Left to right. Diana Heath Cummings, Lauri Heath Roode and Melinda (Mindy) Heath. Helen Heath is seated. Photograph by Ben Tucker

 

NORWAY — Helen Heath was born 95 years ago, the child of Toivo and Edla Tamlander, grew up in Greenwood City, and has lived in Norway for 75 years. Heath and her late husband raised four children, and have six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Little did anyone know that Heath would have such an impact on the history of the Weary Club, whose doors opened the same year Helen was born.

The Weary Club, located in the middle of Main Street, Norway, and named Weary Club by its charter members is home to self-proclaimed, “Makers and Dealers in cedar shavings, local gossip and Yankee philosophy.”

Heath became one of the first women to be admitted as a member of the Weary Club and the first woman to be a member of the elected Board of Directors. Something of which she and her family are very proud.

Helen’s husband, Clayton (Tim) Heath and his father and both of his grandfathers were members and served since its inception.

Members gathered for the first monthly coffee in June and Helen was honored with a plaque for her service with her three daughters surrounding her, also members. Upon receiving the plaque, Heath regaled the group with humorous remarks.

As she sipped the last of her coffee and took a bite from a donut, she commented, “This place is a very important part of the community and must continue.  More people need to know about the Weary Club.”

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