60 years ago

july 23, 1953

Residents of the former Wren school district (No. 5) went to the polls Tuesday and voted to join with Marion city schools, District No. 1, by a vote of 33 to 23

Eight new stone and concrete picnic table units have been completed near the tennis courts in the south side of Central Park. Just over the hill and down in the “old channel” the area has been cleaned of all trash and rubbish and presents a beautiful shaded spot with clean grounds that have not been used before. This part of the park makes an ideal location for large family picnics. Restrooms, water fountain, benches, swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds are available. It is the perfect spot for picnics.

Ray Kelsey was the victim of an unusual accident Sunday morning. He was mixing fish bait with a paint mixer in a stone jar when the jar exploded. The mixing apparatus caught his sock and kept on spinning. The machine cut an artery, a vein and a nerve. Twenty-seven stitches were required.

Ball fans around Lyons have started calling Ronald Hiebert “Old Satchmo” in recognition of his unbeaten record this year as a relief pitcher with the Lyons “Bee Jays.” The 18-year-old ball player is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Hiebert of Marion. Marion also is getting a lot of publicity since announcers and sports writers usually refer to him as the “Marion right-hander.”