Elgin leaders honor heritage
Elgin leaders held their annual Heritage Commission Awards night at the Centre Thursday, recognizing John and Jeri McCue with the city's most prestigious preservation award.
The William Stickling Award went to the McCues for the reuse of the Elgin Federated Savings Bank, 176 E. Chicago St.
Heritage Commission member Betsy Couture said it was important to recognize all who contributed to the city's heritage and preservation.
"These are the awards to help people see things, what is really happening, that there is a preservation movement," she said.
Mayor Ed Schock gave 16 individuals and organizations preservation awards for demonstrating dedication to older architecture, neighborhoods and history:
• John Anderson and Paul Cayez for home rehabs;
• Gail Borden Library and Mike Alft for compiling "Elgin: A Women's City;"
• David Buck for nominating Wing Park Golf Course as a local landmark;
• Jerry Turnquist for his "Way Back When" column in the Daily Herald;
• George Rawlinson for publishing books on Elgin history;
• Elizabeth Marston for 10 years as museum director of Elgin Area Historical Society;
• Michael Powers for his book: "All-American Stories: Elgin Myths and Memories;"
• Robert Mangan for preserving the appellate court building;
• John and Thelma Avampato for restoring their historic front porch;
• Sarosh Saher for 12 years as city's historic preservation specialist.
Heritage plaques also were awarded to Elgin homeowners who have researched the history and architecture of their older homes. This year's recipients are:
• Kathryn Danielson Trust, 622 Lillie St.;
• Lois Wilhelm, 715 Augusta Ave.;
• Kirbie Peterson and Brad Shoemaker, 840 Cedar Ave.;
• Joshua B. Harris, 327 DuPage St.;
• Janice McDowell and Ramona Burns, 344 Vincent Place;
• Margaret Keen, 468 North St.;
• Jay Cox, 691 Linden Ave.;
• Andy and Amber Keene, 708 N. Grove Ave.;
• Johnny and Mary Vargas, 164 Plum St.;
• St. Joseph Church, 272 Division St.;
• Laurie Montalbano, 231 Hamilton Ave.