2013 Josiah Durfee Award Winners
The Josiah Durfee Award is given at the discretion of the NPA’s Board of Directors on behalf of the NPA membership to the local citizen or organization that has made the most significant positive contribution to NPA’s mission. Outstanding achievement in historic preservation may be a single event or a cumulative contribution over several years.
For Corporate Stewardship: Dr. Bradley & Mrs. Nathalie Dahlager (Noblesville Family Chiropractic)
Noblesville residents have long watched for signs of life in Dr. Dillon’s old office. Dr. James Dillon was a prominent local doctor, and at one time, most Noblesville residents were either treated or delivered by Dr. Dillon—or both! The building is conveniently located right downtown and was ripe for a new commercial/retail life. Thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Dahlager, who recently purchased the former doctor’s office, a new life for this beautiful building is in full swing. The Dahlager’s chiropractic practice, Noblesville Family chiropractic, recently opened, but the restoration of the building continues. They are taking painstaking steps to keep as much of the original building as possible: radiators, original electrical boxes, bookcases, intricate flooring, wood trim, etc. It is a boon to Old Town Noblesville that the Dahlager’s are investing in Noblesville with their business AND preserving this charming structure.
For Community Spirit: John Gilmore
In just a few short months, John has transformed the Logan Street Sanctuary building from an empty and neglected shell into a vibrant and creative destination in Old Town. John has consistently reached out to artists, musicians, and not-for-profit groups to offer a space to meet, hold an event, or a place to perform. He has been truly instrumental in making historic Noblesville a more interesting place to live and work. While John still has a lot of work he wants to do on the building, it is obvious he will continue to be a driving force in creating a community of artists right in Old Town, which makes Noblesville a better place to be.
For Individual Merit: Kurt Meyer
Kurt has been an integral part of Noblesville’s preservation community since the 1980s. Kurt was a founding member of NPA and served on the NPA board in various roles off and on for over a decade. In addition to being an important part of NPA’s foundation, he has been instrumental in the restoration/renovation of at least four historic homes in Old Town. Not only is he an outstanding Old Town landlord, he is also a resident of Old Town, and his blog, “The Hoosier Contrarian,” is often about life in Old Town Noblesville–both the positive and more challenging aspects. Kurt works as a realtor, specializing in homes in and around downtown Noblesville, and he has frequently sponsored the Home Tour via his realty business. On top of everything, Kurt still comes to Old Town resident’s aid when the wrecking ball or zoning changes threaten. Thanks, Kurt!
For Corporate Philanthropy: Jay Merrell (IDI Composites International)
NPA is happy to present this award to Jay Merrell of IDI Composites International for their consistent sponsorship of NPA’s annual Historic Home and Holiday Tour and their support of our mission in Noblesville. Thanks to Jay’s belief in community involvement, IDI has been the primary sponsor of our fundraising events annually for over five years.
In addition to corporate sponsorship, Jay and his wife, Anne, live in a beautifully restored farmhouse on the edge of Noblesville. They took painstaking efforts to improve the home while also keeping the rural charm of the historic farmhouse. It is a true showpiece. Several years ago, they purchased the Uptown Cafe building and business in order to save the local iconic hot spot. They applied for and received a city facade grant which dramatically improved the facade—and saved the fantastic neon sign, which is a unique feature of Noblesville’s commercial history. Thanks to Jay for his ongoing generosity and his commitment to improving Noblesville.
