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Centre Daily Times January 5 2005
Historical society recognizes preservation efforts
By Anne Danahy; adanahy@centredaily.com
"History is alive and well preserved in Bellefonte -- and it remains so with help from some special people who care a lot about the town.
Robert and Candace Dannaker, William Shuey and the Linn Realty Group were honored recently by the Centre County Historical Society for preserving historic buildings.
The Dannakers also were honored for their leadership in preservation efforts.
John Ziegler, vice president of the Centre County Historical Society, said the awards recognize hard work and introduce the society to people who otherwise might not know about it. The hope is that doing so will lead more people to participate in initiatives to preserve local history.
Candace Dannaker, a former mayor of Bellefonte, said she and her husband have had a "love affair with historic buildings for a long time."
"Both Bob and I believe in preservation," she said. "It's keeping our history. I don't think we value it enough to preserve our buildings. People will easily save family heirlooms, but we're so negligent about our built environment."
The Dannakers were recognized for continuing to preserve the Samuel Harris house in Bellefonte. When they bought the house in 1987, it was in "immaculate condition," thanks to the couple before them, Candace Dannaker said. The Georgian home was built in 1830 and had an addition built in 1840.
"It's like taking care of your great-grandmother," she said. "She keeps springing leaks here and there."
Ziegler and Bob Gruver, co-chairmen of the preservation awards nominating committee, traveled around the county looking at the projects that have been suggested for awards. Ziegler said they collect the information for projects until what seems like an appropriate time to present an award.
Shuey and the Linn Realty Group restored the Diven House, built in 1797 and the second-oldest building in Bellefonte, according to JoAnn Knupp, one of the group's original partners.
Nine years ago, Linn Realty moved to Bellefonte, Knupp said, and when Diven House became available, the four partners decided it would be a perfect fit.
It took more than a year to renovate the building because it had fallen into disrepair, she explained. First a home, the building later became a haven for lawyers hosting a number of law offices over the years.
And eight years ago last November, efforts to straighten the foundation, replace plumbing and duplicate ailing woodwork were completed, and the company moved in.
"It was well worth it," Knupp said.
She said the building piqued people's interest in history during the repairs. Doors that led to nowhere turned up historical artifacts from old newspapers, children's clothes and old shoes from a time period long since passed.
These days the dining room area is a conference room and the parlor a reception area, while offices fill the second floor. Four original fireplaces still remain.
"It reminds you of yesteryear. That's just the feeling I get every time I walk in," Knupp said.
Other recipients of the society's 2004 Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards were:
Hugh and Barbara Hodge, for preserving a farmstead, including a 173-year-old bank barn.
Dr. Roy and Cindy Love, for preserving local historical and environment sites.
James E. and Anne Harpster, for rebuilding a log house near Pennsylvania Furnace.
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