The Hawthorne Bridge opened to traffic on December 19, 1910 (Morning Oregonian 20 December 1910).

“Let it open.”

In that pert sentence the Hawthorne bridge was accepted for the city by Mayor Simon yesterday after a discussion of minor defects in the machinery of the bridge, which for a time bid fair to delay acceptance of the viaduct for another fortnight. . .

The Mayor, other officials and bridgemen ascended on the lift 160 feet over the level of the river. Engineer Hicks, who will operate the lift for the county, handling the levers. The bridge was then officially accepted, Mayor Simon saying to Engineer Stutsman:

“I now turn this bridge over to you, Mr. Stutsman. You are now in full charge. The bridge is open to traffic.”