May is National Historic Preservation month. To celebrate, the Heritage Preservation Society of Putnam County is teaming with organizers of First Friday Greencastle for a joint venture on May 1. In conjunction with offerings in the Courthouse Square area, HPS is aptly sponsoring a renovation-themed event in a recently rehabilitated building nearby.

The Carriage House at 110 S. Vine St. will be the scene of a Preservation Mini-Fair hosted by HPS from 5-8p.m. on Friday, May 1. Originally part of the same property as the historic Dr. Zaring house, this venerable outbuilding will soon be occupied by an incoming tenant. This event, which is free and open to the public, may be the last chance for most to view the interior of this newly restored structure.

The lofty space will be filled with booths featuring local vendors, each highlighting a special topic related to restoration.

Bill Sullivan, owner of the store Vintage on Franklin, will exhibit some of his antique lighting fixtures and show how to rewire them for current use.

The Completely Nuts and Candy Company, which was recently opened by Lynda Dunbar, will have examples of old-fashioned sweets along with historical tidbits. For example, fudge was given to soldiers because it stayed good indefinitely.

Kim and Tim Shinn, who are providing their Carriage House as the venue, will demonstrate window refurbishing and wood floor refinishing. For proof of their great expertise in this area, one need look no farther than the beautifully renovated building itself, along with its immediate neighbors sharing the landmark Zaring compound.

Examples of the equipment used in floor rehabilitation are being provided by Headley’s Hardware, where they are available for rent.

The public is encouraged to bring old pictures to show Lester of Wilson’s Photography Studio. He can detail criteria for determining the age and advise on the restoration prospects of the photos.
An ongoing workshop with historical colors will be presented courtesy of Feld’s. There are overwhelming options when choosing paint, and a color specialist can help customize a palette for specific needs. Whether a home is old or modern, or the emphasis is attention to authentic detail or personal taste, it is possible to craft an appropriate color scheme.

The Putnam County Museum also plans to present related objects from their archives, including antique toys that children will be encouraged to examine up close and handle.

In another historical note, the Carriage House was an early home for a certain Greencastle newspaper. At one time the presses for “The Graphic” were housed in the west end of the now large open room. Special supports for the weight of the machinery are still in place in the basement underneath.