The Monroe County Historical Association has recognized the Polk Township Historical Society for its preservation of the Jonas Bake Oven.

The association will honor the 2015 Historic Preservation Awards winners at its 93rd annual meeting and awards luncheon on Feb. 22 at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort in Shawnee-on-Delaware.Three categories of buildings were judged: Commercial, Non-Profit and Private Residence. The 2015 winners in the three categories are: Commercial Property Weitzmann, Weitzmann & Huffman, Borough of Stroudsburg; Non-Profit The Friendly Community Library, Barrett Township; and the Residential Property "The Drake/Wagner Home on Analomink Street" owned by Brian Crawford and Scott Bartolacci, East Stroudsburg.The Heritage Resource Award will be given to the Polk Township Historical Society in recognition of the preservation of the Jonas Bake Oven.The Polk historical society moved the oven, built in the 1790s, from the Jonas Hotel to the West End Fairgrounds, its new permanent home, in 2010.Since then, the oven has undergone a complete restoration beginning with the building of a permanent structure to house it, replacement of its two chimneys and finally the repair of the baking chamber and installation of the cast-iron oven doors. The oven is open for tours each year during the West End Fair.The doors for the ceremony will open at noon with a silent auction. Donated items include gift baskets, antiques, artwork, collectibles, ornaments, and gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses. Proceeds benefit the historical association.Dr. J. Wayne Heckert, an avid firearms collector, researcher and writer, will present his topic, "The Pennsylvania Long Rifle … Myth and Reality."This presentation will highlight the origins of the Pennsylvania Long Rifle, discussing regional characteristics from Easton to Chambersburg.he Monroe County Historical Association will also present awards for the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Clarence J. Murphy, the 2015 Educator of the Year Award to Irene Duggins of East Stroudsburg Area School District, and the 2015Monroe County Historical Association Volunteerof the Year Award to Ken Sandri.The cost is $35 for MCHA members and $40 for nonmembers.Reservations, with payment, should be made at the Monroe County Historical Association, 900 Main St., Stroudsburg, before Feb. 13. For more information, call 570421-7703 or email

mcha@ptd.net.The mission of the Monroe County Historical Association is to promote, protect and preserve the rich history of Monroe County. Visit the website at

www.monroehistorical.org.