13th Street Bridge in Easton renamed for state lawmaker
Rep. Robert L. Freeman October 30, 2025 | 10:54 AM
EASTON, Oct. 30 – State and local officials today officially renamed the 13th Street Bridge over the Bushkill Creek in Easton after the late, former longtime state legislator Rep. James Prendergast.
From 1958-78, Prendergast served 20 years as state representative for the 136th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was elected by his colleagues in Harrisburg for several terms in House Democratic leadership, including as majority whip, caucus chairman and administrator.
He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II where he received the Navy Cross and two Purple Hearts. He later became a successful attorney in Easton. He died April 29, 1985.
“Jim was always willing to help the people of Northampton County and I learned quickly that he was a dedicated and respected legislator in Harrisburg,” said state Rep. Robert Freeman, who currently holds the 136th District seat and sponsored the bridge-naming legislation.
Members of Prendergast’s family attended the ceremony and were joined by state Transportation Department officials, as well as local and state officials, including state Rep. Tim Brennan, D-Bucks, who co-sponsored the legislation with Freeman.
“To serve is the heart of citizenship and the mark of a life lived meaningfully,” Brennan said. “It is important to recognize, today and everyday, that the good lives we enjoy as Americans is only possible because of such men and women who selflessly serve their country and communities. Representative Prendergast was an exceptional example of a life lived according to these values.”