Awards recognize people behind preserving County’s heritage

Mayor Peter Mertens and PEHAC chair Janice Gibbons presented three heritage awards and 11 certificates to County residents. They are holding the certificates for Athol and Cherry Valley Town Halls.

Prince Edward County’s Heritage Advisory Committee celebrated Heritage Week by presenting three major awards and 11 certificates to County residents who have preserved built heritage, or advocated for heritage education.
Prince Edward County Heritage awards were presented for the first time to recognize people making a significant contribution to the conservation and preservation of heritage in the County.
“PEHAC is excited to acknowledge the efforts of all these individuals in the Prince Edward County Heritage Awards,” said Janice Gibbins, PEHAC chairman. “We are indeed fortunate to have such champions for heritage in the county.”
The awards were presented in two areas – for those who have preserved or restored the county’s built heritage, and those who have contributed to heritage awareness through education, promotion and advocacy efforts. Gibbins and Mayor Peter Mertens presented the awards Tuesday morning.
“The Heritage Advisory Committee awards are a wonderful recognition of people who have put in a lot of effort,” said Mertens, who noted pride in the work and the accomplishments of those involved.
“It’s been an extraordinary year for the heritage committee when you look at the pile of designations that you see on the table here. You’re all to be congratulated – both the people who are getting the awards today and the people who work with this heritage committee.”

In the built heritage category, John and Diane Brisley were honoured for their loving and accurate restoration of the John Demille House (1817-1830) in Demorestville

In the built heritage category, John and Diane Brisley were honoured for their loving and accurate restoration of the John Demille House (1817-1830) in Demorestville and moving and relocating the Nathiel Demille Barn (1841) and Point Petre log house to 91 Water Street, in addition to moving and rebuilding as authentically as possible, both the Cobourg House (1820) and the Adolphustown St. Paul’s Anglican Church on other property. In addition, John has consulted, moved and rebuilt other historic structures for other PEC residents, including the Trumpour Grain Barn (1810).

There were two recipients for the education and advocacy awards.

Mayor Peter Mertens presents journalist and author Alan R. Capon with the Heritage Education Award for his work to chronicle the history of Prince Edward County for more than 40 years through his books, newspaper career and lectures.

Well-known journalist and author Alan R. Capon was honoured with the Heritage Education Award for his work to chronicle the history of Prince Edward County for more than 40 years through his books, newspaper career and lectures.
Now retired, he has worked as a staff writer for the Kingston Whig Standard and Peterborough Examiner. He was the editor of the Lindsay Daily Post and editor and publisher of the Picton Gazette. He continues to write a column with the County Weekly News.
Author of 22 books, some County titles include Stories of Prince Edward County; Mascots of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment; Prince Edward County Treasury; Desperate Venture; A Goodly Heritage; Everybody Called Him Harvey; Picton Remembered; Prince Edward County Memories; The Stone Church and This House of Healing PECMH.

County resident John Lyons received the Heritage Advocacy Award for his contributions to a variety of heritage projects.

County resident John Lyons received the Heritage Advocacy Award for his contributions to a variety of heritage projects. He has served as a PEHAC volunteer. His spearheaded efforts to have the power boat Miss Supertest recognized both locally, with a national stamp and in a movie. He was also the leader in officially renaming the Hayward Long Reach after Bob Hayward’s defence of the Harmsworth Trophy.
Lyons also worked with the Rose Cemetery near Waupoos and Queen’s University students to map locations of unmarked graves.

Gibbons and Mertens also presented 11 certificates of heritage designation to property owners.

Those designations included:
The White Chapel c. 1809
White’s Road
c/o The United Church of Canada

Owens House c. 1847
Picton
c/o Trevor Jones and Erin Richmond

Moses Hudgins Log House c 1865
Long Point
c/o Benjamin and Lillian Rose

Royal Street Cheese Factory c. 1875
Royal Road
c/o Gerry and Lia Spinosa

Athol Town Hall c. 1870
Cherry Valley
c/o The County of Prince Edward

Bloomfield Town Hall c. 1869
Bloomfield
c/o The County of Prince Edward

Royal Hotel c. 1879
Picton
c/o Peter Sage

Dry Stack Stone wall
Hallowell
c/o Mary Taylor

Stryker Kog House
Royal Road
c/o Gordon and Janice Gibbins

Rose/Frost Farm Complex
South Marysburgh
c/o Liz Driver and Edwin Rowse

Log Cabin at Outlet
Athol
c/o Connie and Jamie Forrester