125 years ago
january 2, 1885
We hadn’t space or time, last week, and it is too late now to “write up” the Christmas “doings’ in Marion. But despite the hard times, the spirit of giving found pretty full vent, and many were the hearts made glad by kindly remembrance and generous gifts. The three Sabbath schools had entertainment—the Christians a pretty tree, the Presbyterians a unique arch, and the Methodist a beautiful snow house. And though they were all held at the same time—Christmas eve—each house was well filled, we understand. The Methodist church, we know, was crowded, and many were unable to find standing room. This fact forcibly impressed upon us the growth of the town and emphasized the fact that we have no church edifice at all adequate for any sort of popular union service.
Wheat is looking up, and predictions are being made that it will bring a big price before another crop is harvested. Don’t sell your grain for a song, farmers. It will be worth something after while, we feel sure. At any rate, it can’t be much lower than it has been, this winter. Hold on to it, if you can.
Miss Maggie Bailey was the recipient of a handsome and valuable gold watch and chain, Christmas eve—a slight token of appreciation on the part of the Methodist congregation of her service at the organ. She has been faithful and efficient, and well deserved this recognition.
Mr. G.W. Brooks, a brother of Mr. F.M. Brooks of Antelope, came from Nebraska a week ago by wagon, rented a home in the city and was ready to receive his family—wife and two bright children, Tuesday evening, whom he met at Florence and accompanied them to Marion.
Leap Year is gone, girls, but it is not the RECORD’S fault if you have not profited by its privileges.
The New Year dawned yesterday morning bright and beautiful. Before the genial rays of the sun, the snow gradually melted away. May this be typical of the future of every reader of the RECORD. May your pathway be brighter and your lives more beautiful this year than ever before, and may the sun of prosperity illumine and warm your pathway not only this year but all along through life. But remember:
Though the lowering clouds may gather,
And blustering winds may blow,
If your hearts are only cheery
There’ll be sunshine where’er you go.