Two local historic preservation organizations recognized Jefferson City resident Jane Beetem on Wednesday for her role in preserving history throughout the state.
Beetem received this year's Gregory Stockard Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission and Historic City of Jefferson. Named after former HCJ President Gregory Stockard, the award goes to individuals who have "distinguished community service in preservation efforts," commission chair Mary Schantz said.
Currently serving as HCJ vice president, Beetem worked 25 years with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources before retiring in 2015. While there, she managed loans, purchases and sales of endangered historic properties throughout the state.
Beetem completed 20 nominations to the National Register of Historic Places and was instrumental in creating Jefferson City's first local historic district in the School Street area.
Beetem said it was a "great honor" to receive the Gregory Stockard award.
She originally hadn't planned to be heavily involved with historic preservation, she said. Before majoring in business, Beetem grew up in a house built in 1836 in a historic community, which planted the first historic preservation seed.
"When I took the job with DNR, with the historic preservation revolving fund, that was great because it merged business and finance and historic preservation," she said. "So that's what got me more deeply into historic preservation."
Beetem has rehabilitated several Jefferson City houses, including 505 State St., 310 Benton St. and 504 Jackson St.
"We have a treasure by having Jane here with us because she is a historian who is great," Schantz said. "She has been a remarkable asset to our community."
Rob Agee, who owns 214 and 216 Madison St., received this year's Landmark Designation. Before Madison's Cafe opened at that location in 1982, the buildings served as restaurants, tailor shops, a cigar store, saloon and telephone office.
While the buildings have experienced multiple fires throughout the last 120 years, parts of the buildings still remain, including the support beams in the basement.
Students also received awards through the Heritage Art Contest for their drawings of some iconic places in Jefferson City.
Addison Luetkemeyer, a senior at Helias Catholic High School, received first place for her sketch of the Missouri State Penitentiary.
Cori Winkelman, a freshman at Helias, received second place for her drawing of Carnahan Memorial Garden.
Sydney Dunmire, a sophomore at Helias, received third place for her drawing of Central Dairy.
Carlie Rieber, a junior at Calvary Lutheran High School, received an honorable mention for her drawing of Cliff Manor.
Britni Spencer, a senior at Jefferson City High School, received the Mayor's Choice Award for her drawing of the Standish House at 103 Jackson St.