There was a lot of history in the personage of the four who attended a party thrown in their honor at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery last week. The four, along with Dean Einwalter, who couldn’t attend, have more than 100 years of service serving on the Cook County Historical Society board of directors. Trying as hard as they can to avoid looking at the beautifully decorated cake are, from L-R: Alta McQuatters, Wayne Anderson, Leonard Sobanja, and Eleanor Waha. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
In a historic, sweet moment, Eleanor Waha, age 95, Leonard Sobanja, 94, Wayne Anderson, 87, and Alta McQuatters, 75, were given honorary lifetime membership to the Cook County Historical Society by the Cook County Historical Society board.
A small afternoon party was held for the four of them on Thursday, April 18, with a cake and coffee served at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.
Also noted but not present was Dean Einwalter, who served 29 years on the Cook County Historical Society board. Dean is leaving the board with Eleanor Waha, Leonard Sobanja, and Wayne Anderson.
Each has a long list of service to the county. Eleanor Waha said she started volunteering for the Cook County Historical Society in 1953 when she returned from Alaska. As for her time serving as a board member, the best records indicate that Eleanor has served 28 years in a variety of board member positions.
Leonard Sobanja said he couldn’t remember how many years he was on the board and neither could Wayne Anderson, who replied, “I lost track of that.”
Cook County Historical Society director Carrie Johnson said a “best guess” for Wayne Anderson was 17 years and 21 years for Leonard Sobanja.
For Alta, she has 20 years and counting. “I still have a couple of years on the board.” During her time to date, Alta has served as president a couple of time, treasurer, secretary and, “trouble maker,” she laughed. She has taken a strong interest in the county’s cemeteries and making sure names are found for unmarked graves.
“This is a nice opportunity to express that since we are losing these important folks – that we are seeking board members,” said Johnson.
Before the cake was served Ivy Hocking, the current Cook County Historical Society president, thanked the four for their many years of exemplary volunteer service to the Historical Society board. Then it was time for cake and coffee and a chance to reminisce with four folks who will be long remembered for their part in preserving the past while the future marches steadily forward.
The Cook County Historical Society operates five buildings largely with the help of volunteers; the buildings are the Historical Society Museum which is headquartered in the former lighthouse keeper’s house downtown Grand Marais; Bill Bally Blacksmith Shop; St. Francis Xavier Chippewa City Church; the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery; and a 1930s fish house replica located in the recreation park with a 35-foot fishing tug NeeGee located next to it.
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