A proposal by Marion Historical Museum to erect new signs on U.S. 56 north of Marion could be one way Marion can contribute to the celebration of the 150th birthdays of Kansas and Marion in 2011.

The signs will highlight Marion as the hometown of Edward Wallis Hoch, who was governor of Kansas from 1905 to 1909.

Hoch was born in 1849 in Danville, Ky., and came to central Kansas in 1872. He purchased the Marion County Record in October 1874 and owned and edited it for more than 50 years. He died in Marion on June 1, 1925, and is buried in Marion Cemetery.

Hoch served in the Kansas House of Representatives with terms starting in 1889 and 1893. He was elected governor in November 1904.

Hoch helped pass laws to clean up Kansas politics, such as selecting political candidates through direct primaries, forbidding railroads from giving away free passes to politicians, limiting donations to campaigns, and establishing rules for lobbyists.

As editor of the Marion County Record, Hoch viewed Marion as the “most prosperous, progressive town in the county,” and never tired of promoting it.

The newspaper was passed down to succeeding generations of Hochs and eventually was purchased by Bill and Joan Meyer. It still operates under the trademark name of Hoch Publishing Co.

According to Gary Ewert, president of the board of directors of Marion Historical Museum, these signs will not honor just one person but a respected and noted family in Kansas history.

Other communities in Kansas (Salina, Neodesha, Fredonia, and Independence, to name a few) have placed such signage, he said, and it is only fitting that Marion raise the needed funds to place these signs welcoming people to our city.

It is hoped the two signs can be ordered by fall and placed as soon as they arrive. They will be installed on both sides of the highway near the approach to Marion on U.S. 56.

Each sign will cost $2,400. Donations from individuals, civic groups, and other organizations may be sent to Marion Historical Museum, 501 E Main St, Marion KS 66861.