BAY MINETTE, Alabama -- The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission recently awarded plaques to owners of two historic structures. Rex and Camille Turner were presented the Shield and Banner recognizing the home at 16219 Silverhill Ave. in Silverhill, as a historically significant building.

The circa 1928 house is built in the Craftsman style of architecture. The Turners have lovingly restored the once abandoned home to its original condition. Rex Turner expressed his passion for saving the home; “If it had gone another year, it would probably have deteriorated past the point of no return.”

Also awarded the official Shield and Banner were Joel and Mikeal Donald, to display on their home at 106 White Ave., Fairhope. Mikeal Donald emphasized that the 1940 Cottage home, formerly, the Converse residence, is typical of the style of houses built in old Fairhope, which are rapidly disappearing due to construction of newer homes. Donnie Barrett, director of the

Fairhope Museum of History, interjected that White Avenue is located in the section of the city that was inhabited even before the Single Tax Colony founded Fairhope.

Historic Shield and Banner plaques are granted to buildings in Baldwin County that meet the requirements as set forth in the Historic Development Commission guidelines. In general, a building must be at least 50 years old with the exterior maintained or restored in accordance with an historic architectural appearance of significance. Standards and applications are found at BCHDC.org, or may be requested by email from bchistoricmarkers@gmail.com. The

$150 fee covers the historical verification of the structure’s exterior and the cost of the plaques.

The award consists of two parts: a painted Shield and a Banner, which has the name and vintage date of the property. These shields presented to the most recent recipients are the first to be awarded with the newly adopted official seal of the Baldwin County Commission.

Owners of properties currently displaying the Shield and Banner may request updated ones.

The procedure and cost of replacement of aging or damaged Shields and/or Banners are also noted on the BCHDC website.

The Baldwin County Historic Development Commission is a non-profit county agency created in

1984 by the Baldwin County Commission to preserve and promote historical landmarks within the county, as directed by the County Commissioners.