Henry County Historic Preservation Commission meets

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 16 at the Henry County Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant. Attending the meeting were Caroline Lehman, Larry D. Roth, Mary Savage, Cathie Schreiner, Judy Rawson and Pat White.

After approval of the minutes and treasurer’s report, a sales report of the rural schools book was given. “The Rural Schools of Henry County” is available for sale at the Henry County Auditor’s office and at all area museums. Only 86 books remain to be sold. The Country Schools Association of America has not yet announced the results of their annual book awards.

On Thursday, Feb. 24, several HCHPC members joined members of the Mount Pleasant Historic Preservation Commission for an informative and enjoyable tour of the Theatre Museum on the grounds of Midwest Old Threshers. The two preservation organizations plan to partner on projects and events in the future.

Members continued to discuss the Wayland historic residential district project. A two block area of Wayland has the potential to be on the National Register of Historic Places. It was decided to move forward and hold a public event, inviting historic preservation consultant Rebecca McCarley to speak about the process and benefits of having properties listed on the National Register. The time and place of this event will be announced in the near future.

Henry County Historical Highlights articles, published regularly by area newspapers, have been well received. Most recently, Salem’s Early Businesses was submitted by the Lewelling Quaker Museum. The upcoming article will be written by the Winfield Museum.

The next meeting of the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission will be held Wednesday, April 20 at 1:00 in the conference room of the Henry County Courthouse. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.