History of Old Settlers Day
Old Settlers Day is as rich in tradition and as filled with constant change and progress as the years past which it honors. Indeed, it is the careful blending of tradition with innovation which makes Old Settlers day the best annual celebration in Central Kansas.
Always county-oriented, Old Settlers Day began January 7, 1881, with a reunion for all people who settled in Marion County in the 1860s. The old settlers all gathered for a basket dinner and reminiscing session at Rogers Hall in Marion.
Other "pioneer picnics" were held both before and after this affair, but the date of January 7, 1881, is generally cited as the birthday of Old Settlers Day.
In 1912, at the suggestion of the Marion Record, Old Settlers Day was revived and made an annual affair. The Marion County Old Settlers Association was formed to supervise the event in years to come. Thomas Potter of Peabody was the association's first president and Alex Case of Marion was its original secretary.
Prominent speakers from among the early settlers of Marion County gathered in Marion's Central Park October 16 and delivered speeches to hundreds of interested people. Incidents and reminiscences of early days were told. Old settlers from all parts of the county, state and nation swarmed to Marion for the gala.
Similar celebrations followed in October of 1913 and 1914. In 1915, the affair's date was changed to late September and several new additions were added. Band concerts, parades, and free sporting events were all included for the first time.
Some years, the annual festival was held in early summer, and occasionally Old Settlers Day would be scheduled for late autumn. However, late September seemed the most desirable time of the year.
For many years, Old Settlers Day was held either on Thursday, or, most recently, Fridays. In 1965, however, the celebration's date was finalized. Because most people can attend Saturday celebrations and weather conditions in late September are most favorable. Old Settlers Day is now held on the last Saturday in September of each year.
Now the event is annually sponsored by the Marion Kiwanis Club, and Marion folk extend hearty invitations to young and old, alike, to all those who live in the county and to all people everywhere — come to Marion September 30. You'll enjoy yourself. Enjoyment is always the main event on any Old Settlers Day.
(Copied from the 9/8/1972 issue)
