25 years ago
october 1, 1980
Old Settlers' Day 1980 was one of those September masterpieces that make fall the most wonderful time in Kansas. It was a warm, balmy day without a wisp of wind. The sun kept daytime temperatures comfortable, not hot, while the evening was cool and refreshing. More than 10,000 gathered on both sides of Marion's Main Street to watch another in a long series of outstanding parades — and to visit with friends while waiting for the 45 minute line of march to pass by. Classes having reunions were those of 1930, 1940, 1950, 1955, and 1970.
Just over one month after construction began in August, the City of Florence has its own new ambulance building. Formal dedication ceremonies are set for Sunday.
Walter Thiessen of Hillsboro has been named director of the Mental Health Office at 122 South Roosevelt, Marion. Thiessen also will be working as a social worker in the Marion office.
Casey Case, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Case Jr. of Marion, has been getting a great deal of newspaper publicity for his gridiron achievements at Cowley County Community College in Arkansas City. The newspaper also ran a three column photo of the Marion fullback who the coach calls "a tough, hard-nosed runner."
After the games on Old Settlers' Day, the crowd settled in front of the grandstand to hear Gerry Harris announce winners in the parade. Prizes in the children's competition went to Mike Klose, first in the costume competition with Becky Bina, second, and third to the team of Alison Ford and Denise Meierhoff; Gabe Higgins was first in the tricycle battle, and Andy Hett swept the field with the best decorated bike.
