Bio: Wollum, Henry (50 Year Masonry Honor - 1963)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wollum, Haire, Scharer, Sabol, Burhop, Fumer, Rinehard, Westendorf, Claybaugh

----Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 07/04/1963

Wollum, Henry (50 year Masonry pin - 29 JUN 1963)

There’s an old adage that it only happens once in a lifetime.

Henry M. Wollum of Owen (Clark Co., Wis.) will attest to that.

The reason being, Henry experienced the thrill of his life, and unexpectedly, when he was honored by fellow brethren and guests of Owen Masonic Lodge No. 317 F. & A.M. at a recognition party of 50 years of Masonry tendered him by committee members of his home lodge.

The occasion was Saturday night when more than 125 masons and guests feted him at a celebration dinner held at the Meadowview County Club.

Evidence of the fool proof planning were the misty eyes of H.M. Wollum as he and his wife, and their escorts, G.R. Scharer and his wife, entered the clubhouse filled with associates of business and friendship over a lifespan of years for many people.

It was then that he realized he was the honored guest.

W. "Rol" Haire, serving as "Master of Ceremonies," recalled the many commendable contributions Henry Wollum has made to Owen and the surrounding area.  He pointed out that he first came here in the interest of the pear canning industry, after an extended career as a banker in Eau Claire.  He then, too, served as business manager of the present day Master Package Corp.  His civic interest extended to the state and county levels, on Chamber of Commerce levels, plus being active in county politics, having served as a supervisor from the City of Owen and as County Chairman of the Clark County Republican Party.  Throughout his active business career he gave unstingily of his time with statewide efforts on the board of directors of the state Chamber of Commerce and the canners association.

Sharing with him in the proceedings of Saturday night’s activities were his wife, two sons, William and family of Eagle River, Marvin and wife of York, Pa., and daughter, Mrs. Judy Sabol of Itaska, Ill.

Henry and his wife had been enticed to a "night out" with G.R. Scharer and wife, supposedly being hosts of a dinner party at the Sky Club at Thorp.

In his response Henry admitted that G.R. had allowed him two martinis before dinner but as they approached the county club reasoned that they might stop there for one beverage.  Henry admitted her submitted to the suggestion but still adhered to the fact that two martinis would be enough, one at Owen and one at Thorp.

It wasn’t until he walked into the club house proper and saw all his old cronies of "yester year" from Eau Claire, with whom he was associated many years ago in banking and Masonic circles that he realized his import ot the evening.

Master of ceremony, W. "Rol" Haire, recalled many of his memorable contributions to the community since coming here in 1915.

Highlighted in his illustrious background is the fact that he was raised in Masonry on June 4, 1913, and more important is the fact that he is the only remaining charter member of the Owen Masonic Lodge.  Haire also pointed out that Wollum has served as county chairman of the Clark County Republican Club, plus being active in many Owen business and civic ventures, and above all hold the distinction of being the first advocate of football in the high school system man years ago.

In recognition of his 50 years of service to the Masonic order, having served as Worshipful Master of the Owen Lodge from 1941 - 1942, Burton E. Fumer. Past Grand Master of the State Lodge presented him with a 50-year certificate, and Louis Burhop, Worshipful Master of the Owen Lodge, presented him with a 50-year pin.

Circuit Judge Clarence E. Rinehard of Chippewa Falls gave the principal address saying, "We honor this man on the standards we advocate."

Throughout the program a musical interlude of organ music was rendered by Jane Westendorf.

The invocation and benediction were given by Rev. Ralph Claybaugh, pastor of the First Congregational Church, of which H.M. Wollum is a charter member.