Remembering the historian
Elmer Bessonen, Karen Lindquist and Charles Lindquist — all board members of the Delta County Historical Society at the time — pose for a photo in 2019 ahead of a historical conference in Escanaba. The local historical society is holding a celebration of life for the late Charles on Friday. (Daily Press file)
One of Charles Lindquist's books in the reference section of the Escanaba Public Library bears a note from the author: "Thank you for your support."
In June 2024, the Daily Press recognized Charles Lindquist for his volunteer work. (File)
Charles Lindquist presents to an audience at Bay College about Solomon Greenhoot and other early Escanabans during the 2025 Winter Outreach Series coordinated by the Delta County Historical Society. (Daily Press file)
Elmer Bessonen, Karen Lindquist and Charles Lindquist — all board members of the Delta County Historical Society at the time — pose for a photo in 2019 ahead of a historical conference in Escanaba. The local historical society is holding a celebration of life for the late Charles on Friday. (Daily Press file)
One of Charles Lindquist's books in the reference section of the Escanaba Public Library bears a note from the author: "Thank you for your support."
In June 2024, the Daily Press recognized Charles Lindquist for his volunteer work. (File)
Charles Lindquist presents to an audience at Bay College about Solomon Greenhoot and other early Escanabans during the 2025 Winter Outreach Series coordinated by the Delta County Historical Society. (Daily Press file)
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ESCANABA -- The public will have the chance to honor the memory of Charles Lindquist at the Delta County Historical Society on Friday.
Lindquist, a respected figure in Escanaba and elsewhere for his work in historical study, preservation and education, died at the age of 87 at his home two weeks ago after a brief illness.
Many know Lindquist and his wife, the former Karen Strom, from the Delta County Historical Society. Charles was the longtime president, while Karen serves as the head archivist.
Originally from Manistique but raised primarily in Escanaba -- where he graduated high school in 1957 -- Lindquist went on to attend University of Michigan and earn a bachelor’s degree in history, then progressed to secure a master’s from the University of Wisconsin and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.
Charles and Karen were wedded in 1964.
Charles taught at Adrian College before becoming curator of the Lenawee County Historical Society Museum in Adrian.
“He literally turned nothing into something in the creation of a vibrant museum,” wrote Keith Dersham, a former president of Lenawee Historical Society, in an online tribute recently. “I can attest to Charles' lasting impact on its existence. …His engaging personality and passion for telling history combined to make LHS a local institution.”
Upon retiring, the Lindquists returned to their hometown of Escanaba, where they helped make the Delta County Historical Society, which was founded in 1948, what it is today.
Charles’s oversight guided the building of a new facility to house the society’s museum and archives. He repeatedly gave presentations on local history, tours of the museum, and helped educate area youth.
His books, “Boats on the Bays de Noc,” along with “Pioneer Escanaba: 1863 to 1883” and “History of Escanaba, 1884 to 1914: The Golden Years of Growth” show his devotion to studying and sharing the stories of the region’s past with all.
Tom Faulhaber, who knew Lindquist from Lenawee, wrote: “When one thinks about the attributes needed to be the perfect museum curator, Charles would be the ultimate. He even had the perfect look for his role.”
Tomorrow, all are welcome to honor the celebrate the historian’s life from 1:00 to 3:45 p.m. at the Delta County Historical Society Museum at 16 Water Plant Rd. in Escanaba.