125 years ago

february 19, 1892

During the cold snap in January, when the ice was about a foot thick, a great epidemic of skating fever broke out in the community. Nearly everybody wanted skates. The dealers “ran out,” and took scores of orders.

The grippe victims are generally better.

Dr. Earp spent last Sunday in St. John, the county seat of Stafford county. He was invited by the pastor of the Methodist church and the official board to assist in raising a church debt of $500. The effort was entirely successful—further evidence of the returning prosperity of the State.

Mr. William Gibson, a newcomer to Marion, and a brother of our fellow citizen, Mr. O.G. Gibson, the tinner, has become a partner with Mr. Pierce in the flour and feed store.

A public school entertainment will be given by the pupils of the High School, at their school room, next Saturday evening, beginning at eight o’clock. An interesting programme has been arranged, which we believe will be pleasing to all who may attend. The proceeds will be applied to purchasing books and apparatus. Admission, 10 cents.

The weather, which had been for weeks, May-like in character, suddenly changed Wednesday night. The change was preceded by loud thunder and vivid lightning, followed by hail and sleet. The sleet remains, but it is not cold.