125 years ago

may 31, 1889

Marion yesterday eclipsed all former efforts in the observance of Memorial Day. The day was delightful — clear, calm and pleasant. The city was appropriately decorated, and the streets were thronged with people. The morning exercises at the opera house were appropriate and impressive. The afternoon’s exercises consisted simply of a long procession marching to the cemetery where the fifteen soldier graves were covered with beautiful flowers. Thus, Marion honored herself in honoring our country’s defenders.

Twenty-five years ago tomorrow 13,000 brave Union boys went down at Cold Harbor. There is scarcely a burial place which has no veteran sleeping in it. Think always of this and pause to plant a flower.

The most violent rain and wind storm experienced here for years, visited us Tuesday afternoon. The rain came in sheets, and as a result, the streams were swollen greatly. The wind played havoc with Sheriff Davis’ stable, J.S. Hutchinson’s ice house, Levi Billings’ wind mill, and other smaller things “too numerous to mention.” But, the rain was glorious.

Marion County pays her teachers $47.50 per month average wages. Only eighteen more counties, out of the 106, pay as large an amount.