Ed. note: A Magnolia resident who has spent countless hours researching and writing about local history was named 'Magnolia Historical Person of the Year' last week.
Hall Will was presented the prestigious award by the Magnolia Historical Society at the group's fourth anniversary year-end meeting on Thursday.
The following is an edited transcript of the award presentation delivered at the meeting by Magnolia Historical Society president Monica Wooten.
Will was born in 1926. Along with his family, he became a Magnolia resident in 1929. Will attended Magnolia School and Queen Anne High, where he had many Magnolia 'memories and milestones' during those times - you can read about some of them in his trestle article 'My Paper Route at the Pier' as well as 'Dumb Stunts' in the book 'Magnolia: Memories and Milestones.'
Will's work on Magnolia history centers around that book. He was a prolific writer for the volume and his article "Dumb Stunts" never fails to be mentioned in a review of the book. As Magnolia historian Paul Dorpat said, that article "alone is worth the price on the cover of the collection."
Will has an extensive background in maritime history; he also has logged many volunteer hours working on numerous publications of historical work, most notably as the first editor of the publication 'Sea Chest.' He was the main archivist for the Maritime picture collection of Joe Williamson, more than 30,000 images he spear-headed in the archiving at the Museum of History and Industry.
Will also has worked many years with both historical and non-historical aspects of the Queen Anne Alumni Association.
As project manager for the Magnolia history book - and I am sure I speak for many of the team members - Hal was a delight to work with, providing shelter and sustenance for me while I worked on the book and going home would be no respite.
Will was full of good ideas: the centerfold 1936 Magnolia map was his idea (and he paid for two of six expensive sections). He was my constant companion during trips to the local archives, always searching out new Magnolia images and providing some from his private photo collection as well (like the back cover, which we chose to use and which was a complete surprise to him).
Will could argue points and point out what he wanted eloquently.
Yet for me his most generous contribution - which made the volume professional, complete and accessible - was his offer to do the index when it looked like we would not get that accomplished. It was a big job, and critical for the type of book we sought to produce. Will had it covered, and to this day when I need to look something up, his index has never failed in aiding me in my quest.
Will helped set the high standard for 'Magnolia: Memories and Milestones' with his photography, research, interviewing, writing, picture gathering, index as well as his generosity to work on everything that needed doing.
He still carries in his mind many Magnolia memories and milestones. Someday we hope to get him to share again.
Will always has a story to share, a picture to show and miscellaneous gems of Magnolia history to contribute to the archive - such as his list of who was in the village in 1939. For his work on Volume One and his continued interest in Magnolia history, Hal Will is a most deserving recipient of the 2004 outstanding Magnolia Historical Person of the Year.
Monica Wooten is a member of the Magnolia Historical Society.
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