More than 100 people turned out on Wednesday, March 17th at the historic Taft Pioneer Mercantile building for the city's dedication of the old two story structure that was almost torn down in 2005.
Gary Joyce of Joyce properties accepted a beautiful bronze plague from Taft Mayor Dave Noerr that listed the brick building No. 1 on the city's register of historic buildings.
Also on hand for the dedication of the building was City Manager Bob Gorson, Councilman Randy Miller, Taft Chamber Director Fred Schell, historian Larry Peahl, Oildordo President Eric Cooper as well as representatives from Assemblywoman Gene Fuller and Kern County Supervisor Ray Watson.
"This is a great day for Taft," said Joyce who had worked for nearly five years to restore the old hardware store that was built in 1926.
In 2005, when Joyce first discovered the building, which was then owned by the Taft Lions Club, he decided that he wanted to purchase the building and restore it to its original state.
"Councilman Craig Noble helped me make contact with the Taft Lions to see if they would allow me to purchase and restore the building," Joyce said.
"Councilman Noble brought us together and the Lions asked only that I promise to save and restore the building," Joyce said. "I have kept my promise."
Mayor Dave Noerr read a resolution and presented Joyce with the plaque that will be mounted on the outside 5th Street entrance of the building.
Below is the text of the resolution:

Taft's No. 1 Registered Historic Building Dedication

WHEREAS, The Taft Historic Preservation Plan, adopted by
Taft City Council resolution, has identified the Pioneer Mercantile
Building as not only a Qualified Historic Structure due to its
original architecture and historical uses of the building, but has
also recognized it as Building No. 1 on the Taft Register of Historic Buildings; and
WHEREAS, The Pioneer Mercantile Building, built in 1926 is an
xcellent example of late 19th Century Revival Architecture with its solid brick masonry, large corbelled arched windows and doors, and handmade decorative wood moldings; and
WHEREAS, The building had many historical business and social uses; the local chapter of the Elks Lodge moved into the second floor of the Pioneer Mercantile Building in October of 1926 and later shared this space with a local dance instructor who taught young boys & girls the art of dance. The second floor was also home to a beautiful ballroom with a large centerpiece chandelier, and it was a place where local clubs and social organizations often enjoyed banquets and dances from the 1920's and beyond; and
WHEREAS, The Pioneer Mercantile Building is being restored with many original features including wood floors and stairs, light fixtures, interior decorative framing and brass fixtures, and will once again be a beautiful place for the citizens of Taft to visit and it will provide a venue for the community to enjoy many opportunities for cultural and artistic enrichment.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Taft recognizes the important historical role the Pioneer Mercantile Building has played in the history of Taft and encourages the community to participate in the celebration of this Registered Historic Building No. 1, on March 17, 2010.