50 years ago

july 6, 1961

The first of several colorful and historic “promenades” by men and women supporters of the Marion Old Settlers Centennial Celebration will be held this Saturday evening on Marion’s Main Street. The promenade in costume, led by a pep band unit, will go up and down the street and in and out of the stores, for a dual purpose — to show off the dresses, the costumes, and the beards, and to help generate enthusiasm of the upcoming 4-day celebration.

The Marion City Commission this week joins in the Centennial atmosphere and is pictured posing for a portrait. Commissioners include Mayor Ira Newcomer, Finance Commissioner Earl Kreuter, Utilities Commissioner Paul Keazer, Jay E. Hargett, city attorney, and Wm. E. Duvall, city treasurer.

Maurice Allen, Myron Frans, Kenneth Hoffman, and John Winchester are attending Camp Webster this week. Rev. Jim Cox is business manager of the camp. The Marion church has sent 21 to the camp this year.

For those who wish to test their nerve and equilibrium, the newspaper calls attention to two men pictured painting the dials on the courthouse clock. A thin rope is tied around the steeple, about waist high, to remind Steve Jost and Don Herbel not to take an extra step to the rear while completing the painting job.

The playground at the new Marion Elementary School is getting a good soaking these days, to sprout the Bermuda seed that has been planted. The seed is being constantly watered by a farm-style irrigation system rented for the purpose.