50 years ago

MAY 26, 1960

The names of the top scholastic and honor students at Marion High School for the 1959-60 term were revealed at commencement exercises Tuesday evening. Class valedictorian was Dennis Navrat, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Navrat. Salutatorian was Lou Esther Wheeler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Wheeler.

Fire of undetermined origin destroyed the farm home of Mrs. Anna Melcher and son, Frank, in the Pilsen area Saturday morning. The home was beyond saving when the fire department arrived. Nothing was saved.

A unique piece of construction work for this area was performed this week. In preparation for the new elementary school building, workmen poured concrete for the roof of the building while it is still on the ground. The heavily reinforced slab contains some 230 cubic yards of concrete and was poured in one continuous operation. It will be lifted hydraulically into place when completed and cured, the entire weight to be borne on heavy steel “I” beams.

Two city ordinances are published this week. They provide for a new 4-way stop at the corner of Santa Fe and First streets. The other prohibits U-turns at the west end of the Main Street bridge and the intersection of Cedar Street and East Main and Grand Avenue.