King County Executive Dow Constantine, himself an advocate for historic preservation, presided over the recent presentation of the King County Historic Preservation Program’s 10th Annual John D. Spellman Awards. Four areas of achievement were highlighted.

The City of Maple Valley received an award for its rehabilitation of Lake Wilderness Lodge, which now serves as an integral part of the City’s parks and recreation department. The Lodge was opened in June, 1950, as part of Gaffney’s Resort, and embodies characteristics of the Northwest Regional style of architecture. The interior features a cedar pole carved by noted local artist Dudley Carter. The Lodge is a King County Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Steve Rubicz and Gaye Detzer were recognized for their restoration of a 1909 hay barn on Vahson Island. Working with local preservation contractor Gary Peterson, they repaired the barn’s siding, structural members, and flooring, and treated the building to eliminate powder post beetles. Replica windows and doors matching the missing originals were made on site, and replica hinges were hand-forged to match the only remaining set of original hinges. Rubicz and Detzer also recently received Washington State’s first-ever Heritage Barn Award.

The Spellman Award for Education and Advocacy was presented to the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture for its efforts to educate the public aout the value of our region’s archaeological record. Some of its projects include the Burton Acres Shell Midden project on Vashon Island, the Puget Sound Traditional Food and Diabetes Project, and the Cultural Resources Protection Project, which uses GIS mapping to help King County improve its review and compliance with federal, state and local archaeology regulations. And the Burke’s Artifact Day is always a big hit with the public.

Finally, Woodinville resident Phyllis Keller received the Spellman Award for Lifetime Achievement. Hailed by King County’s Historic Preservation Program as “a giant in the landscape of historic preservation in King County,” Keller worked to establish that office in 1978, then went on to become the first chair of the County’s Landmarks Commission. Under her leadership, the first landmarks were designated in 1982. Keller also helped to establish Woodinville’s historic preservation program and has been an active member of the Woodinville Heritage Society. Keller was honored in conjunction with the 30-year anniversary of the creation of the King County Landmarks Commission.