History Cherokee Presents Historic Preservation Awards

History Cherokee recognized property owners, businesses and individuals’ work in preserving the county’s history Aug. 22 at its annual Historic Preservation Awards Banquet.

The winners of this year’s Historic Preservation Awards are:

♦ 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

Recipients each received a plaque, a testament to their dedication to preserving Cherokee County’s history.

The Historic Preservation Award honorees were selected by the 2024 Historic Preservation Committee, a group of 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.

During the ceremony, History Cherokee presented 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 said.

Additionally, 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

Bruce Baker was honored as History Cherokee’s Volunteer of the Year for his invaluable contributions to History Cherokee and its preservation initiatives. Baker, who moved to Cherokee County in 2003, has immersed himself in local 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,” Johnston said.

The keynote speaker was Sheriff Frank Reynolds. The evening also included live music from local musician Kurt Lee Wheeler.

Sponsors of the banquet include Marshall and Kathy Day, Mark and Peggy Moore, Bob and Debra Hulsey, Lisa Morton/TPG Keller Williams, and Tri-State Communications.