Historic Preservation of a Building:

James and Laura Peters, for the restoration of the 1896 Judge Martin Bell mansion at 424 Clark Street, Hollidaysburg. The Second Empire Mansard roof and eclectic-gothic revival gables, along with the classical revival columns, Italianate rounded windows and outbuilding are outstanding architectural examples of the late Victorian period. The extensive interior restorations are in keeping with the era.

Historic Preservation of a Building:

Christopher Cook, for the restoration of the 1924 First National Bank, today known as The Columns. The facade of limestone features Corinthian columns and pilasters. The six-story building has a four-story main floor and a basement floor with the original bank vault. The bank closed at the end of the 20th century. The building was last used as a catering hall in 2018. Now the interior wall and ceilings of the main floor have been restored and a portion of the original stained-glass ceiling has been exposed. The basement has been refurbished and the bank vault is now used as a museum of historical artifacts that features over 100 telephones. The restored building now serves as a banquet and event venue with rental offices on the upper floors.

First National Bank, today known as The Columns

Historic Preservation of a Building:

Joan Sweeda for the restoration of the 1884 John Collins home at 1111 15th Ave. This brick Victorian home features ornate fretwork at the roofline and on the front porch and a single large gable and dormer. The grounds have been restored to an elegant and eclectic Victorian space with an extensive garden complete with brick walls and iron gates, stone balustrade and stone sculptures. A demilune row of restored Byzantine stone columns has Ionic capitals connected with a curved lintel. The interior rooms feature period furniture, fireplaces, stained-glass door transoms and restored woodwork.

Historic Preservation of Two Buildings:

Donald Delozier, for the restoration of two Pennsylvania Canal era homes c1836-1840. The two adjacent homes, 411 and 413 South Juniata St., are the last of the early canal structures still standing. They are each two-story buildings, one frame and one brick, with walkout basements.

Historic Preservation of a Site:

The 1884 John Collins home

Huston Godwin, Brent Housum, and Michael Stipanovic for the preservation of the historic 1815 Samuel Royer homestead, 3909 Piney Creek Road, Williamsburg. This early, stone home built in two sections and the surrounding eight acres have been restored and adapted as an outdoor venue for weddings, parties and gatherings with flower gardens, gazebos and one-acre parking lot. The house itself contains historically accurate room restorations but with modern conveniences, period antique furnishings and artwork. The exterior is also has been restored.

Historic Preservation of a Site:

Jarrett and Ashley Musselman for the restoration of Musselman’s Grove, a picnic ground and entertainment venue in Klahr on State Route 3005. It began in the early 1900s as the site of the Claar and Walter family picnic grounds. In 1946, it evolved by adding rides and professional entertainment operated by Doc Williams of the Wheeling Jamboree and attracted hundreds of people for country music. The last show was held in 1953, but occasional acts appeared in the 1970s. The grounds and buildings now have retained their original look but with modern amenities.

Historic Preservation of Blair County History:

The Blair County Genealogical Society, for the preservation of genealogical records, and Blair County historical records, including deeds, tax records, maps and newspapers. Established in 1979, the Society is headquartered in the Roller-Hojeth Memorial Library located at 431 Scotch Valley Road, Hollidaysburg. The Society also has preserved an extensive collection of local and Pennsylvania history and has published extensively from its holdings: the second largest genealogical library in Pennsylvania after Chester County. It has a space for community lectures and meetings. The current President is Jim Snyder.

Two canal era homes

Historic Preservation of Blair County History:

Tyrone Area Historical Society for the preservation of Tyrone Borough and surrounding area history. The society has preserved records, photographs and printed materials and has a collection of artifacts, all of which are located at the society’s headquarters in the former Pennsylvania Railroad Station now functioning as a museum, at 850 Pennsylvania Ave., Tyrone. Most recently, the society’s accomplishments include support for and restoration of the Ninth Street pedestrian bridge over the Little Juniata River. The current president is Bob Dollar.

Chairman’s Award:

Joseph Oricko for Historic Restoration design of Baker Mansion’s basement exhibit space. The 1849 basement originally had floors which were cemented in 1941, each room on a different level with steps in between. The basement now has even flooring on one level covered in tiles resembling slate. A partition wall added at a later date was removed; walls were refreshed with new paint and new lighting for added exhibits. A partially enclosed archway was reclaimed, and the ice room steps were restored. A handicap-accessible restroom was installed from a portion of the furnace room. Still in progress is a second entry from the outside, architecturally similar to the existing one on the opposite side of the basement, but now legally required.

Samuel Royer homestead

Musselman’s Grove grounds

The Blair County Genealogical Society

Tyrone Area Historical Society

Baker Mansion’s basement exhibit space