first chairman of the Port of New York Authority, now the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The new Authority was founded on April 30, 1921, and was the first interstate agency created under a clause of the Constitution permitting compacts between states.[3]

Outerbridge was among the founding organizers of the Richmond County Country Club on Staten Island in 1888.[4] He was a longtime member of the Union Club of the City of New York, and until his death he was Chairman of the Building Committee in charge of planning the 69th Street clubhouse.[5]

He died on November 10, 1932, at 950 Park Avenue in Manhattan, New York City.[1]

Legacy

The Outerbridge Crossing, a toll bridge between Staten Island, New York and Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is named in honor of Eugenius Outerbridge. It opened on June 29, 1928.[1]

References
  1. "E. H. Outerbridge, Port Expert, Dies. Head of Export and Import Firm and Ex-Chairman of Port of New York Authority. Aided Major Harbor Plan. Comprehensive Development Started in His Term of Office. Twice Chamber of Commerce Head". The New York Times. November 11, 1932. Retrieved January 14, 2020. Eugenius H. Outerbridge, head of the firm of Harvey & Outerbridge and former chairman of the Port of New York Authority, died yesterday in the New York Hospital...
  2. "Products". Homasote Company. Retrieved January 25, 2020.
  3. Broun, Caroline N.; Buenger, Michael L.; McCabe, Michael H.; Masters, Richard L. (2006). The evolving use and the changing role of interstate compacts: a practitioner's guide (Google books preview). Chicago: American Bar Association. p. 368. ISBN 1-59031-643-6. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
  4. Historical Souvenir Book of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Richmond County Country Club, June 4–5, 1938. Staten Island, NY: Richmond County Country Club. p. 5.
  5. Archives of the Union Club of the City of New York.

Timeline
  • 1860 Birth
  • 1880 US Census with Eugenius Outerbridge
  • 1909 Starts Agasote Millboard Company
  • 1916 Homasote
  • 1921 Starts tenure at Port of New York Authority
  • 1924 Ends tenure at Port of New York Authority
  • 1928 Outerbridge Crossing named for him on June 20
  • 1932 Death
Preceded by
None (new position)		 Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
1921–1924		 Succeeded by
Julian Gregory
Preceded by
Seth Low		 President of the Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York
1916–1917		 Succeeded by
Alfred Erskine Marling
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