The late Otis M. “Bud” Oliver was a respected local judge who also served on the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, but he wasn’t the only distinguished member of his family.
Oliver’s wife Barbara has become the latest recipient of the AGORA Award, the top honor bestowed by city government officials.
The name of that award, established last year and given periodically, is derived from a Greek word essentially referring to someone who has demonstrated a special love for the community through his or her deeds.
Barbara Oliver was recognized for her preservation efforts in town, including as a 25-year member of the Mount Airy Historic Preservation Commission, which she also chaired.
It advises the city council on historic landmark and property designations and functions as a design review board for proposed changes to the exterior of such properties and structures.
Oliver was replaced on the commission around the first of this year due to no longer being eligible to serve — but left an indelible mark where its efforts are concerned.
She “has been instrumental in championing the need for, and appreciation of, historic preservation,” according to a resolution of recognition read during a Mount Airy Board of Commissioners meeting last Thursday night when Oliver received the AGORA Award.
The resolution cites her “huge impact on the community” — being “especially passionate about the protection of historic properties in and around Mount Airy” for many years.
“Ms. Oliver has helped foster a sense of community while improving the city by donating her time, skills and preservation efforts to make Mount Airy a better place to work, visit and live,” the resolution further states.
She “demonstrates a genuine commitment to historic preservation through extraordinary leadership, research, philanthropy, promotion and personal participation” and also “has inspired others to join the vital mission of historic preservation, ensuring that our heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.”
However, the wording of the city resolution doesn’t tell the whole story, said Mayor Jon Cawley, who presented Oliver with the AGORA Award and gifted her with other items including a key to the city.
“The role that she’s played in our community really can’t be judged in any kind of proclamation,” the mayor said of the special thanks owed to Barbara Oliver.
Cawley also mentioned how the award recipient supported her husband during his tenure as a commissioner for nearly 15 years and as a District Court judge from 1990 until his 2007 retirement, functions sometimes demanding for such officials and their families.
Judge Oliver died in July 2021 at age 83. The Olivers were married for 61 years.
Barbara Oliver also has worn more than just a historic-minded hat locally, which she alluded to when given a chance to offer remarks after the award presentation.
“I didn’t know I was being honored for preservation,” Oliver said of how she was summoned to City Hall for the meeting, accompanied by her son Marty.
Oliver explained that she also served with another local group, the Mount Airy Appearance Commission, for 10 to 15 years, helping to launch beautification projects that remain visible today.
The same goes for preservation, with Oliver pointing out that many older homes exist in Mount Airy by virtue of being Historic District properties.
“They’re all protected.”
In conjunction with Barbara Oliver’s award, a city proclamation was presented Thursday night recognizing May as National Historic Preservation Month in Mount Airy.
Local News
Comments / 0