Cheboygan may not be the city it is today without the work of Ellis Olson.
Olson, 78, was recognized by the city for his work on Saturday.
He helped created the first Cheboygan historical museum, served on the city council for 16 years and was mayor for five years.
He said he wore many hats - while also teaching junior high.
“Put in new sewer, built a new wastewater treatment plant, rebuilt the city hall opera house, put in a new water system, updated our record keeping to computer bookkeeping.”
Olson doesn’t take all the credit for his projects.
“None of these projects ever got done by me alone, I had cooperation so when I say rebuilding the city opera house, I was the mayor, but the council people had input too. Building the first free museum, I just acquired a room from the board of education and I took artifacts around here and some I gathered and set up the museum.”
Olson said he’s humbled by the recognition from Cheboygan, and is proud of where the city is today.