100 years ago

August 13, 1908

Special Council Meeting

Last Saturday evening a special council meeting was held for the purpose of making the tax levy for the ensuing year.

Members present were Mayor Quisenberry, Clark T.W. Bown, Councilmen Lewis, Freeland, Buckley, Evans, Case and Thorp.

The levy as follows: General fund, four and thirty-five hundredths mills on the dollar; bond sinking fund, one and one-half mills on the dollar; bond interest fund, one-half mill, and for opening and widening streets etc, eighty-five hundredths of one mill.

Besides the levy, J.S. Buschlin was granted a permit to erect a one-story building on Main street, twenty by sixty feet.

The protest of H.M. Thorp and others against paving Main street was laid over until the next regular meeting, Monday, August 17.

The tax levy ordinance passed will be found in another column.

The two small frame buildings on the east half of lot 1, Main street, were condemned. This property is a part of the Costello estate.

In order to get better results from the money expended in poll tax the city clerk was authorized to request all subject to such tax to pay the amount in cash to the city treasurer, Brown Corby, and take a receipt for same.

A New Social Club

A caravan of brilliantly costumed gypsies passed through Marion on Monday afternoon and excited much curiosity and interest. Upon inquiry, it was learned that a new club had been organized and the members were on their way to hold the first meeting.

The journey ended at the Riddle grove where the gypsies encamped. As each lady alighted from the caravan, it was noticed that she carried a small basket. Never were the somber woods so contrasted by such savagery of color; in reds, blues and yellows, dark skinned faces, and graceful necks adorned with every known and unknown jewel. Among the number were seen the airy tambourine dancers, fortunetellers and musicians carrying their instruments. In the moonlight and light from the campfires, many mysterious performances took place. Brilliant and startling futures were outlined by “La Sorciere” for those who crossed her palm with silver, and many secrets revealed.

The evening meal was found complete in the baskets, which contained chicken sandwiches, tamales, salad, and bottles of grape juice. This was followed by ice cream and cake, also coffee made in the brass kettle over the campfire. Feats of skill in horseback riding, in archery and other gypsy amusements were the contests, the winners being decorated with badges of honor in the gypsy colors.

The new club is to be known as “Les Gitanos;” the motto, “Venez, soyons joyevses;” club flower, rose. The members are Mesdames J.N. Rogers, W.H. Carpenter, J.W. Moore, Eli Good, Taylor Riddle, S.C. Freeland, Herbert Thorp, Joseph Bauer, Brown Corby, Helen Miesse, Margaret Malone and Bert Wheeler.

Last Friday evening the camping party composed of Misses Lamoine McIntosh, Marie Wharton, Bessie King, Mae Bell and Mrs. Robt. Florer returned home. They had nothing to mar the pleasure of the camp down on the Cottonwood in Locklin’s grove. Thursday was Miss Marie Wharton’s birthday and a number of friends took fresh supplies from town and went down to help them celebrate.

The refreshing rain that fell early Friday morning was just on time. The corn is saved again. The pastures were very much refreshed and fall plowing made easier.

The stone building on west Main street recently purchased by the Jensen Bros. for their produce business is being put in proper shape. Water connections have been put in and from the building to the alley is to be concreted.

A nice iron fence has been placed about the Lost Springs monument which was unveiled July 4th. J.B. Shields has taken an active interest in all things connected with this enterprise and that means all the details will be looked after.

Next Tuesday evening, August 18, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brown Corby, will be held a social for the benefit of the Marion band and that means that a cordial invitation is extended to everybody to attend and partake of the refreshments that will be served. Be sure to come, you will have a nice time.