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 Vehisote, a versatile fiberboard made from recycled materials, made by the company in West Trenton, New Jersey. Both the product and the company were later renamed as Homasote, and remain in active production. 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 US 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 his honor. It opened on June 29, 1928.

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