Historic Preservation Awards

Wayne County Historical Society
Historic Preservation Awards

Since 1993 the Wayne County Historical Society has recognized building owners who have demonstrated considerable effort and/or financial commitment towards the preservation of their buildings. Preservation of a building can include conservation, renovation, restoration, rehabilitation or adaptive re-use. Awards are given to those projects which follow the US Department of Interior’s Guidelines for Historic Preservation as closely as possible.

Click here for Nomination form.

Historic Preservation Standards and Guidelines

2024:

Congregation Beth Israel, for the restoration and installation of stained-glass windows and the replacement of the spire on the steeple.

Philip J. Eckel, for the preservation, restoration, and documentation of the dairy barn in Lake Township on Keystone Road.

Kevin and Tiffany Hoffmann, for the renovation and adaptive reuse of the Uswick one-room schoolhouse in Lakeville.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, for the preservation of the stained-glass windows and repair of the sanctuary ceiling.

2023:

The Dan Beard Cabin: The cabin, built in 1926, was first used as camp headquarters for the Dan Beard Outdoor School for Boys. In 2009, Woodloch donated the cabin to the NEPA Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Funds were raised and the cabin was painstakingly disassembled, relocated and rebuilt on Goose Pond Boy Scout Reservation in Lake Township, Wayne County. It now serves the Boy Scout program in its restored glory.

The Tisdale Homestead: This homestead has buildings that were built in 1822 when the house was a stop along the Drover’s Road from Bethany to Stroudsburg. The homestead had stock pens, ox stalls, vinegar house, and cider press barn – many of the buildings are still standing today. The current family purchased the property in 1976 and had made several additions and upgrades to the house, staying true to the nature of the original parts of the house.

Peter Becker: Peter Becker is a lifelong resident of Wayne County and currently serves as Wayne County Historian. Over a long career in newspapers, Peter has written many articles about local history topics; he has published the book Winter Wonderland about Dick Smith, the lyricist of that famous song: and in 2023 he has authored two new books entitled The History of Hawley, Volumes I and II. Peter has been a Historic Preservation advocate for Wayne County for his entire adult life through his writing and research.

The Hawley Hub: This building was built in the late 1800s and is shown on the 1872 map of Hawley on 18^th Street, now called Main Ave. The building has recently undergone “adaptive reuse” and now serves as a community hub, a dance studio, an apartment, a community library, and also a coffee shop. The interior of the building has some of its original structure preserved. At one time the building housed the Hawley location of The Murray Company, but now it is a gathering place for the community featuring a farmers’ market, student and adult classes.

The Holbert Homestead: This home was probably built by Decatur S. Holbert after 1866 when he returned from the Civil War and married. In 2015 the home was purchased by Louis and Frances Gruber and the exterior has been restored and the interior has been adapted into a four-unit AirBnB. The interior changes to the home were hidden in keeping with its historic character. The new features matched the old in design and replacements were substantiated by physical and pictorial evidence.

Gravity Plane No. 14. Built in the 1820s, Plane No. 14 was the second gravity plane out of Honesdale on the D&H Gravity Railroad and had the railroad’s last waterwheel. The engine house that contained a stationary steam engine that pulled the empty coal cars up the plane has been made visible by the current owners and has allowed the public to view this unique site. The historic resources on the property have been identified, documented, retained and are being preserved by the current owners.

2022:

Theodore J. "Ted" Keenan, for the exterior restortion and interior adaptive re-use of the Hoadleys one-room school, 7 Donovan Road, Honesdale, PA 18431.

Margaret "Mimi" Steffen (postumously), for her research of early education in Wayne County, her creation of one-room school teachers database and the six books she authored about early schools in several Wayne County townships.

Protection Engine Company #3, for the organization of the Honesdale Fire Museum and for the preservation of the Silsby Steam Fire Engine #483, 1205 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.

Evan and Johanna Lothian, for the preservation of the historic character of the Milanville General Store.

2021:

Sarah Clauss, for the restoration of the 1866 Glass Worker’s House, 13 Stenger Street, White Mills

2020:

No awards were given due to the global Covid-19 pandemic

2019:

Linda Dix Lee and Dennis Favello for their book Orson, History of a Pennsylvania Village, 1840-2018

David Stark for the preservation of the Dunkelberg/Stark House, 888 Maple Avenue, Seelyville

Todd Stephens and Tim Kaltenecker for the adaptive reuse of the Galilee Methodist Church, 24 Church Road, Damascus

Bethany Borough and Bethany Historical Society for the restoration of the Bethany Band Shell, Bethany

Ferne Keesler author of the book Bethany, in the beginning…

Equinunk Historical Society for creating the Thomas Cleveland Museum of Vintage Machinery, 736 Duck Harbor Road, Equinunk, and for preserving the vintage equipment

2018:

Ronald and Sally Talaga for the restoration of Glass Worker House #7, White Mills

Juan Espino for acting as Chairperson of the WCHS Historic Preservation Committee for many years; for organizing the 2017 WCHS Centennial Symposium; for organizing the publication of the WCHS Centennial History book; for organizing two exhibitions of the paintings of Howard Becker, and his many other projects.

Tony and Donna Micheletti for the restoration of the Davall House, Lakewood

2017:

THE 2017 HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS WERE SELECTED BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS VOTING FOR THEIR FAVORITE LOCATION.

The Inn at Starlight Lake received the highest number of votes. The eleven finalists were:

Bellemonte Silk Mill - Hawley Silk Mill, Hawley

D&H Canal Co. Office - Wayne County Historical Society, Honesdale

D&H Canal Co. Gravity Railroad Depot - Waymart Area Historical Society, Waymart

Dorflinger Factory Museum – White Mills

Fireproof - Bethany Borough Bldg., Library, Historical Society, Bethany

Gouldsboro Train Station - Gouldsboro Historical Society, Gouldsboro

Joel Hill Saw Mill, Equinunk

Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station, Lake Ariel

Old Stone Jail, Honesdale

The Inn at Starlight Lake, Starlight

Wayne County Courthouse, Honesdale

2016:

Kim Erickson for writing the book Honesdale, part of the Images of America Series; and for her work with Wayne County’s “Walk of Honor”; the WWII Veteran’s “Tour of Honor”; and her many other projects.

Sheila Weller for the care and preservation of the 1874 Judge Butler Hamlin House, 591 Easton Turnpike, Hamlin

Rudy and Francine Schemitz for the adaptive reuse of the former Chroma Tube Factory,
which they have transformed into the Sports Factory of NEPA, 8 Riverside Drive, White Mills

2015:

Vaughn Dailey for writing the book Edwin Mendenhall, Your Missionary to Wayne County
and for the preservation and restoration of 12 stained glass windows from Zion Protestant Episcopal Church, Sterling

Joshua Green and Eric Kawka for the restoration and adaptive re-use of the 1830’s building at 939 Main Street, Honesdale

Dr. Estela Rosa & Dr. Jorge Perez for restoration of the 1890’s Victorian-Style Michael J. McAndrew Building at
245 Prospect Street, Hawley

Damascus Township Historical Society for the restoration and adaptive re-use of the 1850’s Dr. Theron Appley’s Office Building, 174 High School Road, Damascus

2014:

The Hawley Public Library for the restoration of the Pennsylvania Coal Company Gravity Railroad Car, 103 Main Avenue, Hawley

Greene-Dreher Historical Society for the restoration of Peggy Bancroft Hall, 465 South Sterling Road, South Sterling

William Klaber for writing the book The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell

2013:

James K. & Bette Asselstine for the restoration of Dorflinger Lower Factory Cutting Shop Building, White Mills

Sari Schwartz for the restoration and preserving the historic integrity of the The Inn at Starlight Lake, Starlight

Equinunk Historical Society for the addition to historic Calder House, Equinunk

2012:

Pennell Whitney for the rehabilitation & adaptive re-use of The Cooperage, 1013 Main Street, Honesdale

Monique Greenwood for the rehabilitation & adaptive re-use of The Mansion at Noble Lane, Bethany

John Shuman, Justin, Grant, & Jeanne Genzlinger for the adaptive re-use of the O’Conner Glass Factory to The Ledges, Hawley

Margaret Steffen for writing the book The Rural Schools of Wayne County

2011:

James K. & Bette Asselstine for the restoration of the Dorflinger Glass Factory Office Building, White Mills

Frances & Louis Gruber for the adaptive re-use & preserving the historic integrity of 214 9th Street, Honesdale

Patricia & Roger Hunt for the renovation of the Schnakenberg farm house and barn, Oregon Township

Jamel & Lydia Thomas for the restoration of the James Tighe House, 785 Hudson Street, Hawley

Jeanne Petta for her significant part in acquiring Jennie Brownscombe painting entitled,
The Great Convention for the Wayne County Historical Society

Sally Talaga for guest curating the University of Scranton’s exhibition, An Ideal Subject: The Art of Jennie Brownscombe

2010:

Hawley Silk Mill, LLC for the adaptive re-use of the Bellmonte Silk Factory’s Vault Building, Hawley

Leonard & Margery Schwartz for the restoration of the Wayne Hotel, Honesdale

Lars & Cynthia Hanson, for the adaptive re-use and revitalization of The Hanson Gallery and Decorium, Honesdale

Josh & Lorie Sheard, Sage Investments, Inc. for the adaptive re-use & revitalization of the Boyds Mills Store & Post Office, Milanville

Patricia Brownell Dudley & Suzanne Baker Dehmel for the book The Legacy of Coxton Lake, A Collective History

2009:

Edward Ahern & David Hernandez for the restoration of the Joseph Atkinson House, Hawley

Jeremiah & Therese Ahern for the restoration of 308 River Street, Hawley

Paul Ludick & Bill Anton for the adaptive reuse of 1019 Maude Alley, Main Street, Honesdale

Dr. Walter and Marilyn Barbe for the adaptive reuse of the D & H C. Co.’s Lock 33 Tender’s House, White Mills

Kathy Schloesser for the adaptive reuse of the Eliphalet Kellogg House, Bethany

Janet & Warren Heinly for the adaptive reuse of the James Manning House, Bethany

Hawley Silkmill LLC for beginning the preservation/adaptive reuse of the Bellemonte Silk Factory, Hawley

2008:

Michael Levin & Raul Vega for the restoration of 543 Hudson Street, Hawley

Alan Kehoe & Thomas Colbert for the preservation of 730 Hudson Street, Hawley

Regina Coyne for the adaptive reuse of the Woodbridge House, 144 Savitz Road, Hamlin

Linda Dix Lee for publishing the book The Way it Was...

2007:

Jerry Savoy & John Weiss for the restoration of 110 Miller Drive, Honesdale

Waymart Area Historical Society for the rehabilitation of the Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad Depot, Waymart

A.M. Skier Insurance & The Delaware Highlands Conservancy for the exterior restoration & adaptive re-use of 508 River Street, Hawley

2006:

Mary Grieve & Stephen Smith for exterior/ interior renovation of the Falls Port Inn, 330 Main Ave., Hawley

Linda & Mike Lazaro for restoration of Penny Lane Candied & Candles, 602 Church Street, Hawley

Nichols-Schwartz Publishing for exterior preservation & adaptive reuse of Indian Orchard Grange

Historian of Sterling Township for the exterior/interior preservation & adaptive reuse of the I.O.O.F Hall, Sterling

Mary & Michael Rivardo for the preservation & revitalization of Missing Pieces, 959 Main Street, Honesdale

2005:

Cynthia & Irvin Williams for renovations of 622 Church Street, Honesdale Morning Glory – The Cottage

Cindy & Terry Smith for preservation of the Edward O. Hamlin House, 1422 N. Main Street, Honesdale

2004:

Edward & Joyce Brooking for preservation of the Brooking Farm, Pleasant Mount

Drs. Estela Rosa & Jorge Perez for restoration of the Taft House, 538 Academy Street, Hawley

Dr. Walter and Marilyn Barbe for restoration of Dorflinger’s Glass Worker’s House #1

Donald Marsden for the adaptive reuse of the Stalker Church, Stalker

Lake Como United Methodist Church for restoration of the same, Lake Como

Himalayan Institute for the revitalization of 630 Main Street, Honesdale

Thomas Kennedy for his many efforts to raise the level of historic awareness in our community

Richard Kreitner for his efforts over the years to preserve Wayne County’s Old Stone Jail

Gordon Kinsinger for time donated to three WCHS’s annual auctions

2003:

St John’s R.C. Parish for the interior renovations of St. Mary Magdalen’s Parochial Residence, 414 Church Street, Honesdale

Donna & Dennis Corrigan for restoration of the Major Elisha Strong House, Starrucca

Sarah Corrigan & Michael Searls for restoration /renovation of the Haggerty House, 529 Hudson Street, Hawley

Christopher Hughes & Sheelah Kaye-Stepkin for adaptive re-use of the First National Bank of Hawley, 302 Main Ave., Hawley

William Amptman for preserving local history through his artwork

Shehawken Lake Association for their publication: The Cottage History of Lake Shehawken

2002:

Tom Colbert & Alan Kehoe for adaptive re-use of the D & H Canal Co. Office, 720 Hudson Street, Hawley

Attorney David Gregory for adaptive re-use of 307 Erie Street, Honesdale

Michael & Michele Borsdam for rehabilitation of the Berkemeir House, Rt. 652, Beach Lake

Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary for restoration C. Dorflinger & Sons Worker’s Home, Charles Street, White Mills

Gouldsboro Area Foundation for restoration of the exterior of the Gouldsboro Train Station

Honesdale Borough for exterior restoration of Honesdale City Hall, 958 Main Street, Honesdale

Vincent Griffis for his significant contributions of knowledge, artifacts, and assistance to
WCHS’s exhibition entitled Ice Industry in the Wayne County Area

Mark Grandjean for organizing Boy Scout Troop 1’s exterior restoration of WCHS’s railroad snowplow

2001:

Douglas & Lisa LaPasta for restoration of the PA Coal Co. Paymaster’s House, Hawley

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Zabady for adaptive reuse of the Durland-Thompson & Co. Building, Main & Chapel St., Honesdale

Buckingham Township for adaptive reuse of the O & W Railroad Station, Starlight

Carol & Dick Barrett for adaptive reuse of the Tyler Hill Country Inn, Tyler Hill

Ed Wargo – Teacher, Evan Cole, Chris Doney, & Chris Toth for the building of the Bethel School Privy Replica

2000:

Berlin Township Community Center

G. H. Hovagimyan & Joyce Castleberry for restoration of Galilee Post Office & its adaptive reuse

Martha Franco, Lisa, & Rembert Meszler for revitalization of 1023 Main Street, Honesdale

Shehawken Lake Association for their 2000/2001 calendar

James Kundratic for Howetown Farm Show & other preservation efforts

Mary Curtis for her work in establishing Equinunk, Milanville, & Damascus National Historic Districts

Linus Myers for his research and rehanging of Wayne County lawyer’s portraits in the Court House

1999:

Elaine Herzog & Lynn Valashinas for exterior restoration of Miss Elly’s Antiques & Such, Hawley

Jan Gibbons & John Pavone for their adaptive reuse of the Mowat Farm to Stoney Creek Farm, Hawley

Donna & Dennis Corrigan for restoration of Charles Hoel House, Bethany

Juan Espino for revitalization of 229 Main Avenue, Hawley - The Looking Glass Art Gallery,
& his advocacy of local historic preservation through his art and deeds

St. Mary Magdalen R.C. Church for restoration of their Bell & Tower

1998:

Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation for restoration of their Deegan Tower Chimes

Mr. & Mrs. James Schell for restoration of the James Birdsall House, Seelyville

Shehawken Unites Methodist Church for interior restoration of their sanctuary

County of Wayne for restoration of the exterior of the Bethel School, Berlin Township

1997:

VAN GUARD Development Corp. for restoration of the Thomas Crossley House, Honesdale

Georgene & Joseph Kassakian for restoration of the Olver House (Beech Grove Road)

Wayne County Public Library for preservation of the William Foster House

Peggie & Jonathan Scharf for preservation of the Lake Como Inn

Harry & Carl Bowen for their life long work with stone

1996:

Zeke Boyle for restoration of David Wilmoth’s Birthplace, Bethany

County of Wayne for exterior restoration of the Samuel Dimmick Building, Honesdale

Debi & Tim Downs for restoration of the Varden Post Office and Store, Varden

John Frei for restoration of the D & H Canal Co. Lock House 22 and Locks, Kimbles

1995:

Howard Becker for his forty years of preserving the heritage of Wayne County through his art

Judith A. Hunt & Ed King for preserving the heritage of Wayne County through their art and preservation activities

Mr. & Mrs. Bayard DeNoie for revitalization of 1139 Main Street, Honesdale, The Main Street Beanery

Equinunk Historical Society for restoration of the Joel Hill Sawmill, Duck Harbor

1994:

Dr. & Mrs. John Ridd for restoration of Twin Oaks, Hawley

Dr. & Mrs. Warren Goldfeder for restoration of the Coe Durland House, Honesdale

Attorney & Mrs. Robert Bryant for preservation of the Judge Waller House, Honesdale

1993:

Dennis & Donna Corrigan for restoration of the Wilmot Mansion, Bethany

County of Wayne for exterior restoration of the Wayne County Court House, Honesdale

Policy:
The Wayne County Historical Society may give recognition on an annual basis to individuals, organizations, or corporations who have demonstrated considerable effort and/or financial commitment toward the preservation of history in Wayne County. Awards may be awarded in the following categories:

1. Historic Preservation of Structures and Sites:

Residential
Commercial/Public
Non-Profit

Preservation of a structure can include conservation, renovation, restoration, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse. Awards will be given to those projects which follow the US Department of Interior’s Guidelines for Historic Preservation as closely as possible.

2. Historic Preservation of Objects:
Preservation of an object can include conservation or restoration of any man-made objects of historic value.

3. Historic Preservation Advocates:
Individuals or organizations who have been historic preservation advocates through their art, music, research, writing, or in another way.

Procedure:
Anyone can submit an Historic Preservation Award Nomination Form to a Trustee or staff person between November 1 and May 1.

The Trustee or staff person forward the nominations(s) to the Chair(s) of the Historical Preservation Committee and the Executive Director.

During the May meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee, all nominations are considered. If during that meeting sufficient information is presented for all members of the committee to cast a vote, the vote is taken. If the information is not sufficient or the member’s vote(s) are not known, the vote is delayed until this information is obtained.

The Chair(s) of the Historic Preservation Committee will present the year’s nominations at the July meeting of the Board of Trustees and they are voted on at the August meeting of the WCHS Board of Trustees.

Those nominations chosen to receive an award are notified of the award and invited to the Awards Ceremony which is held in October.

The news media and the WCHS Newsletter are used to publicize the awards and documentation is placed in the Research Library and on the WCHS website.

Revised by the WCHS Historic Preservation Committee on March 11, 2016 and adopted by the WCHS Board of Trustees on March 17, 2016. - J. Espino and K. Alogna, Co-Chairpersons