60 years ago
JULY 30, 1942
Well, it was grand while it lasted — the pseudo boom which was laid on Marion's doorstep Friday by a long distance operator who didn't know the difference between Merriam and Marion. The phone call was from a government official asking that an immediate survey of possible housing be made and that the gas and city offices be open Monday evening to handle business to their lines for a government plant (kind not announced) which was to go in somewhere in the vicinity. A corps of lady canvassers covered every street in town by Saturday morning and turned in the full information requested. Then the town settled down awaiting Monday evening. But, Monday evening came and went and with it the realization a grand mistake had been made someplace. It appears the call was meant for Merriam where a large expansion of defense plant was to start this week.
Mrs. C.J. Ecker entertained Friday afternoon in honor of Donald's ninth birthday. Those invited were Donald and June Schlotz, Jimmie Cook, Marvin Wunsch, and Monty Frazier. Mrs. Ecker was assisted by Virginia Hungerford and Eilene Ecker.
Mr. and Mrs. Dale Miller and Dickey returned home Thursday from Viola where they had been harvesting wheat on their farm. Mr. Miller returned to Viola on Monday to do his plowing.
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Herbert visited on Sunday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.A. Herbert, at Peabody. They went to get Diana and Billy Jean who had been with their grandparents for several days. Just before starting home, Billy Jean fell from a tree and broke her left arm.
Miss Edna Rupp entertained at dinner Sunday in honor of her niece, Marlys Rupp's, sixth birthday which was Saturday. Places were marked for Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rupp, Marlys and John, Mrs Dora Pollitt, Miss Dorothy Pollitt, and Miss Ruth Jo Willming.
