Mar. 13, 2012 by Ray Finger on StarGazette.com
Historic Elmira Inc. celebrated the city's past and those who work to sustain it into the future during Tuesday's presentation of the group's fourth annual Historic Preservation Awards.
Advocate Awards were presented to The Glove House Inc. and Dale Bryant.
The award celebrates the work of those who advocate historical heritage through their active involvement.
Project Awards were presented to Bill Newgent and The Rev. Donald and Margaret Matthews. The award recognizes historic preservation work in the city that contributes to the beauty and value of the community.
"It's impossible to underestimate the importance of historic preservation in our community," said Kaye Newbury, president of Historic Elmira.
"It's a reinvestment in the rich heritage we have in economics and aesthetics," she said.
"These buildings represent our past and show the wisdom of investing in the present for the benefit of the future. It's what our forebears did. It's what we should be doing now."
According to the nomination, Glove House President and CEO John Treahy has been instrumental in keeping the spirit alive of 460 W. Church St. and 510 W. Church St. for future youth to understand Elmira's history.
"The whole aspect of the history is helping our kids understand the relevance of participating and being part of the community at large, and in order to do that, they have to understand the history of where they're living and the history of the community," he said.
Bryant was recognized for his extensive contributions to preservation efforts that include Woodlawn Cemetery, Eldridge Park, the Eldridge Park Fire Truck, the Popcorn Truck Preservation Society, Farmer's Museum and the Antique Car Club of America.
He cited the satisfaction that comes with those efforts.
"I still need stuff to do," said Bryant, a retired Elmira school district guidance counselor. "I like to work at stuff that hopefully people enjoy."
Newgent was recognized for his rehabilitation of seven buildings on West First, Second and Clinton streets.
"It's nice to be recognized," he said. "I have so much gratitude for the award, but I really want it to be something where other people look at it and say 'If he can do it, I can do it.'"
The Matthewses were recognized for the restoration of their historic residence at 411 W. Church St. in Elmira.
Although U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, was unable to attend Tuesday, a congressional certificate was presented commending Historic Elmira's leadership team, volunteers and supporters.
"The organization's tireless efforts towards the preservation of the Elmira area are truly remarkable," it said.
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