The Washington County Board of County Commissioners awarded local citizens at the 43rd Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards ceremony and luncheon. The recipients were awarded for their dedication and commitment to preserving and protecting the history of Washington County through historic rehabilitation, restoration, infill, letters, and advocacy.
2023 John Frye Historic Preservation Award Recipients
The Conococheague Banking House – 2023 Preservation of Historical Structure Award
The Conococheague Banking House has stood on the south side of Salisbury Street in Williamsport for over two hundred years. This two-story Federal-style six-bay Flemish bond brick house is massive compared to other period structures in the town. It stands 60 feet wide, 40 feet deep, with a two-story 20′ x 17′ servants’ wing to the rear and a late 19th-century second-floor glass conservatory. Early 19th century Banking-Houses are very rare, with only four known surviving examples. This mansion was constructed by some of the area’s wealthiest plantation owners, designed to impress and inspire confidence in young America’s emerging banks. Entering the home, a grand entry hall with a beautiful Georgian/Federal Style staircase rises continuously for three floors. The first floor ceilings are nearly thirteen-feet high with massive crown moldings, and over eleven feet tall on the second. Intricate Federal mantelpieces with hints of Adams styling decorate the ten fireplaces. Williamsport is exceptionally fortunate to have retained one of these extremely rare buildings. Williamsport is even more fortunate that this mansion came to the attention of Tom Freeman and Ben Tinsley. In July 2021, these men recognized a treasure compromised by years of deterioration and undertook a restoration project that few would have considered. The outcome is beyond compare. Extensive research, thoughtful planning, and modernization with careful attention to historical detail resulted in the restoration and preservation of one of Washington County’s finest treasures.
Hill House – 2023 Preservation of Historical Structure Award
Originally a story-and-a-half log cabin built in 1870, with a later second-story addition, this derelict, abandoned early south Washington County farmstead also has a summer kitchen, smokehouse, barn, shed, and outhouse. Scott Shearer purchased the property nearly sight unseen. What began as a small idea of perhaps saving the charming early log structure quickly evolved as layers of neglect were peeled away to reveal a solid log foundation in good condition. Extensive research unveiled legends, secrets, and surprises to this early farmstead that transformed Scott’s original salvage project into one of worthy restoration. Washington County is truly fortunate that Scott recognized the historical value of this farmstead.
Ed Beeler – 2023 Advocacy Award
On October 17, 2017, a museum was created that advocated and inspired a desire to know more about the history of Sharpsburg. Considering the depth of those who were instrumental in the founding and growth of Sharpsburg, it took a person with dedication and focus to see the project to fruition. Town Councilman Ed Beeler, the founder of the Sharpsburg Museum of History, had the desire, enthusiasm, knowledge, and drive to achieve this goal. Due to Ed’s efforts, this museum will continue to bring attention to the history of the important town of Sharpsburg for present and future town residents and visitors.
For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380.
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