The Pilot News - Residents honored for historic preservation

Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and Community/Economic Development director Larry Andrews presented the Neighborhood Preservation award to Dennis and Dianne Debelak for their work at the Homespun Country Inn.
In the early 1990s, the Debelaks came to Nappanee from Chicago hoping to start a small bed and breakfast. The Homespun Country Inn opened in 1994 with five guest rooms, and has been in business since.
"When Dianne and I first saw the house, she said, 'I love it,'" Dennis said.
Dianne is the president of the Chamber Retail committee and Chamber board of directors.
Mayor Larry Thompson presented the Downtown Rehabilitation award to Pete Yoder, owner and president of Ace Builders, which has an office on Market Street. The building that houses Yoder's business, as well as the adjoining one housing the business supply store next door underwent dramatic renovations to their facades last year. The facades are now covered with red brickwork, with white around the doors and windows.
Nappanee Zoning Administrator Don Lehman presented the Property Preservation award to Ken Manning of Ascott, Industries. Accepting the award on his behalf was Anna Huff.
The property in question was originally known as the Freese Dairy building. After the dairy went out of business, Bluebell Blue Jeans moved and operated for many years. Afterwards, Leisure Time Products used it for RV products. Finally, Ascott moved in and restored the more-than-a-century-old building.
Nappanee Public Library Director and Nappanee Center Manager Linda Yoder presented the Distinguished Historian award to two individuals.
The first was MaryEllen Best, a long-time collector of Nappanee memorabilia who has been instrumental in preserving local history in many ways. Former owner of the Owl's Nest Antique Store, which used to operate in the former Hartman House, now part of the Nappanee Center, she plays a part in downtown history.
According to mayor Larry Thompson, it was a letter from Best that prompted the purchase of the former Pletcher Furniture Village building that would become the Nappanee Center, which now houses the Evelyn Lehman-Culp Heritage Collection, the Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and Nappanee Redevelopment.
The second recipient of the Distinguished Historian award was Max Gwinn, one of six nationally-acclaimed cartoonists hailing from Nappanee. Gwinn created mostly agricultural cartoons, his most well-known titled "Slim and Spud." Gwinn also designed the Nappanee Centennial logo, among numerous artistic contributions, and is credited with having started the Native Sons and Daughters program celebrating Nappanee natives who have made their mark nationally and internationally.
Past Nappanee Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson Ann Evans presented Betty Johnson with the Historic Educator award. Johnson, a past matron and 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, wrote the original Talk of the Town column, which used to run regularly in the Advance News. She has also served as a guide and historic interpreter at Amish Acres and at the Nappanee Center.