The Madison Historic Preservation Commission presented the 2022 Preservation Awards at its 19th annual Historic Preservation Ice Cream Social. Each year, during National Historic Preservation Month, the Madison Historic Preservation Commission hosts this event to gather the many organizations and individuals who work to highlight and preserve the history of Madison and Morgan County. The event was held May 12 at the Cotton Seed House, which serves as the offices of the Madison-Morgan Conservancy.
Each year, Preservation Excellence Awards are given for recent work on historic properties that exemplify historic preservation principles.
• Chance Bridges & Kyndal Newberry for the restoration of the front entrance of the Jarboe House at 577 S. Main Street. Using historic photos, these new owners have restored the double-door entrance to the house, as well as undertaking a myriad of repairs and freshening the landscape.
• Preston Snyder for the rehabilitation of the L.M. Thompson Building at 140 E. Washington Street (aka “the old funeral home”). Building on the work of the previous owner, Mr. Snyder returned the building to its 1902 Wagon Works appearance opening carriage doorways, restoring window openings, and removing the car shed along Hancock Street.
The annual Preservation Partner Awards are named by local preservation organizations in honor of Madisonians who have been instrumental in the preservation of the community’s history.
• The Col. Dan & Hattie Mina Hicky Award for Outstanding Preservation Intervention, named by the Morgan County Historical Society, was presented to the Madison-Morgan Conservancy for the rehabilitation of the Richter Cotton Seed House at 137 S. First Street. After purchasing this important remnant of Morgan County’s cotton industry with their Endangered Properties Fund, the conservancy rehabilitated the dilapidated structure for their offices. Recapturing and interpreting the building’s former warehouse form, the Conservancy has revived the story of this small building at the edge of downtown.
• The Mr. & Mrs. Floyd D. Newton Award for Outstanding Preservation Stewardship Award, named by the Historic Preservation Commission, was presented to The Baldwin Family. For nearly 60 years, the Baldwin Family has cared for the Crawford F. Barnett House at 640 Dixie Avenue. An excellent example of early 20th century Colonial Revival Architecture, the house presents some maintenance challenges, especially the Chinese Chippendale balustrade on the roof of the front porch. The Baldwins continue to tend to the needs of this lovely house which recently celebrated its 100th birthday.
• Dr. Josephine Brandon-Carol Hart Award for Outstanding Preservation Leadership, named by the Morgan County Landmarks Society, was presented to Joseph Smith. In addition to 13 years of service on the Madison Historic Preservation Commission, Joe’s skills as a Preservation Architect can be seen throughout Madison. His donated services to the Georgia Trust and the City of Madison helped bring Town Park Cottage and the West Jefferson cottage projects to fruition. Lastly, Joe was and is one of the primary advocates for the restoration of Madison’s Central of Georgia Depot. He has logged innumerable hours of research and design in coaxing this gem back to life.
– Contributed