70 years ago

november 8, 1951

Residents of Marion and vicinity, especially those who have not contributed previously, will be solicited in the near future to do their part toward completing the Marion Community Hospital. $45,000 is needed to complete the job which will have a total cost in excess of $350,000.

An opening date of Nov. 19 has been set by the Marion Library board for the reopening of the rehabilitated Marion Library. Although the monumental job of putting the library back into operation following the disastrous July flood is not complete, at least part of the library will be open.

Ezra Bernhardt and Bill Utting, local Pontiac and John Deere dealers, have announced this week that they will open a new body shop, located east of the Elmer Pritz garage that will be operated by Charles Maggard, well-known body man in this area.

The cornerstone for the new St. Mark Catholic Church will be laid at a formal ceremony this coming Sunday at 3 p.m., according to Father Paul Meier, pastor of the local parish. Bishop Mark K. Carroll of Wichita will be in charge of the ceremonies.

Striking new improvements continue to appear along Marion’s Main Street. Mr. and Mrs. Bob DeCatsye have installed attractive new neon signs and metal awnings to their café, Bob’s Grill, adding a bright new touch to the post office block.

The Powell Motor Company and Mrs. C.C. Johnston, building owner, have recently completed a major improvement and overhaul job at the Dodge-Plymouth agency building at First and Main. Especially noticeable is the fine new sidewalk around the building.

Marion Hardware has put up a new G.E. electric and neon sign, and a number of other improvements are on the way.