March 4, 2020

Heroines Week Emily Roebling (3-4-2020)

by Chompers

Background show artwork for Chompers

Who was the first person to ride across the Brooklyn Bridge? Tonight's heroine, that's who!

Where to Listen

Transcript

Get ready for some clean teeth, because it's time for Chompers, your morning and night toothbrushing show!


Start brushing on the top of your mouth, and brush in little circles all the way around each tooth.


3, 2, 1, brush!


It’s Heroines Week, and today’s hero is Emily Warren Roebling. 


Have you ever heard of the Brooklyn Bridge? The Brooklyn Bridge is a giant bridge in New York City that goes over a big river-- and it’s beautiful. People from all over the world come to New York each year and take pictures on it.


And one of the main people who helped build that bridge - but you don’t hear about that often- is a woman named Emily Warren Roebling. 


Switch to the other side of the top of your mouth and brush the molars in the way back.


[Switch Bell]


Emily Warren Roebling was married to a man named Washington Roebling. Washington’s dad built bridges, and he and Emily were fascinated by everything that went into making bridges. Together they traveled all over Europe, studying math and engineering. So when Washington was asked to help design the Brooklyn Bridge, of course, Emily came too. 


Switch to the bottom of your mouth, and keep brushing. 


[Switch Bell]


Construction on the bridge began, but soon Washington became very sick. He couldn’t get out of bed, and was too sick to keep working on the bridge. The whole project was in danger! So who would finish the bridge? Well, Emily! Emily became the person in charge, going between her husband and the workers, to make sure the bridge was finished. 


Switch to the other side of the bottom of your mouth, and brush your front teeth too.


[Switch Bell]


At the time, it was really unusual for a woman to be in charge of such a big project, and especially to be leading a team of men--but Emily was determined to finish. It took FOURTEEN YEARS, but in 1883 the bridge was finally ready. Emily got to be the first person to cross the bridge, and she carried a rooster for good luck.. 


Emily was honored for her determination and fearlessness, and that’s why she's today’s Chompers Heroine!


That's it for Chompers today, but come back tonight for more Heroines. Until then, 3-2-1 Spit!