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Editor:
To be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior, should be a matter of pride, not only for the history that has passed through it, but respect for how it was built and maintaining its original architecture.
The Courthouse Inn in Lisbon is listed on the National Register as Ohio's Oldest Brick Building. When it was restored, the government's guidelines for exterior restoration were followed. If you question those guidelines, take a good look at how exquisite it is. How could it have been done better?
Once listed, grants or low-cost loans are available through the Department of the Interior for restoration. People who say, "The government isn't telling me what to do" have not read those guidelines before making such a statement. It is no different than borrowing money from a financial institution and them wanting to know what you are doing with it.
Grants you don't repay, and low-cost loans … are low-cost loans. Any financial institution would be foolish to hand out money, no questions asked, or no forms to fill out.
Any property worthy of being listed should beam with pride. It is a wonderful distinction, and those with the wisdom would want it correct. And please take a look at it being done correctly.
Stevie Halverstadt
Lisbon