There’s more to the story
about chamber of commerce

Mary Ann Timm called the office Friday and told us about her experience as an employee of Marion Chamber of Commerce.

It was 1943 when Mary Ann Barrett, then 19 years old, served as secretary under chamber president Ralph Melton, a local physician.

“The office was in the balcony of Marion Pharmacy,” Timm said. At that time, the pharmacy was owned by pharmacist Everett Phillips and was located at 301 E. Main St., where PLANTations and Zimmerman’s currently are located.

Timm remembered the pharmacy had a soda fountain — serving malts, sodas, and fountain drinks — which was common in that era.

“Customers would pull up to the curb in front (of the pharmacy building) and honk their horns for curb service,” she said. “When they were finished, they’d honk again for someone to get their glasses.”

Annual dues were $300, Timm recalled, and a “good number” of businesses were members.

The chamber office was open every day but Timm believes she only worked part of the day.

“I would go around to the businesses to collect dues and visit,” the 85-year-old Marion resident said. “I really enjoyed it.”

Timm was also the first princess for Marion’s centennial in 1961.