Madison receives award from Historical Society
The Mississippi Historical Society recognized the City of Madison’s commitment to historic preservation with the Award of Merit at the society’s annual conference last week.
The award was given for the “the installation of 10 markers commemorating significant events in the Madison’s history.”
Alderman Janie Jarvis accepted the honor on behalf of the city during the society’s awards luncheon, thanking the group for the distinction and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History for working with the city on the project.
The 10 historical markets recognize city landmarks that played important roles in Madison’s rise from a small train stop to a growing community over more than 100 years.
Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler said Madison resident Elbert Hilliard, now the director emeritus of the Department of Archives and History, began encouraging the city to reclaim its history 30 years ago through the designation of historical sites.
“Madison has such a rich history, and it is important that we recognize these structures,” the mayor said. “These buildings tell the story of Madison and we need to share these sites with our children and future generations to instill appreciation for our history.”
State officials at the luncheon applauded Madison’s work to spotlight 10 separate sites at the same time through the state department’s historical marker program.
Seven markers are located along Main Street highlighting the history of the city (1856), the Montgomery House (1852), the Curran House (1840), the first water tower (1946), the town mercantile (1890), the old Madison-Ridgeland School (1910) and the school gymnasium (1935-36). The marker at the school will be placed after renovations to the building for the new City Hall are complete later this year.
The three other historical markers highlight the Dorroh Street Historic District (1885-1905), which includes the three houses on what is now Madison Avenue just west of Highway 51; the Strawberry Patch House (1860) by the park on Old Canton Road; and World War II aircraft hangars at Bruce Campbell Field.
Eight of the signs are located on properties that are designated on the National Register of Historic Places.