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Historic Lexington Foundation honored the Paxton House Society and the owners of a historic Lexington home during its annual meeting April 8.
The meeting was held in the ballroom at Southern Virginia University. This building was originally the Buena Vista Hotel, built in 1891, and was a perfect setting for the presentation “Hotels and Resorts in Rockbridge County” by Dan Pezzoni that day.
This year two Founders’ Awards were presented. One was given to John and Valerie Thomas for their dedication to Lexington’s architecture and architectural history. In 2018, they purchased “The Keep” a c.1891 Victorian house on Lee Avenue, which they extensively renovated while retaining the elegance and charm of the original house.
The second award was presented to the Paxton House Historical Society in recognition of their meticulous restoration of the c.1831 Paxton House, also known as the Glen Maury home of Elisha Paxton. The house serves as a center for commu- nity events in the Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista.
Executive Director Don Hasfurther spoke on HLF’s activities since its 2022 annual meeting. He noted that a highway marker for Timber Grove, the first settlement in what would become Rockbridge County, has been fabricated and would soon be installed at Timber Ridge. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources has approved another HLF highway marker for the Green Book listing of structures in Lexington that provided accommodations and food for visiting African Americans during the period of segregation. He further noted that HLF’s 2022 May Historic Preservation Month activities, culminating in a presentation by “Bond of Iron” author Charles Dew, had record attendance.
He stated that donations from people in the audience and bequests made HLF’s preservation activities possible. Singled out was a bequest from the late Margaret Davis that provided for major preservation work on the exterior of the original St. Patrick Church on Henry Street. HLF has also provided funding for the restoration and reinstallation of a stained-glass window at the Randolph Street United Methodist Church. Hasfurther noted that HLF is considering a number of other grant requests for the repair of structures in the county.
He concluded by inviting audience members to participate in two HLF 2023 Preservation Month activities in May. The first is on Saturday, May 6, at 2 p.m. at Falling Spring Presbyterian Church and will be a historic cemetery conservation workshop and walking tour.
The other will be on Saturday, May 27, when HLF will sponsor an event focused on the transportation history of Lexington, including its river, road, and rail legacy. The walking tour will begin at 2 p.m. at the ODK headquarters, 224 McLaughlin St., and end at Jordans Point.
At the end of his remarks, Hasfurther stated that after 13 years as executive director, he is retiring the end of May. He introduced his successor, Morgan Roper.
