PORT TOWNSEND — The renovation and preservation of four historic sites in Jefferson County won awards and applause from the Jefferson County Historical Society.
The society presented the historic preservation awards at its August board of trustees meeting.
“Awards may be for restoration of historic structures as well as programs and individuals who help preserve the history of Jefferson County,” said Chris Prescott, chairman of the awards committee.
“All of the 2016 awards went to historic sites.”
Awards were presented to:
• Todd and Kathleen Knoblock for restoration of the 1879 John E. Fuge House, 1609 Washington St., Port Townsend.
The Fuge House had significant work done to the foundation and on the interior, the historical society said.
Plaster was in disrepair, corbels and arches missing, and original faux-grained woodwork was damaged.
Recipes for making plaster with original ingredients including livestock hair enabled restoration of walls and ceilings.
Corbels and arches were re-created with molds made on site. Faux wood graining was mastered by Todd and applied throughout.
• Michael and Cora Loviz for restoration of the 1888 Star of the Sea Rectory, 830 Franklin St., Port Townsend.
The rectory for St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church from 1882 to 1928 has undergone substantial structural improvements, including a new concrete foundation, new plumbing, electrical and heating system, the historical society said.
Solar panels have been added discretely, the organization said, pointing out also the replica of the old church in the form of a chicken coop which now graces the side yard.
• David and Elizabeth Holland for the restoration of the 1900 Dr. Jacob C. House House, 336 Filmore St., Port Townsend.
The 4,500-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian has undergone significant renovation including raising the basement and installing a new heating system.
The home possesses many period features throughout, including a number of stained glass windows that were once owned by actor Vincent Price, the historical society said.
• Finnriver Orchard for the restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive use of the Bishop-Brown Farm, 124 Center Road, Chimacum.
The owners of Finnriver Orchard have renovated and repurposed the historic Bishop-Brown farm for — in their words — “the love of land, the art of farming and the spirit of community,” the historical society said, saying the work maintains the structures and land as vital elements of Jefferson County’s the rural agricultural community.
The 2016 awards were given to projects undertaken or substantially completed in 2015.
The awards have been presented annually since 1978 and are selected each year from countywide nominations.
A committee of historical society trustees, staff and community members tour the nominated sites and interview owners about their projects during the decision process.
A chicken coop is a replica of the St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. (Jefferson County Historical Society)
