ST. MARYS — The Auglaize County Historical Society has announced more winners for its May Photography Competition, presented in conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month. The competition encouraged local residents to ‘”look to history for courage, comfort, and inspiration, ” the 2020 theme developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Historical Society invited current and former Auglaize County residents to celebrate historic preservation by taking pictures of their favorite old Auglaize County buildings and structures. Prizes were awarded in several categories, and include restaurant gift cards, museum passes, travel coffee mugs, books, and more.
Diane Gast, of New Bremen, won first prize in the category of “building in its entirety” for her image of Monroe Street in New Bremen. The judges noted that this photo “did justice to the lovely, restored buildings in downtown New Bremen. It was deemed a winner because the photo certainly allowed the contrasting decorative elements of the buildings to shine. “
In the category of a building that provides “courage, comfort, and inspiration,” John Wehner, of Wapakoneta, won with his image of the 1885 Wapakoneta Fire Station at dusk.
“The photograph of the Wapakoneta Fire Station certainly represents courage and the warm lighting gives it the glow of comfort that is probably felt by those in need of their services,” the judges said.
One judge also mentioned that she felt it “was inspirational that such a historic building was still being used for its original purpose.”
Founded in 1963, the Auglaize County Historical Society collects, preserves, interprets, and shares the history of Auglaize County and its people through exhibits, programs, and publications.
For more information about this event or the Auglaize County Historical Society, contact [email protected] or 419-738-9328.
