50 years ago
SEPTEMBER 23, 1954
An explosion followed by small flash fires caused considerable damage to classrooms in the Tabor College admission building early Tuesday evening. Miraculously no one was seriously injured, although the loss was estimated by H.H. Dick, Tabor business manager, at about $2,300. The explosion is believed to be caused by a spark from an electric light switch igniting accumulated gas from a natural gas line leak.
Announcement is made this week of the purchase of the Wheeler building at the corner of Third and Main by the Marion Theatres, Inc., owners of Kaw Theatre.
Featured speaker at this year's Old Settlers' Day is Harry K. Rogers, Chicago, former well-known Marion man who for years toured the country under the auspices of the Fire Underwriters Association, presenting a program to thousands of school children in the character of "Smoky, the Fire Clown."
A.J. Sparks slipped on a smooth rock while watering flowers in the yard at the Elgin Hotel breaking his left wrist. The arm is in a cast and Mr. Sparks is getting along well.
Miss Florence Costello, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Costello, Tampa, was one of 14 dietitians honored at a dinner held recently at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Minn. The dinner and exercises following it marked the completion of a year's internship in hospital dietetics for the young women.
C.H. Mullen, local agent for the Equitable Insurance Company, is wearing a handsome Hamilton wrist watch recently awarded him by his company. Mullen was one of three honored for having represented the company for at least 15 years and for having written a minimum of two million dollars worth of insurance.
Capt. John R. Wheeler, riding a 17-year-old Army horse which was taken in Italy, took top honors at the Oak Brook Riding Club trials Sunday at Chicago. He also heads the five man equestrian squad, three of whom will represent the United States from Marion in Mexico City at the Pan American Horse Show.
