"PRESERVING THE PAST |
The Hickory Landmarks Society |
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Historic preservation is about people... and places... and progress. The Hickory Landmarks Society believes that innovation and cooperation will enable our region to grow and treasure its past in harmony. Incorporated in 1968, the Hickory Landmarks Society (HLS) is one of the oldest local historic preservation organizations in North Carolina. Its purpose is to protect individual historic landmarks and architecturally significant neighborhoods in the Hickory area. A nonprofit organization, HLS works through education and advocacy to ensure responsible historic preservation as part of community growth. The Hickory Landmarks Society is managed by an 18 member Board of Directors and a paid staff of three. It operates with the support of members, dedicated volunteers, and the charitable giving of individuals and corporations. HLS currently owns five properties in Hickory. Headquarters for the Hickory Landmarks Society is at Maple Grove, the stately 19th-century residence of pioneers Adolphus and Mary Adelaide Shuford. Acquired in 1970 and rehabilitated in 1974, Maple Grove is operated as both a house museum and group rental facility. Historic Propst House (1882) was acquired in 1968, moved to a city park, and restored in 1971. This three-story Victorian "gem" was the impetus for the founding of the Hickory Landmarks Society and is now a popular local attraction. It too is operated as a house museum and group rental facility. In 2001, HLS "rediscovered" and acquired the 1882 Propst "Cookhouse," relocated the building adjacent to the main house, and restored it to its original appearance. The Corinth Church Parsonage (1895) was acquired in 1987, moved to another city park, and restored in 1995. It is now leased to a local nonprofit organization. A fifth property, Houk's Chapel (1888), was acquired in November 2003 and is currently undergoing restoration. Other historic Landmarks such as, the Clement H. Geitner House (1889) and the Espey-Nowel-Little House were acquired and transferred to private owners with protective covenants for preservation and rehabilitation according to state and federal standards. These buildings were candidates for destruction. Thanks to the Hickory Landmarks Society, they were rescued and are now revered as part of Hickory's enduring historic legacy. EDUCATION You may have been one of the 1,200 fourth-graders who visited Maple Grove each spring for a two-day extravaganza called "Heritage Days," when HLS celebrates the North Carolina Heritage Week. Third graders in the Catawba Valley visit the Propst House to learn about Christmas, Victorian-style each November. The HLS research library, archives, historic site field trips, lectures, preservation workshops, historic home tours, and the latest in news affecting our built environment are among HLS' educational services. ADVOCACY In 1997 HLS endorsed passage of landmark state legislation providing tax deductions for rehabilitation efforts in historic districts. At 30% and 20% for residential and commercial properties, respectively, these tax deductions are the largest breaks of their kind in the United States. The 21st century will bring new preservation challenges as buildings continue to age, restoration costs rise, and urban sprawl in Hickory continues. The Hickory Landmarks Society believes that our communities can choose how they want to grow. The Hickory Landmarks Society believes that innovation and cooperation will enable our region to, both grow and to treasure its past in harmony. The Hickory Landmarks Society · 542 2nd Street Northeast · P.O. Box 2341
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