Tour of Rector downtown offers glimpses of the past

The muggy conditions Saturday, Aug. 14, were not enough to deter those interested in Rector's past, as several enthusiasts took part in a Walk through History offered by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP).

The tour highlighted the background of the Rector Commercial Historic District, offering insight to the beginnings of the Rector community.

The tour was led by Rachel Silva, AHPP preservation outreach coordinator. Silva was able to compile a background on the area after meeting with local historians and members of the community.

The group of about 20, consisting of community members as well as some visitors to Rector, gathered at the Rector Downtown Park stage to begin the tour.

Silva said the city's growth in the late 1800s was tied directly to the arrival of the railroad. The area thrived as a boomtown and became incorporated in 1887.

In the early days, the city relied heavily on the timber industry, she said, utilizing the dense forests in the area as a number of mills and other timber-related businesses opened.

Once the land had been cleared, around 1910, farming became a staple of the community. Cotton became the main crop of Rector and remains a vital product to this day.

The railroad, which arrived in 1882, continued to be a key component of the city until the depot closed in 1973. At its height during World War II, it was estimated as many as 50 trains per day came through town.

Silva also identified some of the historical architecture in the downtown area. It has been determined that at least five buildings have Mesker storefronts. These were pre-manufactured building components created by brothers from two competing companies during the late 1880s into the 20th century. Today, these ornamental components are incredibly popular with both historical and archeological groups and individuals.

From there, Silva led the group along the downtown sidewalks, sharing the history of each building, naming the various businesses or services offered throughout the years.

"We've got a rich history here and it's interesting to learn a little more about it," said Rector native Mark Manchester, one of the tour participants.

Maintaining the city's connection to the past while improving future opportunities is a goal of Silva's.

"A lot of these buildings have already been lost," Silva said. "It's important to maintain what you have here in Rector, so that even more of your history isn't lost."

Silva pointed out that Paragould has been able to revitalize its downtown, likening it to that in Rector.

"Paragould has done a good job with its downtown and we want to see that same kind of thing take place here in Rector," she said. "Their (Paragould) downtown was in bad shape, too, or worse, when they started."

Silva said an important part in taking the next step is through the availability of grant funds and tax credits for owners of properties that qualify.

Listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places in 2009, the Rector Commercial Historic District is recognized for its significance in the commercial development of the city, as well as the presence of late 19th and early 20th century commercial-style architecture.

"There are a lot of fascinating elements which make up the history of Rector," Silva said. "It's something we would like to see preserved for future generations, as well as used for the benefit of the whole community."

More information on the AHPP, as well as the tour of Rector, may be found at www.arkansaspreservation.com.