Washington County Celebrates Local Heritage at 46th Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners recently honored individuals and businesses for their significant contributions to preserving the historical integrity of the county at the 46th Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards ceremony. The awards recognize dedicated efforts in historic preservation, restoration, and advocacy that protect and promote the rich history of Washington County.

The ceremony celebrated achievements in several categories, highlighting the diverse ways in which local heritage is being safeguarded. These recognitions underscore the importance of community involvement in maintaining the historical character of the region for future generations.

Among the recipients, John Hollyday and Richard Gold received the 2026 Preservation Award for their meticulous restoration of the historic Hoffman Farm in Keedysville, Maryland. This farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1997, has been under the ownership of descendants of its original 18th-century builder, John Hoffman. Hollyday and Gold’s work has revitalized the farmhouse, gardens, and outbuildings, transforming the property into a distinguished historical landmark that honors its significant local and national history.

The Advocacy Award was presented to Ralph F. Young for his extensive, decades-long commitment to safeguarding historic buildings, farms, landscapes, and structures across Washington County. Young has established himself as a reliable and respected advocate for preservation, consistently researching and championing the protection of historical resources when they face threats. His proactive approach and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in preserving the county’s character and history.

In the realm of Adaptive Reuse, Lloyd and Sheree Thoburn were honored with the 2026 Adaptive Reuse Award for their remarkable transformation of the historic Hub City Vinyl Building at 28 E. Baltimore Street in Hagerstown. Originally constructed in 1935 in the Art Deco style for Nolan Motors, the building has been expertly restored by the Thoburns. Today, it serves as a popular hub in downtown Hagerstown, merging historical preservation with modern entertainment and community engagement.

Hub City Vinyl, officially established in 2020, has its roots in a collection of vinyl records acquired by the Thoburns through a previous business venture. This passion project evolved into Maryland’s largest record store and has since expanded to include a live music venue, creating a synergistic business that revitalizes the downtown area while respecting the building’s architectural heritage. The Thoburns’ efforts have not only preserved the historical significance of the building but have also infused new energy and activity into Hagerstown’s urban core.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government

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