| HAGERSTOWN, MD (May 22, 2026) – The Washington County Board of County Commissioners awarded local citizens at the 46th Annual John Frye Historic Preservation Awards ceremony. The recipients were awarded for their dedication and commitment to preserving and protecting the history of Washington County through historic preservation, restoration, and advocacy. |
| 2026 John Frye Historic Preservation Award Recipients |
| John Hollyday and Richard Gold – 2026 Preservation Award John Hollyday and Richard Gold are being recognized with the 2026 Preservation Award for their outstanding efforts in the restoration and preservation of the historic Hoffman Farm in Keedysville, Maryland. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, the farm remains in the ownership of descendants of the original builder, John Hoffman, who settled there in the late 18th century. Through their dedication and careful attention to detail, Hollyday and Gold have restored the farmhouse, gardens, and outbuildings, transforming the property into one of Washington County’s most treasured historic landmarks. Their work not only preserves the architectural and cultural significance of the site, but also honors its important role in local and national history.  |
| Ralph F. Young – 2026 Advocacy Award Ralph F. Young is being recognized with the 2026 Advocacy Award for his decades of dedication to preserving and protecting historic buildings, farms, landscapes, and structures throughout Washington County, Maryland. Throughout the years, Ralph has become a trusted and respected voice in preservation efforts across the County. Whether the concern involved a historic home, bridge, farm, barn, public building, or cultural landscape, Ralph could always be counted on to thoughtfully research the facts and advocate for preservation when historic resources were threatened. When he recognized a legitimate concern, he did more than simply speak out — he took meaningful action. Through his tireless commitment, leadership, and passion for protecting Washington County’s heritage, Ralph Young has played an invaluable role in preserving the character and history of the community for future generations.  |
| Hub City Vinyl – 2026 Adaptive Reuse Award Lloyd and Sheree Thoburn are being recognized with the 2026 Adaptive Reuse Award for their outstanding efforts in the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Hub City Vinyl Building located at 28 E. Baltimore Street in Hagerstown, Maryland. Originally constructed in 1935 for Nolan Motors in the late Art Deco style, the building has been thoughtfully restored through the dedication and vision of the Thoburns. Today, it stands as one of downtown Hagerstown’s most popular destinations, blending historic preservation with modern entertainment and community engagement. Officially founded in 2020, Hub City Vinyl began years earlier when Lloyd and Sheree acquired a collection of vinyl records through another business venture. While that business was eventually sold, they held onto the records, gradually transforming a small selection of vintage albums into what is now Maryland’s largest record store. Their passion for music and historic preservation soon expanded into the creation of a sister business, a live music venue that has become a natural and successful complement to the record store. Together, these businesses have brought new energy and activity to downtown Hagerstown while preserving the architectural character and historical significance of the building. Through their commitment to restoration, entrepreneurship, and community revitalization, Lloyd and Sheree Thoburn have created a vibrant space that honors Hagerstown’s past while contributing to its future.  For additional information, please contact Washington County’s Public Relations and Marketing Department at 240-313-2380 or [email protected]. |
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