BURSON, CA – January 14, 2013 - The Society for the Preservation of West Calaveras History (SPWCH) reinstituted its Pioneer Award, honoring individuals who have contributed to the preservation of local history, with a presentation on Sunday, January 13th, to 2013 recipient Mervyn Kirk. Kirk accepted The Richard Taylor Pioneer Award, with its accompanying ceremonial railroad spike, at the Stone Corral Community Church, whose history he was helped preserve. Kirk, who lives in Acampo, has also done valuable research regarding the Kirk Family, early pioneers in West Calaveras, and helps maintain the Kirk Cemetery. The original Pioneer Award was presented in 2008 to Tom Duke of Valley Springs but has not been awarded since.; Now renamed to honor a founding director of the SPWCH who passed away last year, the SPWCH will present The Richard Taylor Pioneer Award annually.