70 years ago

december 28, 1950

Oil activity has taken a decided spurt in recent weeks in Marion County with quite a number of successful ventures, as well as a number of dry holes reported.

December 23rd marked the 97th birthday for Charles F. Brooker, Marion County’s oldest living pioneer. It was celebrated at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Brooker, former Marion mayor and businessman, at their Wichita home.

The annual home decoration activity, carried out as part of the Christmas season, resulted in the following awards this year: first prize of $20 went to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Good. Second prize, $15, went to Mr. and Mrs. Dick Jantz. Sadie and Ruth Keller were 3rd; Ira Newcomer home, 4th; and Gordon Wolf home, 5th. Receiving honorable mention were the homes of L.L. Hadsell and Chas. Niederhauser.

Pete Schambron has been appointed as one of the two city marshals. He replaces Lawrence Burnett who has held the post for several years. Leo Regier will assume the duties of day marshal and Schambron will take the night shift.

All youth have been invited to entertainment at the Methodist church New Year’s Eve. The evening will start at 9 p.m. and last to 12. It will include fun, fellowship, and folk games. A service around the fireplace will be the closing part of the evening.

Miss Nora Zeller, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dannie Zeller, and a student at Phillips University, placed second in the short story division of the annual Phillipian Festival. Her story, entitled “Out of the Past,” depicted many descriptions from Marion, although the plot itself was fiction.