Who Were They? – George Redding Bridge

“Who was that masked man?” That question was part of the mystique of “The Lone Ranger,” a 1950s TV western that had viewers pondering the answer. The Herald continues the occasional series, “Who Were They?” to enlighten readers on namesakes of local buildings and grounds, bridges and roads whose names are commonplace, but about whom many know little, if anything. It is a tribute to Cape May County residents who laid the groundwork for the place many today call home.
George A. Redding, whose namesake bridge links Wildwood and the mainland, was North Wildwood’s mayor for 24 years. He died Feb. 8, 1960 at age 79. His obituary stated, “He was unopposed for reelection on several occasions, and at times received the nominations of both the Democratic and Republican parties.”
The son of a Philadelphia city detective, who was killed in the line of duty, Redding became a Philadelphia police officer at age 21, and remained for three years prior to relocating to Atlantic City, where he was a beach patrol member. He organized and was first chief of Anglesea Fire Company. Over the years, Redding served as Wildwood municipal clerk, North Wildwood police chief, and Cape May County sheriff. In 1926, he became North Wildwood mayor, a post he held until 1949. In 1945, he was also elected to the state Senate, and held both posts until 1948.
The bridge which carries Redding’s name was dedicated July 27, 1950. Sen. Anthony J. Cafiero, featured Oct. 1, helped acquire funding to complete the span. Bridge work began in 1948 with a cost estimate of $1 million. When completed, the bridge project jumped another $1 million.