Tuesday was a special day for Nicholas Monaco, who was honored for his work in historic preservation on the 50th anniversary of the completion of his first restoration.
Monaco was one of two city residents honored Tuesday with the Gregory Stockard Distinguished Service Award at the city Historic Preservation Commission's annual Heritage Week celebration.
"It feels so good because in 1964 we completed the restoration of the Vineyard Place," Monaco said after receiving the award. "That is exactly 50 years ago today."
Monaco has restored three homes in Jefferson City and said he is working on restoring a fourth near the intersection of Broadway Street and Dunklin Street.
Michelle Brooks, a reporter for the News Tribune, also received the Gregory Stockard Distinguished Service Award for her work covering the Historic Preservation Commission and historic efforts throughout the area. Brooks has written nearly 70 articles on various city landmarks and noted some of her favorite stories include exploring for hidden log cabins and recognizing local tributes to past and present service members.
"She continues to be a tremendous resource for the commission, and we appreciate her," said Ed Meyers, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Three local buildings also received new Landmark status: the Eickhoff Home, located at 1214 Elmerine Ave. and owned by Dale and Shae Marie Eickhoff; the Jefferson City Country Club, located at 516 South Country Club Drive and owned by the club members; and the Jefferson City News Tribune, located at 210 Monroe St. and owned by WEHCO Media.
The Eickhoff Home was built in 1915 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Jefferson City Country Club was built on its current site in 1911 and is described as in the application for Landmark status as being completed "just in time for entertaining prominent Missourians who might be able to influence the Aug. 1 (1911) vote on a constitutional proposal to build a new capitol in Jefferson City after its fire."
The Jefferson City News Tribune building was built in 1931, but the business itself will celebrate its 150th year in business next year.
Joining with the Historic City of Jefferson, the commission also recognized the winners of the Heritage Essay, Multimedia and Art contests.
In the sixth- to eighth-grade category for the Heritage Essay Contest, Grace Marshall, a seventh-grader from St. Joseph Cathedral School, won first place for her essay "1122 Moreau Drive," which profiled the Monaco House, also known as the Vineyard Place, which was restored by award winner Monaco.
In the ninth- to 12th-grade category, Adrienne Luther, a recent graduate of Jefferson City High School, won first place for her essay "The Marmaduke House," which profiles the old Warden's House at the intersection of Capitol Avenue and Lafayette Street.
In the Heritage Multimedia Contest, Andrew Luebbert, a seventh-grader at St. Joseph Cathedral School, won first place for his video "Paddy Malone's."
In the sixth- to eighth-grade category for the Heritage Art Contest, Emily Reed, an eighth-grader at Lewis and Clark Middle School, won first place for her mixed media depiction of the Old Union Hotel.
In the ninth- to 12th-grade category, Lainey Winge, a sophomore at Jefferson City High School, won first place for her acrylics depiction of Cliff Manor.