Gandy Bridge, longest automobile toll bridge, Tampa Bay, FL, 1926

Subjects: Automobiles Bridges & Dams Waterfronts & Harbors
Card type: Linen
Date: c. 1926 (White Border)

Back of Gandy Bridge, longest automobile toll bridge, Tampa Bay, FL, 1926, c. 1926 linen postcard — Back

About this postcard

The view runs along the wooden roadway of the Gandy Bridge, with several period automobiles crossing the long span over Tampa Bay. Water lies on both sides of the bridge, and the card presents the crossing as a record-setting route between Tampa and St. Petersburg. The original Gandy Bridge opened in 1924 as a privately owned toll crossing, and the caption bills it as the longest automobile toll bridge in the world at six miles. In 1920s Florida, tolls were a common part of auto travel, and the bridge was promoted as a modern convenience for drivers along the bay.

Postcard Details

Message · English, in pencil

Dear Ralph, I think of you, don't care Most of the bridges are toll any where from 5¢ to 1.30 and that takes the pleasure out of traveling. I wish you were here with me. It isn't very nice to be alone, I like it here as well as any place I have been or d am going to stay. Sincerely, R. L. Manhare Orlando P.S. [illegible] Fla. Oh [illegible] wish

PostmarkedOrlando, FL, December 23, 1926, 17:00

Addressed to

Miss Ethlyn Fairbanks

559 Columbus St. Elmira, NY

Postcard record

Postmarked	December 23, 1926, 17:00, Orlando, FL
Publisher	Asheville Post Card Co.
Series	S-80. 105349 BEAUTIFUL FLORIDA SERIES
Condition	Very good
Place addressed	Miss Ethlyn Fairbanks, 559 Columbus St., Elmira, NY
Place depicted	Gandy Bridge, FL
Place depicted	Tampa Bay, FL
Publisher	Asheville Post Card Co., Asheville, NC
Stamp	2c George Washington, red, issued 1902
Stamp	2c George Washington, issued 1923
Notes	White border; linen texture; printed number 105349 at lower right. Postmark: ORLANDO FLA. DEC 23 5 PM 1926. Divided-back 'T. American Art Colored' card (C.T. Co. Chicago), Beautiful Florida Series; white border, linen texture; light toning, edge/corner wear, faint pencil note at top.

Cite this card

Gandy Bridge, longest automobile toll bridge, Tampa Bay, FL, 1926, postcard, c. 1926. PostalPast Collection. https://postalpast.com/postcard/gandy-bridge-longest-automobile-toll-bridge-tampa-bay-fl-192. Accessed November 2, 2026.