Mildred Vollick received the Special Heritage Achievement Award for her dedication to preserving local history last week.Vollick, a third generation member of a pioneer family, was born in Mission in October 1925. She earned a degree from UBC in 1943 and spent most of her young adult life teaching home economics in Ontario.She moved back to Mission in 1982 and became a busy volunteer in the community. Her work included the Canadian Red Cross and Pleasant View Care Home. For eight years, she also wrote a column in the local newspaper called Pantry Prose, providing recipes and advice on healthy eating.Following in her mother’s footsteps, Vollick also joined the Mission District Historical Society (MDHS) and started a school program which brought history into the classroom. She visited schools dressed in period costumes and brought interesting objects to show students and engage them in discussions about local history.Using her knowledge of the past, she has also done many public presentations. In 1984, Vollick was elected to the MDHS board and has held a position, including president, ever since.Vollick has spearheaded many initiatives within the society, including the establishment of a society budget and the Archives Advisory Committee that drafts guidelines for proper administration and care for archival material. She also helped set up the first Community Heritage Register to identify local landmarks.Vollick is still involved with the society and was awarded a lifetime membership in 2003.

Mission City Record