Hamlet museum, restoration effort receive award

Photo by Ken Taylor | Wildlife Images

HAMLET — The city of Hamlet and the North Carolina Department of Transportation proudly announce that the Tornado Building-Antique Vehicle Museum and the restoration of the historic 1892 replica of the Tornado steam locomotive were the recipient of a 2014 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit.

The distinguished award was given by Preservation North Carolina in recognition of the Tornado Building’s historic preservation accomplishment. The Merit Award was presented during Preservation North Carolina’s Annual Conference held on Oct. 10 at the Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh.

The Gertrude S. Carraway Awards of Merit are named in honor of the late Dr. Gertrude S. Carraway, a noted New Bern historian and preservationist.

These Awards of Merit give deserved recognition to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated a genuine commitment to historic preservation through extraordinary leadership, research, philanthropy, promotion, and/or significant participation in preservation. A maximum of twelve awards are given each year and have been presented since 1974.

The Firm of David E. Gall, Architect, PA of Winston Salem  led the design and extensive renovation of the Tornado Building, completing the project in October 2009.

Photo by Ken Taylor | Wildlife Images

The Tornado Building-Antique Vehicle Museum is a part of the Hamlet Depot & Museum Complex located at 2 W. Main St., Hamlet. The museum houses several antique vehicle exhibits, including the restored Tornado locomotive, a Model-T Ford, a Model-A Ford, and two historic fire trucks owned by the city of Hamlet. Museum hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Group tours may be scheduled by calling 910- 582-0603. Museum admissions are free.

The city of Hamlet and the North Carolina Department of Transportation sincerely thank Preservation North Carolina for being selected as a recipient of a 2014 Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit, and hereby notes that both are honored to have been chosen for such a notable preservation achievement.