'Lewiston Jeopardy': Frontier House revival is focus of this year's history awards

Historical Association of Lewiston Press Release

The revival and restoration of Lewiston’s iconic landmark, the Frontier House, is the focus of this year’s awards, which will be presented by the Historical Association at the annual “Lewiston Jeopardy” fundraiser.

The event, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Brickyard Brewing Company on Center Street, is open to the public. Reservations can be made for a donation of $45 per person, payable to the Historical Association of Lewiston, PO Box 43, Lewiston, NY 14092; or by calling the Lewiston Museum at 716-754-4214.

“The ongoing restoration of the Frontier House is the single most important local preservation effort in the past 60 years, since the Frontier House was saved from demolition in 1963 by developer James Russell Smith,” said Ken Slaugenhoupt, HAL president. “We are grateful for all of the stakeholders who came to the rescue to preserve the Frontier House for the next 200 years.”

Former Mayor Terry Collesano will receive the Benjamin Barton Leadership Award for leading the village’s successful effort to purchase the Frontier House in 2018. The Friends of History Award will be presented to his 2018 Village Board colleagues, Victor Eydt, Dan Gibson, Nick Conde and posthumously to Bruce Sutherland, who, despite opposition, persevered and supported the village’s purchase, clearing the way to find a private developer to resurrect Lewiston’s “crown jewel.”

The Calvin Hotchkiss Victory Award will be given to Mayor Anne Welch for her successful efforts in recruiting a private developer who would take over the purchase agreement and invest the funds necessary to restore the Frontier House and keep it on the tax rolls.

The Josiah Tryon Achievement Award will be presented to Village of Lewiston counsel Joseph Leone Jr., who provided remarkable legal work during the complicated negotiations to acquire and transfer the Frontier House property.

“He was the right person, at the right time, with the right skills, to guide the process,” Slaugenhoupt said.

The Business of the Year award will be bestowed upon 4600 LLC Group, the group of private developers and investors led by William Paladino, along with Lewiston residents Jeffrey and Jerry Williams, and William Game, who are reviving the Frontier House to its former glory.

Village Historian Russell Piper will be the recipient of the Bruce Sutherland Outstanding Contribution Award for his stewardship of the Village of Lewiston cemetery located next to the First Presbyterian Church.

Historical Association of Lewiston board member Jeffrey Streb will be honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award for his leadership in completing the most successful membership campaign ever conducted by the nonprofit group. His effort saw a 40% increase in annual memberships.

“This is wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and recognize and thank each of our award-winners for a job well done,” Slaugenhoupt said. “Lewiston’s historical resources make up the core and soul of our local culture, and protecting them is our top priority. We congratulate one and all for preserving and promoting Lewiston’s valued legacy and rich heritage."