60 years ago
september 20, 1945
A crowd estimated at 5,000 people lined the Main Street of Marion from the Hill School to First Street this morning to witness the Old Settlers' annual parade.
The city commission received the deed to the 160 acres of land for a city airport Saturday evening. The purchase price is $7,600 or $47.50 per acre. The completion of the deal ends months of negotiations with Dr. A.C. Eitzen of Hillsboro and his brother.
The number of farms in the county, as shown by the preliminary county of returns of the 1945 census of agriculture, was 2,266 compared with 2,540 in 1940 and 2,527 in 1935. The total land in farms was 592,413 acres, as compared with 583,320 in 1940 and 564,325 in 1935.
Sixty-five officers and enlisted personnel from Group 753 of the Civil Air Patrol comprised of squadrons from Herington, Emporia, Manhattan, El Dorado and Marion attended an overnight encampment Saturday and Sunday at Dogfish Island north of Marion. Actual war conditions were simulated and the camp saw and experienced actual combat conditions. All combat supplies, tents, rations and other equipment were furnished by the Herington Air Base.
Marion's only representative aboard a submarine, Keith Griggs, chief petty officer, came home last week for a visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Griggs, after 15 months as chief radio technician at sea on the Trepang. The sub was credited with the sinking of 15 Japanese crafts during her runs which were from 27 to 42 days in duration
