By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Museum of History honored the community’s history makers for the seventh year Thursday night, and the latest honorees included a local broadcasting legend and a former Twin-Cities mayor.
Don Munson hosted WJBC’s Morning Show for 35 years, and in doing so shared his passion for history. Munson said he learned a lot from co-hosting along with local historian Greg Koos a program called “History You Can See.”
“He took me to all these sites and told me why they were important and how they are related to other things,” said Munson.
“I just really enjoyed it, and apparently listeners did too.”
Munson said he felt sheepish receiving the accolades, saying he didn’t make history, but he reported on those who did. Among them was former Normal Mayor Paul Harmon.
“It was very flattering, and it was nice to have people indicate why they think that you’ve done something of value with regard to them,” said Harmon.
His wife, Sandra Harmon, was honored for her accomplishments, which include establishing a women’s studies program at Illinois State University, at the urging of then-History Department Chairman Earl Reitan.
Reitan’s wife, the late Mayor Carol Reitan, encouraged Harmon to enter politics.
Still, Harmon said he and his wife had their own careers.
“We both worked in different areas. I was more public, but we’ve also done a lot of stuff together with regard to the arts, and Shakespeare, and that sort of thing,” the former mayor said.
Also recognized was local union leader, volunteer, and job retraining specialist Ronn Morehead. He is one of the founders of YouthBuild of McLean County.
About 530 people attended Thursday night’s history makers gala, which is a history museum fundraiser.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
