Greenfield Historic Landmarks presented its annual Preservation Awards Sept. 29. Among the winners was Candace Hudziak, who owns this home on East Street in downtown Greenfield.
GREENFIELD – Greenfield Historic Landmarks is staying true to its mission to honor the architectural heritage of Greenfield and Hancock County.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, the nonprofit will host a free guided walking tour of the county’s Courthouse Square Historic District in downtown Greenfield.
The tour, called “Now and Then,” will allow participants to compare what the district looks like now compared to photos from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The one-mile tour will cover roughly 10 blocks and will last between 60-90 minutes.
Longtime member Tom Strickland said the tour is a great way to showcase downtown Greenfield’s rich architectural heritage.
Showcasing that heritage has been at the core of the nonprofit’s mission since its founding in 1980.
On Sept. 29, the organization hosted its annual Historic Preservation Awards to honor property owners who have painstakingly preserved or restored historic structures throughout the county.
A reception was held at Lizabuth Ann’s Kitchen, part of the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum in downtown Greenfield. The boyhood home itself is one of the crown jewels of the downtown Greenfield historic district, dating back to 1850, when Riley’s father, Reuben Riley, a prominent attorney, had it built along the Old National Road back when it was a well-worn dirt path.
The winners of this year’s preservation awards include Kenneth and Joyce Benbow, Rick and Laura Cabell, Rick Horton, Candace Hudziak, Sam Lesjack and Claudia Pope and Darrell and Nancy Thomas.
All but Horton were honored for their dedication to preserving the historic homes in which they live, including one cabin.
Horton, who also lives in a historic Greenfield home, was presented with a Civic Preservation Award for his efforts to preserve a pond and stone walking path by the 92-year-old wellhouse in Greenfield’s Riley Park. Horton spent hours last summer clearing away mounds of overgrowth to reveal the pond and path, which had been hidden for decades.
Strickland said it’s the first time the landmarks organization has presented a civic award, but that Horton’s hard work was to be commended, as are all those who endeavor to preserve historic structures.
Strickland joined Greenfield Historic Landmarks in 1985, around the same time he purchased his grandmother’s 19th-century home on West Fifth Street.
The two-story Greek Revival has set the stage for a number of fond memories throughout his lifetime, he said, and preserving the home is a labor of love.
Strickland joined the landmarks group to engage with others who share an appreciation for old houses, and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
In addition to a shared love of history members also share tips on preservation, from the proper way to replace windows to the best places to find historic hardware.
“It’s just a nice way to share a sense of camaraderie with other people who like old houses,” Strickland said.
To get an up-close look at Greenfield’s wide range of historic architecture, join the “Now and Then” walking tour this Sunday, Oct. 20.
Participants should meet at the Courthouse Plaza gazebo, on the southwest corner of courthouse square, before the tour starts at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit the Greenfield Historic Landmarks page on Facebook.
