100 years ago
JANUARY 2, 1903 — Time was when we fondly hoped to see Marion become a large city. That time, we frankly admit, is past. Now our chief ambition for the old town is to see it grow more and more a pleasant place in which to live and in which to do a steady, Healthy business. It is that sort of a town, now, and we want to see it improve its opportunities along these lines. We believe nature has done more for it than for any other town of its size in Kansas, and its citizens have done much. Let us add to these charms. Let the sidewalk boom, and the paint boom, and the street parking boom, and the lawn adornment boom, and the macadam boom, and the cleanup, fix-up boom continue. Let the schools and churches and clubs and other civic organizations be encouraged and kept in vigorous condition. Let the Rest Room and public library be generously sustained. Let the lecture course be liberally patronized. Let every good thing, material, intellectual, and religious, be fostered. Let our people cease to buy things away from home which they can buy at home — and that means about everything — and thus help themselves as well as the business men who deserve it — for helping others is nearly always helping yourself. Let us do all these things, and others, that will help to make Marion a good place in which to live. If we can't make a great city here, we can at least make Marion a good town to live in.
Frank Kasper has bought back the O.K. restaurant from Mr. Anderson, to whom he sold it some time ago.
At the Christian parsonage last Wednesday evening Rev. Woodside united in marriage Miss Mary Roberts, of Marion, and Mr. John E. Duvall, of El Reno. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Roberts and is a charming and estimable young lady. She has grown to womanhood here and has won the high esteem of all our people. Mr. Duvall used to live in Marion county and the family is well known here. His father was at one time Superintendent of the County Poor Farm. The writer is not personally acquainted with the groom, but he is said to be a very fine young man. The RECORD extends sincerest well wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Duvall.
Dr. Hannaford reports the birth of twin baby girls at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles King.
The impression has gotten out in some way that Mr. Ogden has moved his photograph gallery. Of course it is a mistake. He can be found at the old stand in the Jex block, opposite the RECORD office, where he is doing some mighty fine work. By the way, he has added a large, fine stock of picture molding to his establishment and will make frames for you to suit your taste.
Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Van Pelt moved into their new home — the Brewer place — north of town, this week.
Marriage licenses have recently been issued to the following people: John E. Duvall, El Reno, and Mary Roberts, Marion; Peter A. Hubert, Hillsboro, and Emma Weyland, Lehigh; Frank J. Heath, Burns, and Lizzie E. Wheelock, Florence; Emil E. Hedstrom and Ida Holscher, Lost Springs; Jacob Schiffner, Hillsboro, and Mary Yank, Durham.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. O'Brien, of Elmdale, have been spending the holidays with Mrs. O'Brien's parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. McAlister, and family.
That little story of ours about the two ardent lovers on the train has been going the rounds of the press for several weeks, but credited to another paper. The last time we saw it, the scene was located on the Missouri Pacific railroad. Now, we are jealous of our love stories, for they are always true stories, as was that one. Steal anything else from these columns you want to gentlemen, we "don't keer,," but don't steal our love stories.
Preaching services will be held at the Poor Farm the first Sunday in each month, beginning next Sunday.
Miss Vella Coble entertained at her home last Wednesday evening in honor of her cousin, Miss Nora Coble, of North Carolina, who has been visiting her for a fortnight. The following guests were present to enjoy the delightful occasion: Misses Mamie Robinson, Edna Yost, Edith Keller, Sadie Keller, Willie Hoch, Lucy Mollohan, and Olive Elliot and Mssrs. Ed Myers of Peabody, Albert Richardson, Dave Sterling, Arthur Keller, Hugh Hoch, and Homer Hoch.
Chester Smith, of Florence, while out hunting accidentally shot himself in the foot last Wednesday and suffered quite a serious injury. The accident occurred near Oursler. Mr. Smith is a student at the State University and was to have completed the course the coming spring.
The finder of a leather mitten, lined with wool, will please leave it at this office.
The average attendance at the Methodist Sabbath school for the past year was 208. A sum of thirty dollars is left in the treasury after all expenses are paid. This has certainly been one of the best years in the history of the school.
Another old veteran soldier has responded to the last roll call on earth George W. Brown, more familiarly known as "Whit" Brown, departed this life on Saturday evening last, after a lingering illness of several months. Mr. Brown was one of the old timers in this county, having come here in the early '80s. His funeral took place at the Episcopal church and was conducted by Dr. Onderdonk, members of the Grand Army acting as pall bearers. Mr. Brown had a large circle of acquaintances, all of whom held him in high esteem.
Lawyer J.T. Dickerson recently purchased a very fine palm, which now adorns his home. The palm is known among florists as the Latania Borbonica. It is five feet high and has a spread of five feet.
(Copied by Joan Meyer from the 1903 microfilm files of the Marion Record.)
