Nomination for Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 10024-0018 (Oct. 1990) FEB 1 5 1994 LJ nationally entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River 2. Location street & number - N/A - not for publication city or town - LX vicinity code 123 zip code 43416 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this [xl 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 * meets L does not meet the National Register criteria.

I recommend that this property be considered significant State of Federal agency and bureau Signature of certifying official/Title 4. National Park Service Certification - See continuation sheet. determined not eligible for the other, (explain:) comments.) Date REGISTER Elmore state National Park Service historic name RECEIVED National Register Registration Form entered in the National Register. National Register of Historic Places removed from the National Entered in the Date of Action 2-7-94 United States Department of the Interior Ohio State Route 51 Structure No. 6201202 I nationally [ statewide - locally. (- See continuation sheet for additional comments.) In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National Register criteria.

(L See continuation sheet for additional I hereby certify that the property is: ) signature oi the Keeper This form is for use in nominatingorrequesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the by entering the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, Ottawa Ohio other names/site number_ Ottawa, Ohio Name of Property 5. Classification - building(s) X public-State x structure - object 6. Function or Use 7.

Description OTHER: closed spandrel concrete arch (Describe thehistoric and current condition of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) bridge Noncontributing district concrete roof other private public-local Narrative Description public-Federal Architectural Classification Current Functions Materials Total walls in the National Register (Enter categories from instructions) Historic Functions Category of Property Ownership of Property Number of contributing resources previously listed County and State TRANSPORTATION/road related foundation N/A Name of related multiple property listing Number of Resources within Property (Check as many boxes as apply) Ohio State Route 5l Bridge Over the Portage River: (Check only one box) (Do not include previously listed resources in the count.) site National Park Service National Register of Historic Places FEB 1 5 1994 Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River, Ottawa County, Ohio a three-span, closed spandrel, concrete arch with a total length of 282 feet and an The camber elevates the center of the bridge 2 1/2 feet above both ends.

The center arch is the longest, spanning 76 feet, with a maximum height of 19 feet above normal base to divide and to guide the flow of water and ice. The roadway is 30 feet wide, with a 30 inch thick concrete base overlaid with asphalt. constructed, the roadway was 24 feet wide with 4 1/2 foot cinder sidewalks on both sides. In the mid 1930's, in order to accommodate greater traffic, one of the sidewalks was eliminated, and the other one was narrowed and constructed of Concrete railings 4 feet high and 18 inches wide extend the length of the bridge. Each section of railing is 7 1/2 feet long, with beveled edges. The railings are supported by The structure originally was lighted at night by electrified lanterns of cast metal frames and glass lenses mounted on 8tapered concrete posts rising 9 feet above the railing.

The original lights and posts were replaced about 1965 by 3 electric sodium vapor lights mounted on steel posts. concrete. REGISTER Portage River at an historic crossing where a limestone outcropping in the riverbed RECEIVED open concrete balustrades of modified Gothic design. NATIONAL Continuation Sheet anchored in bedrock support the three arches. Each pier has a rounded protruding results in shallow rapids. Construction was begun in 1926 and completed in 1927. This structure is a two-lane highway bridge constructed of reinforced concrete.lt is outside width of 36 feet.Located on Ohio State Route 51,the bridge spans the There is a 3 foot wide concrete sidewalk on the down river (east) side.As water level. The two outer arches each span 72 feet. Two abutments and two piers United States Department of the Interior The cost was $50,000. Section number . Page .

Over the Portage River Ottawa, Ohio Name of Property 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

- A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Property is associated with the lives of persons 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 Period of Significance distinguishable entity whose components lack 1926 - 1927 - D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. (Mark "x" in all the boxes that apply.) - A owned by a religious institution or used for Significant Person - B removed from its original location. (Complete if Criterion B is marked above) - C a birthplace or grave. - D a cemetery. - E a reconstructed building, object, or structure. - F a commemorative property.

G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years. Architect: Overman, David Henry Builder: Gluss Brothers, Hamilton, OH Narrative Statement of Significance (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or more continuation sheets.) - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 [X State Historic Preservation Office CFR 67) has been requested - Other State agency - previously listed in the National Register ] Federal agency - previously determined eligible by the National J Local government L University - designated a National Historic Landmark - Other - recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey J recorded by Historic American Engineering Engineering Bibilography Register Architect/Builder Criteria Considerations religious purposes. individual distinction. Applicable National Register Criteria Significant Dates 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References Property is: Primary location of additional data: for National Register listing.) Areas of Significance Cultural Affiliation County and State (Enter categories from instructions) Ohio State Route 5l Bridge significant in our past. Record # Name of repository: Previous documentation on file (NPS): N/A (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the criteria qualifying the property (Explain the significance of the property on one or more continuation sheets.) 10. Geographical Data (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet.) - See continuation sheet (Describe the boundaries of the property on a continuation sheet.) 11. Form Prepared By organization Elmore Area Citizens Association date August 6, 1993 street & number 317 Rice St. P.O.

Box 101' _ telephone(419) 862-3474 city or town - state _ - zip code 43416 Submit the following items with the completed form: A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. (Check with the SHPOor FPO for any additional items) Property Owner (Complete this item at the request of SHPO or FPO.) - telephone a benefit in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.). instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect Management and Budget, Paperwork Reductions Projects (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.

Northing Zone name Columbus Photographs Maps Continuation Sheets Additional Documentation Elmore Additional items UTM References Ohio Verbal Boundary Description County and State Over the Portage River Ohio Department of Transportation Acreage of Property Less than one acre Name of Property Boundary Justification Easting Representative black and white photographs of the property. Ohio State Route 5l Bridge Ottawa,Ohio (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation sheet.) name/title _ Charles Dibert, President A Sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. street & number - 25 S.

Front Street Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate of this form to the Chief, Administrative Services Division, National ParkService,P.O.Box37127,Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of 308 320 45|94|040 Continuation Sheet Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River, Ottawa County, Ohio The Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River is significant under Criterion C in the area of Engineering, because it is one of the earliest bridges designed by David Henry Overman. An outstanding bridge engineer in Ohio, he introduced and Waverly, Ohio. He attended and graduated from Waverly High School in 1918.

For the next two years he worked for the Ohio Highway Department making surveys and transferred to the Bureau of Bridges in the Department, where he spent the remainder of his career. Mr. Overman's early bridge structure assignments were of the usual stone, concrete and steel girder type bridges. However, he began a definite focus on the design of bridges with graceful curved lines, both "Rainbow Arches" and spandrel filled arches. Mr. Overman's design excellence resulted from an integration of science, technology, and art. He had a craftsman's familiarity with construction materials, tools, equipment beauty. He had the patience, persistence and judgement to optimize these attributes during the design process to achieve a suitable structure for each application. quality.

graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.About that same time he participating in construction projects.In 1920 he enrolled in the Ohio State University, National Park Service and methods.He was an artist with talent and with a consuming desire to achieve his colleagues and by his superiors in the highway department.In less than five years Natlonal Register of Historic Places His unique contributions to the profession of bridge design were recognized both by David Henry Overman was born June 6,1896 into a family of modest means in Section number - but continued to work part-time for the Ohio Highway Department. In 1925 he he was promoted to the position of Designing Engineer of Bridges, with direct While in this position Mr. Overman and his staff designed up to 150 bridges a year, which were not only functional, but aesthetically pleasing as well.

some of which have received national recognition for their great beauty and structural His artistic insight combined with his engineering skills enabled him to design bridges refined artistry in bridge design and construction beginning in the mid 1920's. United States Department of the Interior 8 Page National Register of Historic Places Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River, Ottawa County, Ohio Mr. Overman was promoted to the highest office in that department, Chief Engineer of Bridges for the State of Ohio. It was from that office Mr. Overman retired in 1964. He died May 25, 1972. The Ohio State Route 51 bridge over the Portage River is one of four remaining bridges designed by Mr. Overman in his first year of bridge designing. Of these four, two are scheduled for replacement.

The other remaining bridge is slightly shorter, and is only example of David Henry Overman's earliest, most intricate bridge design products. the 1920s and 1930s when artistic design was merged with structural engineering to The piers rest in an outcrop of limestone bedrock. 98,000 pounds of reinforcement steel rod of various dimensions were imbedded into the concrete as it was poured. The inner walls were coated with waterproofing material before being filled with compacted soil excavated near the site. The overall span profile is a gentle arch, supported by three lesser arched spans. The consideration for historic recognition. design. Page Section number National Park Service designed structure. a single span structure.

The bridge of this application will be the only remaining produce bridges aesthetically attractive as well as functional.Particular care was taken by its designer to shape its reinforced concrete medium into a lasting and eye-pleasing The bridge nominated here is a unique example of the type ofbridges constructed in This bridge while scarred is still structurally sound.Itis one of the few bridges of this matched lumber so as to give a pleasing textured pattern to the visible surface.The curved lines of the arches.The exterior walls were framed with vertical strips of Continuation Sheet United Statee Depertment of the Interior railings were given beveled edges to soften their appearance. The open uprights of the Department of Highways in its 1993 Inventory of Concrete Bridges to be worthy of vintage with its original concrete railings.

The bridge was identified by the Ohio railing were accorded a modified gothic stage to further add to the intricacy of the United States Department of the Interior Natlonal Register of Historic Places Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River, Ottawa County, Ohio Martin P. Burke, Jr., PE; ENGINEERING ARTISTRY IN THE U.S. DEPRESSION: HENRY Columbus, Ohio, August 27-29, 1992. Grace Luebke; ELMORE, OHIO A History Preserved; 1975; UNIGRAPHIC, Inc., 1401 North Fares Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47711 State of Ohio, Division of Highways; TOLEDO-ELMORE ROAD I.C.H. No. 52 - SEC ELMORE BRIDGE - K-1 & K-2 - PET No. 5307; Ottawa County, Harris Township, March 1926, (Original Engineering Drawings prepared by D.H.

Overman) State of Ohio, Division of Highways, Northwest Ohio District Office, Bowling Green, Ohio; CONCRETE AND STONE MASONRY BRIDGES: Maintenance Log Sheet, originally dated August 22, 1934, and periodically updated. THE OTTAWA COUNTY EXPONENT, Oak Harbor, Ohio. March 12, 1926 and August 26, 1927. Continuation Sheet National Park Service OVERMAN'S BRIDGES, a paper presented at the Historic Bridges Conference, Section number - Page United States Department of the interior Continuation Sheet Section number - Ohio State Route 51 Bridge Over the Portage River, Ottawa County, Ohio VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: The nominated property includes only the bridge with its piers and abutments, the 51 (Ohio) as it crosses the Portage River in Harris Township, abutting the northern boundary of the Village of Elmore, Ottawa County, Ohio.

BOUNDARY JUSTIFICATION: Page The boundary is that of the external dimensions of the concrete bridge structure only. National Park Service Natlonal Register of Historic Places total of which measures 282 feet by 136 feet. The bridge is located on State Route . United States Department of the Interlor Natlonal Park Service Natlonal Register of Historic Places Photograph #o Section number - Page _ 6 Ottawa County, Ohio Harris Township, Ottawa County, Ohio, adjacent to Village of Elmore August 1, 1993 Full profile of bridge, looking east(downstream) at 100 yards. June 16, 1993 Profile of bridge, looking west(upstream) at 100 yards. View from south bank, looking Nw (upstream). Location: Description: and rounded piers. Contlnuatlon Sheet All photographs have the following common information: Close up view of center span with railings, looking west (upstream). Shows arches, piers and railings.

White markings are areas identified by highway department for.repair. Individual photographs have the following unique information: Ohio State Route 5l Bridge Over the Portage River, View of arches and piers from south bank, looking NNw. Date of Photo: Date of Photo: June 16, 1993 Negative With: Charles Dibert, 317 Rice St., P.O.Box 101, Elmore, Ohio 43416 Date of Photo: August 1, 1993 Setting as seen looking east from 250 yards upstream. View of center span and piers, looking west View from south bank looking NE showing 3 arched spans . United States Department of the Interlor Natlonal Park Service Natlonal Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Section number. Ottawa County, Ohio June 16, 1993 August 1, 1993 Description: Page Photograph #9 View of section of railing and base for original concrete lamp posts.

Date of Photo: View on bridge, looking south into the Village of Elmore. Ohio State Route 5l Bridge Overt the Portage River, View on bridge, looking NE road Close up view of design of railing upright openings. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 3/17/94 DATE NOMINATOR: STATE SLR DRAFT: N V ACCEPT ABSTRACT/ SUMMARY COMMENTS: RECOM.

/CRITERIA MULTIPLE DATE REVIEWER 2/15/94 DISCIPLINE RETURN REJECT 4/01/94 NAME: OTHER: PDIL: PERIOD: NATIONAL: EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET DATE RECEIVED: PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Entered in the DATE OF 45TH DAY: DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: COMMENT WAIVER: N REASONS FOR REVIEW: National Register LESS THAN 5O YEARS: STATE/FEDERAL AGENCY CERTIFICATION Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) GEOGRAPHICAL DATA ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION/PRESENTATION - photographs FUNCTION current SIGNIFICANCE DESCRIPTION CLASSIFICATION acreage count materials clarity BIBLIOGRAPHY historic Period Builder/Architect resource type completeness Date sketch maps descriptive text architectural classification verbal boundary description summary paragraph boundary justification justification of exception Phone _presentation relating significance to the resource Signed Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to applicable criteria Specific dates USGS maps relationship of integrity to significance Areas of Significance--Check and justify below UTMS justification of areas checked OTHER COMMENTS OVER PORTAGE RIVER OTTAWA CO.,OH SETTING AS SEEN FROM WE&T FROM 25O YDS UPSTREAM LOOKING EAST OHIO STATE ROUTE SI BRIDGE OHIO STATE ROUTE 51 BRIDGE - OVER PORTAGE RIVER OTTAWA FULL PROFILE OF BRIDGE LOOKING EAST Co.

)oH LOOKING N.E. (DOWNSTREAM) OVER PORTAGE RIVER AND ROUNDED PIERS VIEW FROM SOUTH BANK SHOWING 3 ARCHED SPANS OHIO STATE ROUTE 5I BRIDGE OHIO STATE ROUTE 51 BRIDGE OVER PORTAGE RIVER OTTAWA CO., OH PROFILE OF BRIDGE, LOOKING WEST (UpstREAM) RAILINGS AT 100 YARDS. SHOWS OPEN CONCRETE OHIO STATE ROUTE 51 BRIDGE LOOKING N.W, (UPSTREAM) OVER PORTAGE RIVER SHOWING 3 ARCHES VIEW FROM SOUTH BANK AND ROUNDED PIERS. OHIO STATE ROUTE 5I BRIDGE OTTAWA CO., OH OVER PORTAGE RIVER VIEW OF CENTER SPAN AND PIERS. OHIO STATE ROUTE 51 BRIDGE OVER PORTAGE RIVER OTTAWA CO., OH CLOSE UP VIEW OF CENTER ARCH LOOKING WEST, (UPSTREAM) WITH RAILINGS OHIO STATE ROUTE 51 BRIDGE OVER PORTAGE RIVER VIEW OF ARCHES AND PIERS FROM SOUTH BANK LOOKING NNW OTTAWA Co.,OH LOOKING N.E.

(DOWNSTREAM) SHOWING ROAD SURFACE, SIDEWALK, AND RAILING VIEW ON BRIDGE OVER PORTAGE RIVER OHIO STATE ROUTE SI BRIDGE LOOKING SOUTH VIEW ON BRIDGE INTO VILLAGE OF ELMORE OVER PORTAGE RIVER OHIO STATE ROUTE 5I BRIDGE OHIO STATE ROUTE 51 BRIDGE OVER PORTAGE RIVER OTTAWA CO., OH VIEW OF SECTION OF RAILING) AND BASE FOR FORMER CONCRETE LAMP POSTS OVER PORTAGE RIVER OTTAWA CO., OH CLOSE UP VIEW OF DESIGN OF RAILING OPENINGS OHIO STATE ROUTE SI BRIDGE OHIO STATE ROUTE OTTAWA CO., OH 4 594040 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ELMORE QUADRANGLE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ELMORE, OHIO NORTH PORTAGE RIVER BRIDGE OVER UTM REFERENCE: 17/3083.20% STATE OF OHIO 75 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) UNITED STATES DIVISION OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY ROAD CLASSIFICATION Ohio Historical Center 1982 Velma Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497 HEB 1 5 1994 Fax: 297-2546 February 8, 1994 Carol Shull, Chief of Registration SINCE 1885 National Register of Historic Places P.

O. Box 37127 Washington, DC 20013-7127 have been followed for these new submissions. NEW SUBMISSION Warsaw Hotel Ourant's School John and Carrie Yager House Ohio SR51 Bridge Over the Wesley Temple A.M.E. Zion Church If you have questions or comments about these documents, contact this office. W. Ray Luce State Historic Preservation Officer 614/297-2470 SOCIETY COUNTY Coshocton Harrison Ottawa enclosures Delaware Summit REGISTER Belmont Cuyahoga Sincerely, Butler Franklin Lake HISTORICAL Viall Lodge Hughes Manor RECEIVED Portage River Ohio Historic Preservation Office St. Clairsville Historic District National Park Service Enclosed please find eleven (ll)new National Register nominations. All appropriate notification procedures Globe Iron Works Building Stoddart Block NATIONAL Dear Ms. Shull: Crist Tavern Annex