Lewes residents honored for preservation work
The Lewes Historical Society recognized the contributions of Lewes residents at its bi-annual Historic Preservation Awards luncheon April 8.
“Preservation, when it’s done right, benefits everyone,” said Lewes Historical Society Executive Director Mike DiPaolo. “It not only benefits the property owner, but it really benefits our whole community. [This year's] recipients are what make Lewes what it is.”
Jack Vessels received the Community Service Award for his many contributions to Lewes' historical fabric. Vessels is the visionary behind Shipcarpenter Square, a unique neighborhood in the heart of Lewes' historic district composed entirely of historic homes moved to the square. He was also responsible for the restoration of the Fisher-Martin House, now home to Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and many other homes in Lewes.
"Jack's foresight created this vortex of energy that's made our whole town sparkle with history,” said Rachel Grier-Reynolds, who nominated Vessels for the award.
As he remembers it, Vessels said, the land where Shipcarpenters Square is today was set to be developed as two blocks of row homes and another of commercial.
“It could've been totally different than what it is today,” he said. “I think we went the right way.”
Stephanie and Barry Boright were the recipients of the Restoration Award for their work to restore 344 Pilottown Road, the former home of local newspaper columnist Marjorie Virden. The Borights had previously restored two homes on Mulberry Street. Both previous renovations occurred prior to a historic preservation commission or preservation guidelines in Lewes. Stephanie said people urged them to demolish both houses.
“We appreciate everybody doing their part to save these pieces of history,” she said.
Meredith Lewis Thomas also received a Restoration Award for her family's work to restore the Basil Clare House, 219 Grey Plover Court. Originally known as the William West House, the home was moved from the corner of Third Street and Savannah Road over the canal to Anglers Road. It was then moved a few hundred yards down Anglers to its current location.
"Meredith's father and brother were really the ones who spearheaded this,” said local realtor Dick Bryan. “It was really going to go in the dumpster, but they had the foresight in 2010 to pick it up and move it down the street. Meredith picked it up from there and did a beautiful job.”
Tommy and Mary Smith were the recipients of the New Construction Award for their efforts to blend 128 Gills Neck Road almost seamlessly into a row of Victorian homes fronting the canal.
"This new addition to Lewes' skyline recalls a quieter Lewes of the late 19th century,” DiPaolo said. “When I drive down Gills Neck Road, it seems like that house has been there forever.”
Mary said this is the second home they've built in Lewes; the first was a prefabricated home on Lewes Beach. This time around, she said, it seems just as easy as the first thanks to the help of architect Brenda Jones and builder Camenisch & Co.
“Obviously, the Gills Neck House is a very different house – a larger and much more beautiful house,” Mary said. “But the process of building it was as easy for Tommy and me as a prefab house. That really has do to with our team.”
