Preservation champions honored by Historical Society

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·3 min read

Jun. 22—The Madison County Historical Society held its tenth recognition ceremony to recognize historical preservation.

President Sharon Graves explained that the recipients were chosen by a committee comprised of three board members and two non-board members who are members of the Historical Society. With the criteria in mind, they come up with nominations, which are brought back to the 13-person board for a vote.

"This year, I think we have chosen one of the best groups that we've ever chosen," Graves remarked.

This year's recipients hold a variety of titles and are shining examples of historical preservation in the community, from recognizable community staples, like Lynwood and Churchill's, to acts of service, such as completing and automating over 150 years of local cemetery records.

Ashley Hatton, whose recognized accomplishment centered around preserving Newby Country Store, explained, "We bought the store, just to save the building and the history."

However, it wasn't until her biotech career ended with the COVID-19 pandemic that she threw herself into operating the store into a no-tech community gathering place and making it her "heart and soul."

This sentiment is no surprise to the other award recipients.

"These things are a labor of love and make no sense. You just decide you want to do it. Sometimes the building sort of picks you," said Bill West, whose family was awarded for restoring Churchills in Berea.

Bryan and Melissa Tipton, a couple best known for reviving and operating Lynwood, understand the necessity for historical preservation.

Melissa commented, "I think people take it for granted that it's always going to be here. and so if you drive by you notice one building gets demolished. You don't pay much attention to it. But then when you think about it, as the years go on, more buildings get demolished. So I think it takes people just taking one step, just to stop and preserve things."

This couple walks the walk.

For example, Melissa is currently working with the state historical marker program and several other projects to preserve and memorialize her father's iconic Lexington restaurant, the Parkette Drive-In.

Bryan is also a trustee of the EKU foundation at Elmwood, founded the Madison County Preservation Society, and is co-founder and Vice President of Madison County Trust for Historic Preservation.

"I have a love for this town that I grew up in, and I'm very nostalgic about the way that it used to be," he said. "But I just feel like if someone doesn't save this stuff, then it's gone forever."

Graves said, "I think this group is extremely deserving of these awards. and as Mr. West said, it's our heart and soul poured it into it, and sometimes it takes decades, but it's what we enjoy doing."

The following individuals were recognized by the Madison County Historical Society:

Beth Jamison — Significant Historic Contribution for her work in preserving, organizing, and improving the Richmond Cemetery records.

Vicki Whitaker — Significant Historic Contribution for her work in maintaining and increasing genealogical records of the Society of Boonesborough and the Boonesborough Daughters of the American Revolution.

Newby Country Store (Ashley Hatton) — Preservation award for saving and maintaining a community treasure.

Doug and Mary West — Preservation award for saving the Churchill Weavers facility.

Bryan and Melissa Tipton — Preservation award for their efforts in preserving Lynwood, the home of Brutus and Pattie Amelia Field Clay; Little Bethel Primitive Baptist Church on North Second Street among others.

William Harris Miller — Author award for his tremendous research into Madison County family's' histories and publishing History and Genealogies of the Families of Miller, Woods, Harris, Wallace, Maupin, Oldham, Kavanaugh and Brown, etc.

Samuel Freeman Miller — History Maker award for an individual who was born or resided in Madison County, who has made a significant and lasting impact on Madison County, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, or the nation. Miller was an associate justice on the United States Supreme Court.