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Random Thoughts: Guild kept Marion connected

In the 1930s, a very unique organization took root in the city of Marion. It was started by the wife of a Presbyterian minister and her Sunday school class of young women. One of the young women was an older sister of Phyllis Melton, Eldena Williamson. The membership was open to any woman. Age, color, or creed didn't matter. Meetings were held once a month in the evenings in the homes of members. There were officers and rules and a purpose. The purpose was to seek out the needy in Marion and try to help. Maude Thompson, a teacher, served as a liaison person between the school and the organization. If she discovered a child who needed shoes or glasses or anything, she reported it and the guild took care of it. Money was raised by putting on home talent shows. I remember taking part in a dance chorus with Bea Merrill, Esther Beaston, Ruth Rhodes, Margaret Wolf, and Helen Case. It wasn't easy.

An interesting thing about the organization was that it had divisions that met separately. You could choose the one you were interested in. There was a literary group, a garden group, and a hospital group.

The name of that wonderful organization was The Community Guild.

I wonder when it faded away. Maybe Social Security did it in and never has Marion been so connected since. What a wonderful way for women to work together for a good cause.

Maybe next time I'll write about snakes or other creatures. I did taste rattlesnake in Santa Fe, N.M.

— NORMA HANNAFORD

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