BERRYVILLE, VA (April 30, 2024) May is National Preservation Month, and for the past 25 years, the Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission has annually recognized residents, researchers, writers, and business owners who have made significant contributions to preserving the county’s historic heritage. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will present four more awards in mid-May, bringing the total number of honorees to 104 since giving the first awards in May 2000.
“It is important to actively participate in preserving and protecting historical buildings, landmarks, and sites in Clarke County,” said Katherine Berger, who chairs the HPC. “It is equally important to honor the people whose hard work and resources preserve those resources for future generations. We all need to celebrate the good work going on in Clarke.”
While the county’s first Comprehensive Plan, completed in 1974, recognized that the preservation of historic sites was integral to maintaining the character of Clarke, there was no local ordinance dealing with the protection of historic properties. The Board of Supervisors adopted a Historic District ordinance in March 1985 to provide such protection and encourage rehabilitation of old and historic sites. Then, the Board immediately established the Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission, which met for the first time on Aug. 7, 1985.
The Supervisors gave the HPC authority to issue Certificates of Appropriateness for changes and renovations in historic districts. At the time, there was only one – the Village of White Post – recognized at the state and national level in 1983, but not locally. Today, Clarke County has seven Historic Districts; however, only two fall under the purview of Historic Preservation Commission: White Post and the commercial area of Millwood.
In May 2000, the HPC presented its first-ever preservation awards to Virginia and Roland Mitchell (Lifetime Achievement for “Saratoga”), Jean Lee and Henry Julius (Certificate of Merit for “Brexton”), the Pritchard family (Certificate of Merit for “Smithfield”), and the Clarke County Historical Association (Certificate of Merit for the publication of the book, “Berryville Celebrates!”).
This May, HPC members will present Historic Preservation Awards to the following four honorees.
Gail Gallagher and Paul Perez
“Certificate of Merit” for the Rehabilitation of Building at 116-118 S. Church St., Berryville
Located in the heart of Berryville, the home and outbuildings at 116-118 S. Church Street have a rich history dating to the late 19th century. Originally, the site was the Phoenix Carriage Works, formerly known as Thomas and Adams, until the early 1900s when the then-owner, George C. Thomas, declared bankruptcy. The property had multiple owners over the next century.
In 2022, Gail Gallagher and Paul Perez purchased the property and embarked on multiple renovation and rehabilitation projects. One of the outbuildings, believed to be a former summer kitchen, was thoroughly renovated with the couple taking great care to maintain its historic integrity. The work included preserving the board-and-batten siding, exterior brick chimney, and decorative carved woodwork on the gable roof known as a vergeboard. The rehabilitation work ensures the updated building meets modern standards, allowing for its use as a part-time rental.
Brook and Michele Middleton
“Stewardship Award” for the Ongoing Care of “Woodley,” Briggs Road, Berryville
“Woodley” is a large, well preserved, Federal-style, brick dwelling near Old Chapel that was constructed by Daniel W. Sowers during the mid-19th century. Brook and Michele Middleton have owned the 382-acre Woodley farm property since 2010, and they have devoted themselves to restoring the main house as well as revitalizing the historic grounds. In addition to preserving the home, outbuildings, and grounds, the Middletons continue to open the property to the public each spring for the annual Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point races – races that were first held at Woodley in March 1949. The Middletons’ dedication to preserving both the physical and cultural heritage of Woodley is commendable.
George L. Ohrstrom
“Lifetime Achievement Award” in the area of historic preservation
George L. Ohrstrom’s impact on Clarke County is incalculable. He has called Clarke home since the mid-1980s, and his commitment to the community is evident through his involvement with numerous civic and environmental organizations – almost all aimed at preserving the county’s historic, agricultural, and natural resources. Mr. Ohrstrom has served on the Planning Commission since the early 2000s and has served as its chair since 2009. He also serves on the Berryville Area Development Authority, and the Clarke County Easement Authority. He is president and founder of The Downstream Project, and serves on the Piedmont Environmental Council board.
His passion for protecting historic and natural resources extends far beyond Clarke County. Through a lifetime of advocacy and contributions to the preservation of landscapes, watersheds, wildlife, and historic properties, Mr. Ohrstrom’s vision has benefitted communities far and wide.
Sisi Gallagher and Michael Williams
“Certificate of Merit” for the Rehabilitation of “Spout Run,” Clay Hill Road, Millwood
“Spout Run” stands as a distinguished example of Federal-style architecture, and it is deeply intertwined with the history of the prominent Burwell family of Clarke County. Originally part of the Carter Hall tract, Spout Run came into the possession of Nathaniel Burwell’s youngest son, Thomas Hugh Nelson Burwell, in 1814. While the exact date of its construction remains uncertain, documentation on a property plat shows the main house existed by 1814. The Burwell family owned the property until 1907, when a portion of it was sold to Edward A. Lindsay and his wife. The Lindsays made significant modifications, remodeling the plastered stone house and adding a rear wing in 1914.
Over the years, Spout Run changed hands several times until Sisi Gallagher and Michael Williams acquired the property in 2012. The couple embarked on an extensive rehabilitation project to restore the main house, which was in need of maintenance and updating. Their meticulous work, utilizing rehabilitation tax credits, has brought new life to this historic property.
For more information about the Clarke County Historic Preservation Commission, its annual awards, and Clarke County history, contact architectural historian Maral Kalbian at (540) 955-1231, maral@mkalbian.com, or Clarke County Senior Planner & Zoning Administrator Jeremy Camp at (540) 955-5131, jcamp@clarkecounty.gov.
