Historic Preservation Celebrates Historic Preservation
8/23/24
CANTON, GA – History Cherokee hosted its annual Historic Preservation Awards Banquet last night at the Bluffs Conference Center. The event is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work in historic preservation throughout Cherokee County. This year's banquet recognized several historic property owners, businesses, and individuals for their exceptional efforts in preserving the county's rich heritage.
The evening included live music from Kurt Lee Wheeler and a keynote address from Sheriff Frank Reynolds, but the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the awards.
Historic Preservation Award recipients each received a plaque, which they can proudly display at their properties as a testament to their dedication to preserving Cherokee County's history. The awardees were selected by the 2024 Historic Preservation Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers who spent several months visiting nominated sites, engaging with property owners, and learning about the historical significance of each location.
Chaired by Beth Ingram, the committee also included Sylvia Bowles, Kathy Day, Bob Gamble, and Frank Niemeir. Their hard work culminated in the selection of this year's award winners:
- Edwards-McClure-Pruitt-Midyette House in Frogtown, owned by Mark and Charity Midyette
- Gaddis-Beacham-Sulborski Home in Union Hill, owned by Mark and Andrea Sulborski
- Covington-Lusk House in Ball Ground, owned by Lee and Brittani Lusk
- Mathis-Thompson General Store Building in Union Hill, owned by Lashelle and John Thompson
- The Depot in Holly Springs, owned by the City of Holly Springs
- Jones Mercantile Building in Canton,owned by Penn Hodge and Grant Schmeelk
In addition to the traditional awards, History Cherokee introduced two new categories this year: the Preservation Professional Award and the Preservation Partner Award. These awards highlight individuals and organizations that successfully blend progress with preservation, ensuring that growth respects and enhances the character of the community. The 2024 recipients are:
- Bunker Design House – Preservation Professional Award
- Historic Canton Magazine, a partnership between Penn Hodge, Tri-State Communications, and the City of Canton – Preservation Partner Award
A special moment during the ceremony was the presentation of the Judson Roberts Lifetime Service Award to Juanita Hughes. This award is named after Judson Roberts, a native of Ball Ground and a monumental figure in Cherokee County's historic preservation efforts. This award recognizes individuals with a lifelong commitment to preserving local history.
“Her devotion to preserving, writing about, and sharing the history of Cherokee County and her adopted hometown of Woodstock is legendary. While she grew up in Dalton, for the last 60 years she has been an unwavering advocate in preserving the history of her beloved Woodstock,” Rebecca Johnston, President of History Cherokee’s Board of Directors, said during the presentation ceremony. Highlights of Hughes’ many accomplishments and contributions to Cherokee County include: a 20 year career with the Cherokee County Public Library System, the first docent/tourism director at the Woodstock Visitor Center, author of three books, and columnist for the Cherokee Tribune since 1988. “She is a true community treasure, and I can think of literally no one more deserving of this award,” Johnston concluded.
Bruce Baker was honored as History Cherokee’s Volunteer of the Year for his invaluable contributions to History Cherokee and its preservation initiatives. Since moving to Cherokee County in 2003, Baker has immersed himself in Cherokee County’s history. As a volunteer for History Cherokee, Baker assists with many oral history and research projects, research requests, writing blog posts, and is an active member of History Cherokee’s Black History Committee. “Bruce may not have been born here, but he is a great example of someone who has embraced our history and made it his own,” said Johnston.
The success of this year’s Historic Preservation Awards was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorships from Marshall and Kathy Day, Mark and Peggy Moore, Bob and Debra Hulsey, Lisa Morton/TPG Keller Williams, and Tri-State Communications.
About History Cherokee
History Cherokee operates the Cherokee County History Center and the Historic Rock Barn. History Cherokee’s mission is the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Cherokee County history.
