Lori Letterhos joins historical society staff
Submitted by CATAWBA ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Catawba native Lori Letterhos has joined the Island’s newly formed Historical Society as Membership and Administrative Secretary. Her primary responsibilities will be keeping track of and communicating with the organization’s constituency which already numbers close to 200 individuals, families, businesses and others interested in preserving local heritage.
After graduating from Port Clinton High School, Letterhos attended Firelands College, Bowling Green State University, and Owen’s Technical College where she majored in Computer Science. She worked in Information Technology for EDS, Gale Group, and Hewlett Packard in Michigan, California, Oregon and Washington before coming home in 2009 to be closer to family.
Since returning to Catawba she has worked as an independent computer consultant and taught computer skills classes at Terra State Community College. Intent on “just being useful”, she has also kept busy as a pet-sitter, gardener, and Uber driver.
“I grew up on Catawba surrounded by the Rofkar apple and peach orchards”, Letterhos remembers fondly. “As kids, we explored the orchards, caves and shorelines of the Island. Sharing those memories with future generations is important. I think I can help do that in this new Historical Society position.”
The Historical Society opened a museum in the 140-year-old Union Chapel at the north end of Catawba Island early this summer. Since beginning operation in mid-June more than 450 visitors have stopped to see its inaugural presentation on the area’s Ice Harvesting industry.
Connie Batterton, Museum Curator, notes that, “The Museum does not charge an admission fee. Our basic operating costs are covered by Catawba Island Township. However, we depend upon the sale of Historical Society memberships to underwrite the substantial cost of mounting displays and exhibits. Lori’s computer skills will help us keep our members informed, involved and interested in supporting our mission.”
Catawba Museum at Union Chapel will be open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month through October. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more, including about membership opportunities, at catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com.
