60 years ago

december 16, 1948

While the new U.S.-77 cutoff highway from the 3-mile corner east of Marion to the junction just west of Florence has not been officially opened to through traffic, the road is open now for local use during good weather. Outstanding feature along this fine new stretch of road is the bridge across the Cottonwood, just north of Florence. It is the first completed all-welded bridge in the state.

Jack Seaton, who recently joined with Leslie Ollenberger at the Marion Electric Sop, has purchased a half-interest in the business, the two men announce this week. They will continue to operate at present, doing electrical wiring and plumbing work.

O.W. “Gus” Newlon, popular manager of the local Duckwall’s store, was elected to head the Marion Chamber of Commerce for 1949 at the regular meeting Dec. 14.

A familiar sight will be missing from Marion’s streets, now that Nodie Baker has retired his Model “T” Ford pickup. After 22 years of shaking hands with the little truck each morning to get it started, Mr. Baker has decided to turn the Ford out to pasture and let it pass the rest of its years in peace. He has purchased a Model “A” Ford pickup and will use it as his paint wagon. The day of the Model “T” has passed.

Military funeral services were conducted Thursday at Leavenworth for Pvt. Bob C. Mott, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Mott, formerly of Marion. This fine boy, who attended school in Marion for a number of years and graduated here with the class of 1943, was killed in action in Belgium early in 1945.