How gratifying it was to meet at the Preston Academy for a review of the work you have completed in Phase III of our rehabilitation. When we began our efforts in 1996 to save the Preston Academy for use as a family and local history center, architectural drawings gave us a conception of what it would look like when finished. Walking through these rooms now gives one a profound sense of what it was like to attend school there in the 1840’s. As our architects confirmed, the quality of your work has been excellent. This structure has a fine presence.

This leg of the journey toward rehabilitation has been challenging. Our Board of Director’s commend you, Sam. In the face of unforeseen and unforeseeable structural problems, you have been a steady problem-solver. When we didn’t want a contemporary fixture in the bathroom, but couldn’t afford a vintage sink, you designed and built one for us. Through it all, you have been cheerful, positive and encouraging. You are, indeed, a rare find and it is our pleasure to work with you. The Preston Academy is indebted to many wonderful individuals who have supported this project over the years, but to none more so than to you. Your remarkable, unsolicited gift to us of deconstructing and then reconstructing Room 204, finds us with no words to properly express our gratitude. As a symbol of our appreciation, the Board of Directors, in recognition of your generosity and fine craftsmanship, will name Room 204 the Sam Proctor Room. Thank you, Sam. You have our best wishes for your continued success.