Three members were recognized by the Iola Historical Society (IHS) at its annual holiday party on Monday, Dec. 5.
Donna Hooker received the Volunteer of the Year award, and Phyllis Morris was named Docent of the Year. They received the honors for their various contributions to the historical society.
Cliff Mishler, IHS acting president, presented a gift to retired president Lyle Mork. The painting, by local artist Gordon Olson, depicts the lifetime journey of Lyle and his wife, Nellie, from their marriage to their retirement.
Mork was named IHS president in 2006 and recently retired after five “expansion-focused” years.” He was instrumental in helping the historical society build a replica of Iola’s first firehouse, organize a collection of Indian artifacts, plus collect and document several historical photos and other documents.
“Lyle was a real worker as far as the fire house. He is a person who gets things done, “Mishler said. “Over the years, Lyle has identified what needed to be done, and he got it done. We really owe him a debt of thanks.”
Tom and Melody Fucik, owners of the Iola Mills, presented a plaque to commemorate Bob Strand (1928-2011), past owner of the historic building
“We are living what Bob and his wife, Stella, went through,” Tom Fucik said. “We understand their passion to save this mill. Without them, the mill and other local artifacts would have been lost forever.”
The plaque will be hung in the Iola Mills.