Archival Resources
Bridges

  • Manuscript Group 432- Rathmell Collection of Covered Bridges
    • Dates from 1855-1961
    • Arranged by county
    • Photographs of covered bridges
    • More information on MG 432
      • Each has a slip accompanying the photograph which states the body covered, location, year built, length, type, date photographed, and notes (some photographs may not have all of the topics included)
      • Most have multiple views of the bridge
      • A few include newspaper clippings
      • All over PA
      • Many also include the date of removal

  • Manuscript Group 240- William W. Stoey Collection
    • Collection dates from 1893-1925
    • Photographs are from primarily Central PA
    • Prints and slides have been placed in binders
    • More information on MG 240
      • There are 2 boxes of index cards which have numbers along with the name or description of what is depicted
      • Most have either names of bridges or bodies crossed
      • Photographs are arranged by numbers, not subject

  • Manuscript Group 218- Photograph Collection
    • Photographs are separated by county
    • More information on MG 218
      • Labeled by the body crossed or the location, but some do have the bridge name included
      • Mostly covered bridges

  • Record Group 52- Records of the Department of Transportation: State Highway and Bridge Authority
    • Dates from the 1960s-1990s
    • Microfilmed records
    • Records of the State Highway and Bridge Authority
    • More information on RG 52
      • Includes notices, resolutions, reports, minutes, agendas, meetings, expenses and allocations

      • Each document includes the type, date and subject of the document

  • Record Group 12- Records of the Department of Highways
    • RG 12.2 Bridge Blueprints
    • Dates to 1944
    • Includes name of bridge and location
    • Areas in PA include Bethlehem, Allentown, Harrisburg, Clarks Ferry, Sunbury, Point Marion, Charleroi and Monessen
    • More information on RG 12.2
      • General plan and elevation blue prints
      • Shows some specifics of the bridge
      • Includes surrounding roadways

  • RG 12.3 Correspondence and Miscellaneous Records Relating Primarily to Toll Bridges
    • Dates 1925-1959
    • Contains correspondence and miscellaneous records
    • Various bridges and counties throughout the state
    • More information on RG 12.3
      • Correspondence in regards to many different topics
      • Invoices, employment information, articles, write-ups of conferences, summaries of projects with funds, etc.
      • Information about toll costs
      • Traffic and toll bridge rules

  • RG 12.4 Minutes and Agenda of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission
    • Dates 1951-1968
    • Contains the recorded paperwork of the Commission's meetings
    • Pertains to different bridges in the area of the Delaware River
    • More information on RG 12.4
      • Inspections, reports, budget, studies, correspondence, insurance, personnel, and press releases
      • Grouped by years
      • Includes newspaper clippings
      • Traffic surveys on the bridges
      • Some of the RG pertains to New Jersey