Historic preservation

Ed and Mary Gomes, center, are presented with an Historic Preservation Award Monday by Fairfield Beautification Commission members Nancy Morrissey, left, and Nancy Horras. The Gomeses received the award, which honors those in the community who fix up historic properties, for their home at 704 S. Main St. The home was built in 1926 by Lee Gobble?s parents, Robert Bruce and Mary Vera Gobble, when Lee was just 11 years old.

The Gomes family moved into the home in August of 1993, becoming the fourth family to live there. Mary said they have tried to maintain the character of the home through their numerous remodeling projects. In addition, the Gomeses continue the Christmastime tradition started by the Gobbles of hanging boughs and reefs on the home each year.

?It?s a really great example of 1920s colonial revival architecture,? said Mark Shafer of the Jefferson County Historic Preservation Commission. ?Improvements they?ve made in landscaping really enhanced the historic character of the original house.?

The local beautification and historic preservation commissions have teamed up to present the Historic Preservation Award to Fairfield property owners this summer. The award is temporarily replacing the beautification commission?s Rose Award.