Historic Rugby Volunteers win ETHS Award of Excellence

Rugby, Tennessee: Historic Rugby Printing Works volunteers Pete Merrill and Julian Bankston have been recognized for their restoration of the Print Shop by the East Tennessee Historical Society in Knoxville, TN. In 2017, the Printing Works was damaged by a lightning strike and that tragic event marked a push to renovate the building and improve visitor experience by increasing the interpretation of the building.

Following the 2017 fire, Julian Bankston spearheaded fundraising for buildings materials which included chimney work, window and siding repair, and a fresh coat of paint. Bankston used his knowledge of woodworking to replace and repair several doors on the aging structure. Pete Merrill has spent time expanding the interpretation of the structure for school groups, visitors, and families who come to the village. He demonstrates how to use the Chandler-Price job press for visitors while he creates bookmarks, envelopes, postcards, signs, and other pieces that are used throughout the village. Both Merrill and Bankston have trained volunteers to operate the print shop. Under their guidance, the print shop is open every weekend during Historic Rugby’s season and has become one of the village’s most popular buildings.

The ceremony at the East Tennessee History Center to recognize the award of excellence winners will take place virtually sometime in January or February because of COVID-19. Please join us in congratulating Julian Bankston and Pete Merrill on their accomplishment.

The ceremony at the East Tennessee History Center to recognize the award of excellence winners will take place virtually sometime in January or February because of COVID-19. Please join us in congratulating Julian Bankston and Pete Merrill on their accomplishment. This article was a News Released published by Historic Rugby

www.historicrugby.org