Hard work honored with historic award

But to make it official, she'd have to wait another 15 years before receiving a historic plaque from the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation.

"I knew the house was 85 years old when I bought it and it wouldn't qualify for the plaque [noting 100 years of age], so I bided my time," Stanton, 55, said. "I wanted the plaque partly because it increases the value of the house, but mostly because I wanted it known we preserved the historical integrity."

The foundation, one of the largest volunteer historic preservation organizations in the county, works to preserve Frederick County's natural and historic landmarks.

One way is through the plaque program, which recognizes structures 100 years and older with historical and/or architectural merit.

The structures must maintain their original form or have been returned to that condition and any alterations or additions must preserve the architectural integrity.

Stanton and her family renovated the Federal-style brick duplex built in 1904. Research done by the family and required by the foundation for the plaque shows that the lot was first referenced in records dating back to 1866.

When undergoing renovations, Stanton said she preserved much of the original woodwork, including the oak studs, and even recycled parts of the home, including using wainscoting from the walls as new drawer fronts and doors in the kitchen. Original transom windows also remain throughout the first floor.

"I love preserving history," said Stanton, a mother of four. "… I think old homes are much more substantially built versus new ones … and this is a solid house."

Stanton said the plaque program, which has honored more than 300 structures throughout the county, is a great way to preserve the unique history of Frederick.

"Frederick is very unique in that it not only has historic buildings, but works to preserve them," she said. "We have the Historical Society [of Frederick County] and the Landmarks Foundation in place … and the city has really made a point of putting in new buildings that fit in with the old ones."

Despite the added value to her house, Stanton said she has "no interest in selling" and advises others to do their homework and get their homes recognized for historical links to the past.

"I didn't want to lose the historic integrity of my house," she said. "I liked it and I kept it and I know others are doing the same."

For more information on the plaque program, call 301-668-6088 or visit www.frederickcountylandmarksfoundation.org for a brochure and application. The application fee is $100 and is returned if the structure is deemed ineligible for a plaque.

Ten named to

Virginia Tech dean's list

Ten Frederick residents were named to the spring semester dean's list at Virginia Tech. To qualify for the honor, students attempted at least 12 credit hours and maintained a minimum 3.4 grade-point average.

Earning the achievement were: Ashley Bell, a junior majoring in animal and poultry sciences; Joseph Blaser, a freshman history major; Katherine Brogan, a junior majoring in human development; Taylor Hartsock, a junior finance major; Colleen Marcotte, a junior majoring in marketing management; Lindsey K. McGinnis, a sophomore business major; Elizabeth Metz, a freshman majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise; Abigail Meyer, a freshman majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise; Christopher Miller, a senior architecture major; and Michael Taylor, a freshman history major.

Business group awards scholarships

The Frederick Club of The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club Inc., presented eight recent high school graduates with college scholarships.

This year marked the first time the club awarded the Bourne Family Scholarships, from a fund established by physicians in the OB/GYN division of the Capital Women's Care in Frederick. The scholarships are in honor of the late Dr. Ulysses Bourne Sr., the first black doctor in Frederick County, and his children, the late Dr. Ulysses Bourne Jr. and Dr. Blanche Bourne-Tyree.

The $1,000 scholarships, for students pursuing a career in the medical or health fields, were awarded to Gov. Thomas Johnson High School graduates Najjiyya Franklin-Huff and Maura Rose.

Trinity Sheppard, a graduate of Urbana High School, was awarded the Eunice C. Hutchins Academic Excellence Scholarship Award of $1,000 and Qiyama Graham of Frederick High School received the Reginald White Business/Technical Award of $200.

Local students receiving $50 scholarships included: Tuscarora High School graduates Leah Clairborne (Gwendolyn Henson Swann Fine Arts Award) and Jared Hawkins (Altha Mumford Science Award); and Frederick High School graduate Rahma Omar (Charles E. Henson Citizenship Award).

Do you have an item for City Beat? Contact reporter Keith L. Martin at 301-846-2134, e-mail kmartin@gazette.net or fax news to 301-846-2124.