Woodford County Historical Society awards Tipsword, Anderson for preservation efforts

EUREKA — The Woodford County Historical Society presented awards to Dennis Tipsword of Metamora and Carol Anderson of Eureka during its meeting on Nov. 14.

Tipsword, who is chief deputy sheriff of Woodford County as well an elected representative for Illinois House District 105, received the society's inaugural Historical Preservation Award for his work in restoring the Woodford County Courthouse, according to a news release.

The work included removing wood paneling, plastering walls, and revealing and restoring original murals in the courtroom that had been covered by wood paneling for decades, among other projects.

The society created the annual award this year to recognize individuals and businesses that demonstrate outstanding efforts to restore and preserve the architecture of structures in Woodford County, according to society president Beth Miller of El Paso.

"Saving these structures helps future generations appreciate the beauty and significance of our history and the vision of our predecessors as well as leaving a visible and lasting record of the periods in which they were constructed," Miller stated in the news release.

Additionally, the Historical Society gave its James L. Fyke Service Award to Carol Anderson for her many volunteer hours, according to society vice president Karen Fyke.

"Carol is a wonderful resource for historical and genealogical research, and she has written two books that provide in-depth information about buildings and families in Eureka," Fyke stated.

The award was established by Fyke in memory of her husband, who was president of the Woodford County Historical Society for more than 10 years. He died in 2013. The award honors an individual who has been exceptionally helpful to the society, the news release said.

Membership in the society is open to anyone. For information, email Miller at .

Contact Robyn Skaggs at or 309-820-3244.

Regional Content Editor