Bio: Olson, Mona (Retirement – 1970)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Olson, Braun, Bartels, Fonstad, Meyers, Jackson, Wallin, Schroeder, Simonson, Robinson, Wagner, Guenther, Lindner

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 16 Apr 1970

Mrs. Mona B. Olson, instructor and librarian at Greenwood (Clark Co., Wis.) High School for 16 years, was the honored guest at her retirement party on Monday, April 13, 1968. Mrs. Olson received a number of awards and gifts during the evening.

Mr. Clayton Braun, chairman of the Greenwood Board of Education, Mr. Kenneth Bartels, Greenwood Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Clifton Fonstad, State Department of Public Instruction and former Suerintendnt ag Greenwood, Mr. Mike Meyers, mathematics instructor at Greenwood, and the teacher who has worked with Mrs. Olson the longest number of years at G.H.S., and Mr. Einar Jackson, custodian at Greenwood and longtime friend of Mrs. Olson, all paid vocal tributes to Mrs. Olson, commenting on her dedication and love for the students at G.H.S.

They were all part of a program presented after the retirement banquet, which was held at the Bali Hai Supper Club in Neillsville. The program was emceed by Mr. Knute Wallin, and included a number of musical selections presented by the "Harmony-Errors," a "musical" group composed of Knute Wallin, Dave Schroeder, Cliff Simonson, and Kay Robinson. All the songs were dedicated to Mrs. Olson and included such numbers as "The Mona B. Hymn" and "All Day, All Night, Mona B."

During the program, Mrs. Olson was made an honorary member of G.H.S. Letterman's Club and awarded a letter for her efforts as a cheerleader for the faculty All-stars. Her retirement gifts, which were presented by Don Wagner, president of the Greenwood Community Education Association, included a pendant watch, a silver coffee service, and a "crying towel." She was also present a portrait of herself, which will be hung in the G.H.S. library as a remembrance of her. The picture was taken by Paul Guenther and framed by Mr. Bartels.

Special guests at the party were Mrs. Olson's husband, Mr. Lionel Olson; Mrs. Olson's son, Cubby Olson; Mrs. Lorena Lindner, Mrs. Olson's landlady here in Greenwood; and Diane Lindner.