Rector Road Bridge Registration FormNPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
Nationai Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
Registration Form
m
RECEIVED 2280
DEC 2 3 20II
fitiilSitHOFHISTOPFoum
(Expires 5/31/2012)
1. NAME OF PROPERTY
HISTORIC NAME: Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property)
OTHER NAME/SITE NUMBER: Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
2. LOCATION
STREET & NUMBER: 7501 Teasloy Lane
CITY OR TOWN: Denton
STATE: Texas CODE: TX COUNTY: Denton
• NOT FOR PUBLICATION
• VICINITY
C0DE:121 ZIPCODE: 76210
3. STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this B nomination • request for
determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the
procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property 0 meets • does not meet the National Register
criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant • nationally • statewide EI locally. (• See continuation sheet for addrtional
comments.)
Signature of certifying official / Tit
Texas Historical Commia^fbn
Slate Historic Preservation Officer
Date
State or Federal agency / bureau or Tribal Government
In my opinion, the property • meets • does not meet the National Register criteria. (• See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of commenting or other official Date
State or Federal agency / bureau or Tribal Govemment
4. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CERTIFICATION
I hereby Olrtify that the property is:
I entered in the National Register
• See continuation sheet.
• determined eligible for the
National Register
• See continuation sheet.
• deteonined not eligible for the
Clonal Register.
• rffrioveti from the National Register
• See continuation sheet.
' other, explain
• See continuation sheet.
Sjghatureof the Keeper
; uui IUI lUdliui I icci. J-
Additional Documentation Approvea
Date of Action
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Fomi
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property), Denton. Denton County, Texas Page 2
5. CLASSIFICATION
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY
private
X public - Local
public - State
public - Federal
CATEGORY OF PROPERTY
building(s)
district
site
X structure
object
NUMBER OF RESOURCES WITHIN PROPERTY
contributing noncontributing
0 0 buildings
0 0 sites
1 0 stmctures
0 0 objects
1 0 total
NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTING RESOURCES PREVIOUSLY LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER:
NAME OF RELATED MULTIPLE PROPERTY LISTING: Historic Bridges of Texas MPS
6. FUNCTION OR USE
HISTORIC FUNCTIONS: TRANSPORTATION/Road-related (vehicular) = bridge
CURRENT FUNCTIONS: TRANSPORTATION/Road-related (pedestrian) = bridge
7. DESCRIPTION
ARCHITECTURAL CLASSIFICATION: Other. Pratt through-tnjss bridge
iViATERlALS: FOUNDATION CONCRETE (piers and bents)
WALLS
ROOF
OTHER METAL/steel (superstructure)
NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION (see page 5)
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Approval No 102441018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section 7 Page 5
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property)
Denton, Denton County, Texas
The Rector Road Bridge is a 5-panel, piimed Pratt through-tmss with an I-beam approach seated on braced metal-caisson
piers and abutments with metal backing. The stmctural members are light which would facilitate transportation from the
source of fabrication to the site and make erection easy with modest equipment. When erected, it had the capacity to carry
rural wagon loads, but it currently carries pedestrian traffic.
The 1908 Rector Road Bridge (formerly at Clear Creek, near Sanger) was relocated to John Guyer High School at 7501
Teasley Lane in Denton, Denton County, Texas, in April 2005.
The bridge features 3 spans (including 2 short approach spans) with a primary span length of 80 feet and a total length of
112 feet. The roadway occupies the fiill width of the 11.9-foot-wide deck. The endposts and top-chord members were
fabricated from a pair of channels, with cover plate and battens riveted together. Two pairs of laced angles provide the
verticals. A pair of eyebars supply each set of diagonals. An adjustable round rod serves as a counter-brace in one of the
more-central panels. The tmsses carry braced-A portal stmts. Rolled-I floor-beams hang from the lower pins.
Adjustable, round-rods provide the lower and the upper lateral braces. The floor-beams carry mns of I-beam stringers
which, in tum, support the concrete riding surface.
The bridge was built in 1907-1908 by the Austin Brothers Company of Dallas, Texas. Denton County Commissioners
Court Minutes from August 26, 1907 (Book F, 620) recorded the action of awarding the contract to Austin Brothers for
the bridge, to be built 2V2 miles southeast of the town of Sanger. The cost was $ 1,664, with $ 1,200 of the cost donated by
the citizens of "Sanger and vicinity."
Figure: Cross-section of Rector Road Bridge (James E. M. Stewart, P.E., Churchville, NY). No scale.
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Fonm
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property), Denton, Denton County, Texas Page 3
8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
APPLICABLE NATIONAL REGISTER CRITERIA
A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
our history.
B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or
represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important in prehistory or history.
CRITERIA CONSIDERATIONS: B
AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE: Engineering
PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1907-1908
SIGNIFICANT DATES: 1907-1908
SIGNIFICANT PERSON: N/A
CULTURAL AFFILIATION: N/A
ARCHITECT/BUILDER: Austin Brothers (Dallas, Texas)
NARRATIVE STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (see page 6).
9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY (see page 7)
PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION ON FILE (NPS):
_ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested,
x previously listed in the National Register
_ previously determined eligible by the National Register
designated a National Historic Landmark
_ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #
_ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
PRIMARY LOCATION OF ADDITIONAL DATA:
X State historic preservation office (Texas Historical Commission)
X Other state agency (Texas Department of Transportation)
_ Federal agency
X Local government (Denton County Commissioner Court minutes)
_ University
_ Other ~ Specify Repository:
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No 102441018
iS-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Races
Continuation Sheet
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property)
Section 8 Page 6 Denton, Denton County, Texas
Statement of Significance
The 1908 Rector Road Bridge (formerly at Clear Creek, near Sanger) relocated to John Guyer High School at 7501
Teasley Lane in Denton, Denton County, Texas, is a 5-panel, pinned Pratt through-tmss bridge, and serves as a rare
example of its type in Denton County. Because of its stmctural integrity and riveted pin constmction, Rector Road Bridge
serves as a rare local example of a Pratt through-tmss, and is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, under
Criterion C, in the area of Engineering, at the local level of significance. The property meets Criterion Consideration B
because the bridge retains its character-defining features and has been relocated to an appropriate setting.
The citizens of Sanger bore the costs of erecting the Rector Road Bridge, which provided an important passage in the
vicinity of Sanger, and facilitated growth and development in north Denton County. On February 19, 1908, the Rector
Road Bridge was accepted by the Commissioners and they approved payment to Austin Brothers (Book G, 53-54; page 8-
7,8). The total payment was for $1,894, which included $230 for a bridge built over the slough near the Rector Road
Bridge.
Frank and George Austin were the Atlanta and Dallas agents of the George E. King Bridge Company in the 1890s. They
had gotten their start in 1889 when George Austin moved to Dallas as an agent for the George E. King Bridge Co. of Des
Moines, IA. The brothers started fabricating and installing steel tmss bridges for counties across Texas and Georgia, and
gradually expanded their expertise. The company they founded in still in operation today with over 6,000 employees,
completing projects in almost every type of civil, commercial and industrial constmction. More than 200 Austin
Brothers-built, pre-World War II steel tmss bridges are still in service on the back roads of Texas.' Austin Bridge Co. of
Dallas was the only major Texas bridge fabricator prior to the creation of the Texas Highway Department in 1917. Af^er
working for the George E. King Bridge Co,, of Des Moines, Iowa, the Austin Brothers severed their connection with
George E. King Bridge Company and began to make plans to open their own bridge fabricating business. Finally, in
1910, the company purchased property in Dallas and buih a small fabrication plant for bridge and building components."
The Pratt truss, p)atented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, made the vertical members stand in compression and the
diagonals in tension, a reversal of the popular constmction designs of the day. Although originally constmcted in wood
and iron, the Pratt was quickly modified for all iron and steel constmction, becoming the predominant tmss type of the
19"' Century. By the end of the 1880s, the Pratt design had largely replaced the tubular arch as the standard tmss type for
short to intermediate spans. By this time, bridge fabricators were manufacturing Pratts in a wide variety of shapes and
sizes, principally in short to intermediate span lengths (30 to 150 feet). The straightforward design, considerable strength
and east of erection made the Pratt the predominant tmss type for American roadways during the late 19"" and early 20'
centuries. The Pratt quickly gained acceptance through Texas as the preferred type for short to intermediate spans,
reaching its heyday of popularity from 1895 to 1910. ^ Built a few years after the organization of the Texas Highway
Department at a time when mral counties opted to build economical truss bridges, the Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
is a rare local example of what was once a common bridge type in Denton County. The bridge continues to retain a high
degree of integrity after relocation in 2005 to John Guyer High School in Denton, Texas. The proposal to move the bridge
was approved by the NPS in 2004.
' Interview with Engineer James E. M. Stewart of Churchville, NY, March 2003.
^Ibid,p.2\.
' Historic Bridges of Texas, 1866-J 945, pp. 8, 11.
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property), Denton, Denton County, Texas Page 4
10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
ACREAGE OF PROPERTY: less than one acre
UTM REFERENCES
1.
Zone
14
Easting
677027
Northing
3668041
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: The nomination encompasses the complete structure, including all of the
superstmcture. The bridge is located near the center of the John Guyer High School campus, at 7501
Teasley Lane in Denton, Texas.
BOUNDARY JUSTIRCATION: The boundary includes all components of the bridge superstructure and
substmcture.
11 • FORM PREPARED BY
NAME/TITLE: Gregory Smith, based on 2003 nomination by Rynell Novak
ORGANIZATION: Texas Historical Commission DATE: December 7, 2011
STREET & NUMBER: PO Box 12276 TELEPHONE: (512)463-6013
CITY OR TOWN: Austin STATE: Texas ZIPCODE: 78711
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
CONTINUATION SHEETS
MAPS (see site plan, page 8)
PHOTOGRAPHS (see page 7)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS NA
PROPERTY OWNER
NAME: Denton Independent School District
STREET & NUMBER: 1307 N. Locust
CITY OR TOWN: Denton STATE: Texas
TELEPHONE: 940-369-0000
ZIPCODE: 76201
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) OMB No. 1024-0018 (Expires 5/31/2012)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property)
Sections 9, Photo Page 7 Denton, Denton County, Texas
Bibliography
Denton County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book F, 620, August 26, 1907 (page 8-6)
Denton County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book G, 53-54, February 19, 1908 (page 8-7,8)
Historic Bridges of Texas, 1866-1945
Informal Contacts with several noted bridge historians, including Dr. James Cooper, Greencastle, IN; Eric DeLony,
HAER, Washington, DC; Allan King Sloan, Lexington, MA; S. Patrick Sparks, P.E., Pflugerville, TX; and James
E. M. Stewart, P.E., Churchville, NY.
Photo Log
Rector Road Bridge
7501 Teasley Lane.
Denton, Texas
Photographed October 2011 by Rachel Crowe
Photo 1
Down bridge path trom east side
Camera facing southwest
Photo 2
Angled shot of bridge from east side
Camera facing west
Photo 3
Angled shot of bridge from west side
Camera facing east
Photo 4
Angled shot of bridge, east side in drainage
Camera facing northwest
NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 01/2009) OMB No. 1024-0018 (Expires 5/31/2012)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Sections Plan Page 8
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property)
Denton, Denton County, Texas
Current site plan, indicating location of Rector Road Bridge
No Scale
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET
REQUESTED ACTION: ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
PROPERTY
NAME:
MULTIPLE
NAME:
Rector Road Bridge
Historic Bridges of Texas MPS
STATE Sc COUNTY TEXAS, Denton
12/23/11 DATE RECEIVED:
DATE OF 16TH DAY:
DATE OF WEEKLY LIST:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 03001418
DATE OF PENDING LIST:
DATE OF 45TH DAY: 2/07/12
REASONS FOR REVIEW:
APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM:
OTHER: N PDIL:
REQUEST: N SAMPLE:
N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N
N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N
N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N
COMMENT WAIVER
V AC( ACCEPT
N
RETURN REJECT
ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS
2,' 3 / ^ DATE
Entered i«
The Natlo^l mister
Historic Places Additional Documentation Approved
RECOM./CRITg^I
REVIEWER
TELEPHONE
DISCIPLINE^
DATE
DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N
If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the
nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.
TO:
FROM:
RE:
DATE:
TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION
real places telling real stori^
RECEIVED 2280
DEC 2 3 2011
NAT. REGISTER Of HISTORIC PLACES NATIONAL PARK <;FR\/irP
Linda McClelland
National Park Sen/ice
National Register of Historic Places
1201 Eye Street, NW (2280)
Washington , DC 20005
Gregory Smith
Texas Historical Commission
Rector Road Bridge (amendment, relocated property), Denton County, Texas
December 19, 2011
The following materials regarding the Rector Road Bridge are submitted:
X Original National Register of Historic Places fonn - AMENDED NOMINATION
Resubmitted nomination
Multiple Property Documentation form
_ Resubmitted fomri
X Photographs printed from digital files
X Gold CD with TIFF photograph files
Photographs printed from negatives
X USGS map
Correspondence
Other:
COMMENTS:
SHPO requests substantive review (cover letter from SHPO attactied)
The enclosed owner objections (do ) (do not ) constitute a majority of property owners
Other:
RICK PERRY, GOVERNOR 'JON T HANSEN, CHAIRMAN • MARK WOLFE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
P.O. BOX 12276 •AUSTIN, TEXAS • 78711-2276 • P 512.463.6100 • F 512.475.4872 • TDD 1.800.735.2989 • www.ttic.state.tx.us
TO:
TEXAS
HISTORICAL
COMMISSION
Carol Shull, Keeper
National Register of Historic Places
Rick Perry • Govemor
John L. Nau, HI • Chairman
F. La\. ^rence Oaks • Executive Director
The State Agency for Historic Preservation
FROM: Gregory W. Smith, National Register Coordinator
Texas Historical Commission
RE: Rector Road Bridge, Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas (Proposal to Move)
DATE: May 21, 2004
The following materials are submitted regarding: Rector Road Bridge, Denton County, Texas
Original National Register of Historic Places form
_ Resubmitted nomination
Multiple Property nomination form
Photographs
USGS map
Correspondence
Other: PROPOSAL TO RELOCATE LISTED STRUCTURE
COMMENTS:
Substantive review requested
The enclosed owner objections (do
Other
(do not ) constitute a majority of property owners
TEXAS
HISTORICAL
COMMISSION
The State Agency for Historic Presenation
RICK PERRY, GOVER.NOR
JOHN L. NAU, III, CHAIR.V1AN
F. LA\>raRENCE OAKS. EXECUTTVE DIRECTOR
May 21, 2004
Ms. Carol Shull
Keeper, National Register of Historic Places
National Park Service
1201 Eye Street N.W. 8* Floor
Washington, DC 20005
RE: Rector Road Bridge, Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas (Proposal to Move)
Dear Ms. Shull:
Enclosed is a report outlining a proposal to move a building listed in the National Register of Historic
Places (Rector Road Bridge, Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas; NR listed January 14, 2004).
This documentation was submitted by Rynell Novak, Ph.D., to fulfill the requirements of the National
Historic Preservation Act regarding the relocation of properties listed in the National Register of Historic
Places [36 CFR 60.14 (b)]. The bridge is owned by the county and is slated to be replaced by the Texas
Department of Transportation (TexDOT) because it is structurally deficient and no longer meets safety
standards. The county plans to donate the bridge to the Denton Independent School District (ISD). On
January 17, 2004, the Texas State Board of Review approved the moving of the Rector Road Bridge
approximately 16.7 miles south, to the site of the John H. Guyer High School (under construction) at
7501 Teasley Road, on the south side of Denton, Texas.
There are no known historic properties (including archeological sites) at the proposed relocation site.
Attached is a letter from Nita Thurman, Chair of the Archeology Committee of Denton County Historical
Commission, attesting to the lack of such sites. The project is subject to Review under Section 106 of the
National Historic Preservation Act. TexDOT will initiate review this summer; discovery of archeological
deposits in the project area after work commences would require further review by the Texas Historical
Commission.
Please review the enclosed documents and determine if the bridge would retain enough integrity to
remain listed in the National Register of Historic Places if it were to be relocated as proposed. If you
have any questions or comments, you may contact National Register Coordinator Gregory Smith at (512)
452-4433 or greg.smith@thc.state.tx.us. Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerel
^awerence'
Executive Director
P.O. BOX 122^6 • AUSTIN, TX 78711-2276 • 512/463-6100 • FAX 512/475-4872 • TDD 1-800/735-2989
www.thc.state.tx.us
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek (Proposal to Move)
Approximately 2.5 miles SE of Sanger
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas 76266
PREPARED BY
Rynell Novak, Ph.D.
For the Denton Coimty Historical Commission
now. Hickory
Denton, Texas 76201
PROPERTY OWNER
Current:
Denton County (Commissioners Court)
now. Hickory
Denton, Texas 76201
After proposed transfer of ownership:
Denton Independent School District
1307 N. Locust
Denton, Texas 76201
Revised May 21, 2004
NPS Form 10-900-a
(3-861
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
Section Figure Page 2
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Applicable federal regulations regarding the relocation of properties listed in the NRHP
36 CFR PART 60 (NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES)
s 60.14 (b) Relocating properties listed in the National Register.
(1) Properties listed in the National Register should be moved only when there is no feasible alternative for
preservation. When a property is moved, every effort should be made to reestablish its historic orientation,
immediate setting, and general environment.
(2) If it is proposed that a property listed in the National Register be moved and the State Historic Preservation
Officer, Federal agency for a property under Federal ownership or control, or person or local govemment where
there is no approved State Historic Preservation Program, wishes the property to remain in the National Register
during and after the move, the State Historic Preservation Officer or Federal Preservation Officer having ownership
or control or person or local govemment where there is no approved State Historic Preservation Program, shall
submit documentation to NPS prior to the move. The documentation shall discuss:
(i) The reasons for the move;
(ii) The effect on the property's historical integrity;
(iii) The new setting and general environment of the proposed site, including evidence that the proposed site does
not possess historical or archeological significance that would be adversely affected by the intrusion of the
property; and
(iv) Photographs showing the proposed location.
Proposal to Relocate the Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, Denton County, Texas (NR 2004)
Denton County, Texas, is committed to saving its historic bridges. Through the work of the Denton County
Commissioners Court, the Denton County Historical Commission, including Mrs. Mildred Hawk, Chairman of the
Historic Bridges and Structures Committee of the DCHC, and other interesteo citizens, historic truss bridges throughout
the county are being saved in place whenever possible, or relocated to other sites within the county where they can be
preserved and used for pedestrian and/or equestrian traffic.
Through the efforts of individuals and the actions of the Commissioners Court, interested parties have been identified to
receive the bridges. The actions of the Commissioners Court included letters from County Judge Mary Hom to the cities
and school districts within the county, asking about their interest in acquiring one of the bridges for their use.
The Denton Independent School District (DISD) is in the process of building a third high school (the John H. Guyer High
School) at 7501 Teasley Lane in south Denton. The site has approximately 80 acres of land, including a section through
the middle of the site that is an Environmentally Sensitive Area (E.S.A.). In coordination with FEMA, it was determined
that the ESA could be spanned by a bridge, and the DISD expressed an interest in relocating a historic bridge to the
property. The Rector Road Bridge is of sufficient size to serve as a pedestrian bridge connecting two sections of the
campus.
NPS Form 10-900-a
18-861
OMB Approval No. 1024 0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 3
Reel IT Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
When the Rector Road bridge is relocated, it will be less than a mile from the Old Alton Bridge (NR 1988), preserved in
place as part of a pedestrian/equestrian trail. The DCHC will likely develop a trail to encourage the public to see the two
historic bridges, as well as the site of Old Alton which served as the Denton County seat from 1850-1857.
Documentation addressing 36 CFR PART 60.14 (b)
(i) Reasons for the move
The Pratt through truss bridge on Rector Road over Clear Creek, just southeast of the town of Sanger, is slated to be
removed because it is structurally deficient and no longer meets Te.xas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) standards.
TxDOT will be remove the bridge, and replace it with a bridge meeting current standards for road carrying vehicular
traffic. The historic bridge will be able to meet the needs of die school district as a pedestrian bridge.
(ii) Effect on the property's historical integrity
The entire Pratt through-tmss will be moved, and thus the bridge will retain integrity of materials, design, and
workmanship, each aspect of integrity being essential for the bridge to retain its significance under Criterion C, in the area
of Engineering, as a rare local example of a Pratt through-truss bridge (one of only two remaining in Denton County).
The bridge will span a small creek. Mr. Curtis Martin, Director of Constructi'^n, reports that the setting will be much like
the original location on Rector Road when the bridge is moved. The bridge will serve, however, not as part of a local
road, but as a pedestrian walkway for the students to move from the academic area of the property to the athletic areas
(see plan).
(iii) Evidence that the proposed site does not possess historical or archeological signiricancc that would be
adversely affected by the intrusion of the property
The new setting carries no historical significance, and it has been determined that relocating the bridge will have no
adverse archeological impact on the area. (See Attachment 2)
(iv) Photographs showing the proposed location
Photo 1 - Artist's Conception of Guyer High School Site (facing east). Note: ESA will not be cleared as depicted here
Photo 2 - View from academic area toward athletic area (facing northeast). Bridge will be in area staked with ribbons
going from left center to right
Photo 3 - View from academic area toward athletic area (facing east). Bridge will be placed to left of row of hay bales;
note trees on right which will be retained; dirt across span w ill be moved to base of bridge after relocation
Photo 4 - View from athletic area toward academic buildings (facing southwest). Bridge will be to right of hay bales,
between posts with colored ribbons
Photo 5 - View from athletic area toward academic area (facing southwest).
Photo 6 - View from athletic area toward academic area (facing west); showing ESA extending to right of bridge area
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Approval No. 1024 0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 4
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Photo I - Artist's Conception of Guyer High School Site. NOTE: ESA will ne, be cleared as depicted here
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 5
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Photo 2 - View from academic area toward athletic area - bridge will be in area staked with red/white/blue ribbons going
from left center to right; bridge will be over area where tall tree in center is now located
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 6
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Photo 3 - View from academic area toward athletic area - bridge will be placed to left of row of hay bales; note trees on
right which will be retained; dirt across span will be moved to base of bridge after relocation
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 7
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Photo 4 - View from athletic area toward academic buildings - bridge will be to right of hay bales, between posts with
colored ribbons
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 8
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanr 3r vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Photo 5 - View from athletic area toward academic area - better view of area where bridge is to be located
NPS Form 10-900-a
(8-86)
OMB Appro vol No. 1024-0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section Figure Page 9
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Photo 6 - View from athletic area toward academic area - showing ESA extending to right of bridge area
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
(8-86)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Section Attachments Page 10 Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Bridge Summary Sheet, TxDOT ( four pages)
Attachment 2 - Archeological Impact Statement
Attachment 3 - Site Plan L2.01, Constmction Layout, Teasley Lane High School, DISD
Attachment 4 - Site Plan L2.05, Planting Plan, Teasley Lane High School, DISD
Texas Department of Transportation
Summar/ j^.'
BRIDGE SUMMARY SHEET ^r^-^-^l^.
Bridge I D :
Facility:
Feature X'ed:
Bridge Owner.
18-061-AA0165-001
Rector Rd
Clear Creek
02
Company Name: Edwards & Kelcey signature.
Selected Component Description and Rating: Inspection Rating Inventory Rating Operatir g Ratinq
Inspecbon Date: 07/02/01 1085 H HS H HS
Steel Stringer 6 16.5 16.5 23.9 23,9
Flcorbeam 6 4.4 3.9 8.5 7.6
Truss 1st Diagonal 4 4.6 3.0 10.4 6 7
Comments and/or Upgrade Recommendations (if applicable):
Repair damaged vertical L3-U3 of east tmss. Add mbble riprap to south channel bank to control erosion.
For upgrade: for temporary upgrade, replace concrete deck with timber planks and runners to reduce dead load. It
would not be feasible to upgrade the bridge any further than this. Replacement recommended.
Load Posting Limits for Present Condition (if applicable):
Inventory
10.000
50C0
Operating
lbs Gross
lbs Tandem Ax!e
lbs Axle Of Tandem
Sign Code
bs Gnsss
lbs Tandem Axle
lbs Axle or Tandem
Sign Code
V.EO/T
LMT
VSBGMT
LMT
units
1
AXLEC«
TAM£M
LBS
•»
I vveo-.T ;
\ TAHX.\t
AXLE
I LBS.
3
cncss •
LBS
AXLSCR
TA.VCeu
4
U«JT
GROSS
LBS I /LC.3
AXLE
S
Posting Recommendation: MAINTAIN CURRENT LOAD POSTING
Previous Load Posting Recommendations: Observed Load Posting at Bridge:
R12-2Tb
R12-2TC
R12-4Tb
R12-4TC
Material Needed
- R12-2Tb
- R12-2TC
- R12-4Tb
- R12^Tc
- VV12-5
- Posts
- Hardware Sets
- Cecals
10 COO
5000
Sign Code
Condition Rating
Maintenance
None
lbs Gross
lbs Tandem Axle
lbs Axle or Tandem
Advance Warning
(optional)
R12-2Tb
R12-2TC
R12^Tb
R12-4TC
Other (desc)
10 000
5CC0
Bridge
Approach
A.
\
Bridge
Approach
None
lbs Gross
lbs Tandem Ax!e
lbs Axle or Tande-
Advance Warning
(optional)
A. Visible & Legible D. Improper Position
B Obscured by Vegetation E .Damaged Beyond Repair
C Sign Needs Cleaning F. Sign Down
G. Sign Missing
H. Sign & Post Missing
J Clear Vegetation
K. Clean Sign
L Reposition Sign
M. Reposition Sign & Post
N None
P. Replace Sign
S Replace Sign & Pest
Bridge Inspection Record
District 18 County 067 Cont-Sec AA0165 Structure 001
Inspection So
Route Rector Rd
Description 3 SPAN (2-CONTINUOUS STEEL STRINGERS. 1 PART THROUGH TRUSS) ON STEEL SUBSTRUCTURE
Inspector's signature S(even Lewis Date 2-Jul-0l
• Not applicable
Excellent condition
8 - Very good condition - no problems noted
7 - Good condition - some minor problems
6 - Satisfactory condition - minor deterioration of structural elements (limited)
5 - Fair condition - minor deterioration of structural elements (extensive)
4 • Poor condition - deterioration significantly affects structural capacity
3 - Serious condition - deterioration seriously affects structural capacity
2 - Critical condition - bridge should be closed ui]^ repaired ^
' Failing condition - bridge closed but repairable <:i-{2^.,-^^ ^o'-
Failed condition - bridge closed and beyond repair ^ ^t^^j''
STEVH>J E. LEWJS \
••^.V 86497
Enter a rating for each element of each component The rating should equal or exceed the minimum rating listed to ttie left of each
element. Component Ratrigs should equal trie lowest rating of arty element of the component Fully supportive comments are to be
made hereon or on attachments for all ratings of 7 or below.
Min. Deck (Item 58) Rating
1 Deck - Rating 6 1 C Main Members - Steel A
0 Main Members - Concrete N
0 Main Memiiers - Timlier N
6 Wearing Surface 6 1 0 Main Members - Connectioris 6
6 Joints, expansion. Open N 1 Floor System Memljers 6
6 Joints, expansion. Sealed N 1 Roor System Connections 6
6 Joints. Ottier N 5 Secondary Members 6
6 Drainage System 8 5 Secondary Members Connections 6
6 Cttfbs, Sidewalks & Parapets N 6 Expansion Bearings N
6 Median Barrier N 6 Fixed Bearings c
6 Railings 8 6 Steel Protective Coating 6
7 Railings Protective Coating 7 2 Other N
7 Delineations (curve markers) N
Other N Component Rating 4
Comments: Comments
t Deck surface has mao cracking and moderats scaling J Moderats imoact damage in lower chord of west truss L0-L5
2 Bndqe rail has miner surface rust
Min. Superstructure (Item 59) Rating
Moderate distortion on lower chord of east truss L2-t3 & L4-L5 .
Minor impact damage to vertical L3-U3 of west truss and L2-U2. Ut-L .
of east truss Severe impact damage and minor tear in vertical L2-
U3 of east truss (see photol. .
2 All steel elements have moderate rust (up to 10% toss)
3 Fhorbeams have UP fo 3/4' dead load sag.
District 13 County 061 Cont-Sec AA0165 Structure 001 Route Rector Rd
Min.
Comments:
1 South abutment cap has f dead toad sag
Substructure (Item 60) Rating
0 Abutment Caps 6 1 0 Top slabs N
0 Above GrouTKJ 6 2 0 Bottom Slab Or Footings N
0 Below Ground or Foundation 6 2 0 Abutments & Intemnediate Supports N
5 Backwalls & WvigwaOs 6 2 5 Headwalts & Wngwalls N
0 Intermediates Supports Other N
Caps - Concrete N
Caps - Steel 6
Caps - Timber N
Above Ground - Concrete N
Above Ground - Steel 6
Above Ground - T»nb€r N
At>ove Ground - Masonry N
Bek}w Ground or Foundation 8
Collision Protection System N
Steel Protective Coating 6
Component Rating _
2 South abutment piles have been exposed (31 and baclr.vall
is being undermined.
3 AS steel elements have moderate rust (up to 10% loss)
Min. Channel (Item 61) Rating
0 Channel Banks 4
0 Channel Bed 6
5 Rip Rap. Toe Walls & Aprons N
5 Dikes N
5 Jetties N
Other N
Component Rating
Comments.
1 South channel bank has moderate erosion exposing 3' of
abutment piles and undermining badr.va/f
Min. Culverts (Item 62) Rating
Component Rating
Comments
Min.
0
4
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
Approaches (Item 65) Rating
Embankments
Embankment retaining Walls
Slope Protection
Roadway
Relief Joints
Drainage
Guardfence
Defineation
Sight Distance
Other
Component Rating
Comments
1 Southeast and soiAhwest embankments have moderate erosion.
2 Horizontal afignment limits sight distance
Min. Miscellaneous Ratine
Signs
Illumination
7 Warning Devices
7 Utility Lines
Other
N !
5_
N "
Comments
10.000 lb gross. 5000 lb axle or tandem toad costing
Denton County, 1 exas
; R£CTOB pn
33 20' I >
I
!
1061-AA0165-0O2
061-AA0165-001 T'
Cleor
NICHOLSON RD
NtCKLESON RO
RECTCW RO 061-AAOl 87-001
\
l» t99T CfeLx)Tme. Sirrd .^Hu USA
061-AAOl86-00 Ij
o
I
NICXL
G?:=
I Mag 14.C0
' Wrvi Aim 74 tn "7
Scale 1:18,'H0 (at center)
SCO Meters
• L~ri! .Rcsd
^ State Roirte
Water
Denton Countv Historical Commission
Dec. 5, 2003
Texas Historical Commission
Mr. Gregory Smith
P.O. 60X12276
Austin, TX 78711-2276
RE: Relocation of Rector Road Bridge
Dear Mr. Smith:
At the request of the Texas Historical Commission and Denton County Historical Commission, I have
surveyed the site along Farm-to-Market 2181, also known as Teasley Lane, where one of Denton
County's historic iron bridges is being relocated. The bridge is currently at Rector Road and Clear Creek
and is being considered for recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.
The new location will be the campus of a new public high school now under construction by the Denton
Independent School District. The site where the bridge will be placed is in an environmentally sensitive
area that includes a small creek, and possibly a spring, which the bridge will span. There is no known
archeological site or historic site within this specific area that would be damaged by placement of the
bridge.
However, because the site is located in a geographical area that was one of the early settlements of
Denton County, the creek and/or spnng could have been a source of water for early settlers and there is
the possibility that artifacts might be turned up when the bridge is installed. We would urge the
contractor who installs the bridge to notify the Denton County Historical Commission should any such
artifacts be found.
Sincerely,
Nita Thurman
Chairman, Archeology Committee
Denton County Historical Commission
cc: Curtis Martin, Director of Construction, Denton Independent School District
Dr. Howard Smith, Chairman, DCHC
Mrs. Mildred Hawk, Chairman, Historic Bridges and Structures Committee, DCHC
MOW. Hickory, Denton, TX 76201 * First Floor, Courthouse-on-the-Square
940-349-2860 * FAX 940-349-2851 * A Tax-Exempt Governmental Agency
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET
REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION
PROPERTY Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
NAME :
MULTIPLE
NAME:
Historic Bridges of Texas MPS
STATE Sc COUNTY: TEXAS, Camo]
DATE RECEIVED: 12/04/03
DATE OF 16TH DAY: 1/01/04
DATE OF WEEKLY LIST:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 03001418
DATE OF PENDING LIST: 12/16/03
DATE OF 45TH DAY: 1/17/04
REASONS FOR REVIEW:
APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM
OTHER: N PDIL:
REQUEST: N SAMPLE:
COMMENT WAIVER: N
V/ACCEPT RETURN
X
N
N
ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS:
LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS
PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED
SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL:
REJECT /// ^If/^KYY,
N
N
N
in the
RECOM./CRITERIA_
REVIEWER
TELEPHONE
DISCIPLINE_
DATE
DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET
REQUESTED ACTION: PROPOSED MOVE
PROPERTY Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
NAME:
MULTIPLE Historic Bridges of Texas MPS
NAME:
STATE Sc COUNTY: TEXAS, £fljneron Oe^'^'^'^
DATE RECEIVED: 6/14/04 DATE OF PENDING LIST:
DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF 45TH DAY: 7/28/04
DATE OF WEEKLY LIST:
REFERENCE NUMBER: 03001418
REASONS FOR REVIEW:
APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N
OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: N
REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SLR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N
COMMENT WAIVER: N
ACCEPT RETURN REJECT DATE
ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS:
RECOM./CRITERIA 4f(>^^Af^ ^^^^-^-^^^^V^'
REVIEWER ^r ^^^-/ii'C^/jL^ DISCIPLINE ^L^^if^/}^^
TELEPHONE DATE "7~^
DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N
If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the
nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.
(Oct. 1990)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
REGISTRATION FORM
1. NAME OF PROPERT^
HISTORIC NAME: Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
OTHER NAME/SITE NUMBER: CSJ 0918-46-141; Local designation AAO165-001
2. LOCATION
STREET & NUMBER: Approximately 2.5 miles SE of Sanger
CITY OR TOWN: Sanger
STATE:Texas CODE: TX COUNTY: Denton CODE: 05,
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: N/A
VICINITY: X
ZIPCODE: 76266
3. STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, 1 hereby certify that this (ji^nomination) ( request for
determination of eligibility) meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the
procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property (_x_ meets) ( _ does not meet) the National
Register criteria. 1 recommend that this property be considered significant ( _ nationally) ( _ statewide) ( x locally). ( See continuation sheet
for additional comments.)
Signature of certifying official
State Historic Preservation Officer. Texas Historical Commission
State or Federal agency and bureau
Date
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ( See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of commenting or other official Date
State or Federal agenc\' and bureau
4. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CERTIFICATION
I heraoy certify that this property is:
_>J_ enti entered in the National Register
_ See continuation sheet,
determined eligible for the National Register
Ignature cjt jne^>ieep
_ See continuation sheet
determined not eligible for the National Register
removed from the National Register
other (explain):
(Oct. 1990)
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
REGISTRATION FORM
1. NAME OF PROPERTY
HISTORIC NAME: Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
OTHER NAME/SITE NUMBER: CSJ 0918-46-141; Local designation AAO 165-001
2. LOCATION
STREET & NUMBER: Approximately 2.5 miles SE of Sanger NOT FOR PUBLICATION: N/A
CITY OR TOWN: Sanger VICINITY: X
STATE: Texas CODE: TX COUNTY: Denton CODE: 121 ZIP CODE: 76266
3. STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act. as amended, I hereby certify' that this (jc_nomination) ( request for
determination of eligibility) meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the
procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property ( x_ meets) ( _ does not meet) the National
Register criteria. I recommend that this^pepcrty be considered significant ( _ nationally) ( _ statewide) ( x locally). ( See continuation sheet
for additional comments
Signature of certifying official
State Historic Preservation Officer. Texas Historical Commission
ate
State or Federal agency and bureau
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria. ( See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of commenting or other official Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
4. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CERTIFICATION
I herebycertify that this property is
entered in the National Register
_ See continuation sheet,
determined eligible for the National Register
_ See continuation sheet
determined not eligible for the National Register
removed from the National Register
other (explain):
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, Sanger vicinity, Denton County. Texas Page 2
5. CLASSIFICATION
OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY: Public-local
CATEGORY OF PROPERTY: Structure
NUMBER OF RESOURCES WITHIN PROPERTY: CONTRIBUTING
I)
0
1
0
NONCONTRIBUTING
0 BUILDINGS
0 SITES
0 STRUCTURES
0 OBJECTS
1 0 TOTAL
NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTING RESOURCES PREVIOUSLY LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER: 0
NAME OF RELATED MULTIPLE PROPERTY LISTING: Historic Bridges of Texas MPS
6. FUNCTION OR USE
HISTORIC FUNCTIONS: TRANSPORTATION/Road-related (vehicular) = bridge
CURRENT FUNCTIONS: TRANSPORTATION/Road-related (vehicular) = bridge
7. DESCRIPTION
ARCHITECTURAL CLASSIFICATION: Other: Pratt through-truss bridge
MATERIALS: FOUNDATION CONCRETE (piers and bents)
WALLS
ROOF
OTHER METAL/steel (superstructure)
NARR.\TIVE DESCRIPTION (see continuation sheet 7-5).
NPS Form 10-900-a
18-86) OMB Approval No. 1024 0018
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Section 7 Page 5
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
The Rector Road Bridge over Clear Creek is a 5-panel, pinned Pratt through-truss with an I-beam approach seated on
braced metal-caisson piers and abutments with metal backing. The structural members are light which would facilitate
transportation from the source of fabrication to the site and make erection easy with modest equipment. When erected, it
had the capacity to carry rural wagon loads, but it currently carries automobile traffic.
The Rector Road Bridge is located 2.5 miles southeast of the town of Sanger in northem Denton County and .35 miles
north of Nicholson Road.
The bridge features 3 spans (including 2 short approach spans), with a primary span length of 80 feet and a total length of
112 feet. The roadway occupies the full width of the 11.9-foot-wide deck. The endposts and top-chord members were
fabricated from a pair of channels, with cover plate and battens riveted together. Two pairs of laced angles provide the
verticals. A pair of eyebars supply each set of diagonals. An adjustable round rod serves as a counter-brace in one of the
more-central panels. The trusses carry braced-A portal struts. Rolled-1 floor-beams hang from the lower pins.
Adjustable, round-rods provide the lower and the upper lateral braces. The floor-beams carry runs of I-beam stringers
which, in turn, support the concrete riding surface.
The Rector Road Bridge over Clear Creek was built in 1907-1908 by the Austin Brothers Company of Dallas, Texas.
Denton County Commissioners Court Minutes from August 26, 1907 (Book F, 620) recorded the action of awarding the
contract to Austin Brothers for the bridge, to be built 214 miles southeast of the town of Sanger. The cost was $ 1,664,
with $1,200 of the cost donated by the citizens of "Sanger and vicinity."
Although only one lane, the road is still used by postal and school vehicles, and others going or coming from the town of
Sanger.
Figure: Cross-section of Rector Road Bridge (James E. M. Stewart, P.E., Churchville, NY). No scale.
- -r- "- - -
/ X X 1
-|lr-
^ z. •
i
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas Page 3
8. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
APPLICABLE NATIONAL REGISTER CRITERIA
A PROPERTY IS ASSOCIATED WITH EVENTS THAT HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE BROAD
PATTERNS OF OUR HISTORY.
B PROPERTY IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIVES OF PERSONS SIGNIFICANT IN OUR PAST.
X C PROPERTY EMBODIES THE DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF A TYPE, PERIOD, OR METHOD OF
CONSTRUCTION OR REPRESENTS THE WORK OF A MASTER, OR POSSESSES HIGH ARTISTIC VALUE,
OR REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT AND DISTINGUISHABLE ENTITY WHOSE COMPONENTS LACK
INDIVIDUAL DISTINCTION.
D PROPERTY HAS YIELDED, OR IS LIKELY TO YIELD, INFORMATION IMPORTANT IN PREHISTORY OR
HISTORY.
CRITERIA CONSIDERATIONS: N/A
AREAS OF SIGNIFICANCE: Engineering
PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1907-1908
SIGNIFICANT DATES: 1907-1908
SIGNIFICANT PERSON: N/A
CULTURAL AFFILIATION: N/A
ARCHITECT/BUILDER: Austin Brothers (Dallas, Texas)
NARRATIVE STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE (see continuation sheet 8-6).
9. MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES
BIBLIOGRAPHY (see continuation sheet 9-7).
PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION ON FILE (NPS): N/A
_ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested.
_ previously listed in the National Register
_ previously determined eligible by the National Register
_ designated a National Historic Landmark
_ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #
_ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record #
PRIMARY LOCATION OF ADDITIONAL DATA:
X State historic preservation office (Texas Historical Commission)
X Other state agency (Texas Department of Transportation)
_ Federal agency
X Local govemment (Denton County Commissioner Court minutes)
_ University
_ Other — Specify Repository:
NPS Form 10-900.3 OMB Approval No. 1024 0018
18-861
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Section 8 Page 6 Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Statement of Significance
The 1908 Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, near Sanger, Denton County, Texas, is a 5-panel, pinned Pratt through-truss
bridge, and serves as a rare example of its type in Denton County. Because of its structural integrity and riveted pin
construction, Rector Road Bridge serves as a rare local example of a Pratt through-truss, and is nominated to the National
Register of Historic Places, under Criterion C, in the area of Engineering, at the local level of significance. The bridge is
one of only two Pratt through-truss bridges still in use on county roads in Denton County.
The citizens of Sanger bore the costs of erecting the Rector Road Bridge, which provided an important passage in the
vicinity of Sanger, and facilitated growth and development in north Denton County. On February 19, 1908, the Rector
Road Bridge was accepted by the Commissioners and they approved payment to Austin Brothers (Book G, 53-54; page 8-
7,8). The total payment was for $1,894, which included $230 for a bridge built over the slough near the Rector Road
Bridge.
Frank and George Austin were the Atlanta and Dallas agents of the George E. King Bridge Company in the 1890s. They
had gotten their start in 1889 when George Austin moved to Dallas as an agent for the George E. King Bridge Co. of Des
Moines, lA. The brothers started fabricating and installing steel truss bridges for counties across Texas and Georgia, and
gradually expanded their expertise. The company they founded in still in operation today with over 6,000 employees,
completing projects in almost every type of civil, commercial and industrial construction. More than 200 Austin
Brothers-buih, pre-World War 11 steel truss bridges are still in service on the back roads of Texas.'
Austin Bridge Co. of Dallas was the only major Texas bridge fabricator prior to the creation of the Texas Highway
Department in 1917. After working for the George E. King Bridge Co,, of Des Moines, Iowa, the Austin Brothers
severed their connection with George E. King Bridge Company and began to make plans to open their own bridge
fabricating business. Finally, in 1910. the company purchased property in Dallas and built a small fabrication plant for
bridge and building components."
The Pratt truss, patented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, made the vertical members stand in compression and the
diagonals in tension, a reversal of the popular construction designs of the day. Although originally constructed in wood
and iron, the Pratt was quickly modified for all iron and steel construction, becoming the predominant truss type of the
19"' Century. By the end of the 1880s, the Pratt design had largely replaced the tubular arch as the standard truss type for
short to intermediate spans. By this time, bridge fabricators were manufacturing Pratts in a wide variety of shapes and
sizes, principally in short to intermediate span lengths (30 to 150 feet). The straightforward design, considerable strength
and east of erection made the Pratt the predominant truss type for American roadways during the late 19"' and early 20'
centuries. The Pratt quickly gained acceptance through Texas as the preferred type for short to intermediate spans,
reaching its heyday of popularity from 1895 to 1910.' Built a few years after the organization of the Texas Highway
Department at a time when rural counties opted to build economical truss bridges, the Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
is a rare local example of what was once a common bridge type in Denton County. Never modified, it retains a high
degree of integrity and continues to serve automobile traffic in the vicinity of Sanger, Texas.
' Interview with Engineer James E. M. Stewart of Churchville, NY, March 2003.
• Ihid.p.2\.
' Historic Bridges of Texas. 1866-1945. pp. 8. 11.
NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018
18-861
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places
Continuation Sheet
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Section 9, Photo Page 7 Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas
Bibliography
Denton County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book F, 620, August 26, 1907 (page 8-6)
Denton County Commissioners Court Minutes, Book G, 53-54, February 19, 1908 (page 8-7,8)
Historic Bridges of Texas, 1866-1945
Informal Contacts with several noted bridge historians, including Dr. James Cooper, Greencastle, fN; Eric DeLony,
HAER, Washington, DC; Allan King Sloan, Lexington, MA,; S. Patrick Sparks, P.E., Pflugerville, TX; and James
E. M. Stewart, P.E., Churchville, NY.
Photo Log
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek
Approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Sanger, 0.35 mi. north of Nicholson Road.
Vicinity of Sanger, Texas
Photographed 2003 by Rynell Novak
Camera facing Northeast
Photo I of 1
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, Sanger vicinity, Denton County, Texas Page 4
10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA
ACREAGE OF PROPERTY: less than one acre
UTM REFERENCES
1.
Zone Easting
14 672300
Northing
3689260
VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: The nomination encompasses the complete structure. Rector Road Bridge, from
the extreme southern portion of the bridge to the extreme northem portion, including all of the superstructure and any
substructure that might be useful in relocating the bridge.
BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: The boundary includes all components of the bridge superstructure and substructure,
including the approach spans and concrete deck, so as to maintain its integrity as a through truss bridge.
IL FORM PREPARED BY
NAME/TITLE: Rynell Novak, Ph.D.
ORGANIZATION: Denton County Historical Commission
STREET & NUMBER: HOW. Hickory
CITY OR TOWN: Denton STATE: Texas
DATE: March 31, 2003
TELEPHONE: (940) 349-2860
ZIPCODE: 76201
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
CONTINUATION SHEETS
MAPS
PHOTOGRAPHS (see continuation sheet Photo-7)
ADDITIONAL ITEMS (see plan on continuation sheets 7-5)
PROPERTY OWNER
NAME: Denton County (Commissioners Court)
STREET & NUMBER: HOW. Hickory
CITY OR TOWN: Denton STATE: Texas
TELEPHONE: (940) 349-2820
ZIPCODE: 76201
TO:
TEXAS
HISTORICAL
COMMISSION
Carol Shull, Keeper
National Register of Historic Places
Rick Perry • Governor
John L. Nau, III • Chairman
F. Lawerence Oaks • Executive Director
The State Agency for Histonc Preservation
FROM: Gregory W. Smith, National Register Coordinator
Texas Historical Commission
RE: Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, Denton Co., Texas
DATE: December 2, 2003
The following materials are submitted regarding: Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek, Denton Co,, Texas
X Original National Register of Historic Places form
Resubmitted nomination
Multiple Property nomination form
X Photographs
X USGS map
Correspondence
Other:
COMMENTS:
X Please ensure that this nomination is reviewed
The enclosed owner objections (do ) (do not ) constitute a majority of property owners
Other