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.

Biography

Eugenius was born on March 8, 1860 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Bermudians Alexander Ewing Outerbridge I and Laura Catherine Harvey. 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).

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.

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.

Outerbridge was among the founding organizers of the Richmond County Country Club on Staten Island in 1888. 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.

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

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.

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