Jack and Anne Bolte are honored with plaque sponsored by their grandchildren at Catawba Museum at Union Chapel.

Cindy Bolte and her brother, John Henry Bolte, have become the fifth sponsor of a “Window in Time” at the Catawba Island Historical Society’s Museum at Union Chapel. The bronze commemorative plaque placed at the display location they selected will honor their grandparents, Jack and Anne Bolte, and their parents, Gene and Peg Bolte.

The Bolte family first settled in Marblehead in 1903. Jack and Anne (nee Drusbacky) moved from there to Catawba in the late 1930’s when Jack worked for Standard Products. He later opened his own metal stamping company in Port Clinton, while Anne established herself as the first female real estate broker in the state of Ohio. She was affectionately called “Mrs. B” by many of her clients and business associates.

Gene Bolte, the only child of Jack and Anne, followed in his mother’s footsteps. Upon returning from WW II he entered the local real estate business in 1946. He had attended Port Clinton High School where he met his future wife, the former Peg Cooper. Peg stayed at home to raise their two children, Cindy and John Henry, who today live side by side in the Cliffs neighborhood of Catawba.

“My brother and I have wonderful memories of growing up on Catawba Island,” said Cindy Bolte. “We’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but one thing that remains the same is the appreciation people have for what a unique and welcoming environment this is. Our grandparents and parents loved it here. On their behalf, we’re happy our support of the Museum at Union Chapel will help keep the Catawba story alive and available to others.”

The Union Chapel Museum opened in 2018 and is a seasonal attraction run by the Catawba Island Historical Society. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from mid-May to mid-October. There is no charge for admission. Costs are underwritten primarily by membership dues, gifts and grants.

The “Windows in Time” program offers the opportunity to permanently name one of the facility’s 10 most prominent display areas. Half of those locations have already been sponsored for an investment of $10,000 each.

More information about becoming a member of the Historical Society can be obtained by emailing info@catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com, at the organization’s website (www.catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com) or call 419-967-5363.