70 years ago

June 28, 1951

The 1951 wheat harvest in Marion County will be near the normal average unless further mishaps and damage change the picture. This is the best experienced estimate as of today, Thursday.

Approximately 50 Marion boys and girls took part in bicycle races put on Friday afternoon by the Marion Bicycle Club, the new organization sponsored by Marshals Dale Sisson and Pete Schambron of the local police department. Prizes were won by Anita Gleason, Molly Brodhead, Leon Lais, and Junior Bledsoe.

Bud’s Conoco Station on West Main Street will have its official grand re-opening Saturday with a completely new and modern building and fixtures being the highlight of the occasion.

The present two-year driver’s licenses of Marion County motor car and truck drivers go on sale July 2. Cost will be the same as before, $1 for private licenses, $3 for a chauffeur’s license.

They may be secured here in Marion from Mrs. Helen Waterman in the hall of the courthouse or from the following persons over the county: R.H. Funk, Dirham; Mrs. H. Alice Pierce, Florence; J.K. Warkentin, Hillsboro; Miss Mary Runyan, Peabody; O.C. Applegate, Ramona; Frank Rhodes, Tampa; and Mrs. H.A. Bender, Burns.

This week a distinguished citizen of Marion, Msgr. John Sklenar, was honored in both Pilsen and Marion to acknowledge his long period of service in the priesthood — 60 years, 40 of which have been in Marion County.