Ada Reporter

MERIDIAN, ID – The historic and recently restored Tolleth Home, located at 134 E. State Street in downtown Meridian, will be receiving an Orchid Award by Preservation Idaho. This award annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have contributed positively to historic preservation in Idaho.
 
The project was nominated for this award by the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission, which works to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations.
 
Meridian Arts and Culture Coordinator Cassandra Schiffler explains, “When we saw the stunning restoration work the owners had done to preserve this historic home, and the tireless effort, devotion, and love they put into it, we knew it deserved a Preservation Idaho award.”
 
The two-story Queen Anne style home, constructed in 1907, is currently owned by Elizabeth Burgess and operates as the Hidden Gem Events. The home, which features a wrap-around porch, narrow shiplap siding, and a unique shape with 13 exterior corners, was originally purchased by local mercantile owners Harry and Della Tolleth, and was thought to possibly be a Sears Robuck and Company mail order kit home. It remained the Tolleth’s home until 1975 and later became a popular antique shop named Something Special Antiques. The house earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. 
 
Elizabeth Burgess purchased the home in October 2019 and, along with her father Tim, assessed the aging home’s needs and began planning its restoration. Their goal was to preserve the home’s historical integrity while ensuring modern comfort and safety. Working alongside teams of skilled professionals, they completely overhauled the home’s electrical system, heating and cooling units, and plumbing. The historic home also received an entirely new shingle roof, fresh paint, and refinishing of its wood floors, baseboards and trim. “It was truly an honor to restore this historical home alongside my dad and family. As a fourth-generation Meridian resident, I deeply appreciate the immense opportunity to have such a beautiful home for the community to enjoy,” says Elizabeth Burgess.

Burgess will be presented with the Tolleth Home’s Orchid Award at Preservation Idaho’s 2023 Orchids and Onions Awards Reception on July 22, 2023 at TRICA in Boise. www.trica.org. Tickets to the event are available and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets and for more information about the Orchid Award recipients and the ceremony visit: https://www.preservationidaho.org/orchids-onions. 

Original source can be found here.