45 years ago

march 22, 1978

Darrold Allen of Wichita and two others from Alaskan Window Co. are pictured installing Alcoa insulating windows to cut utility costs at St. Luke Hospital. The project was made possible by the Ryan Trust Fund as a memorial to the late Annie and Nellie Ryan of Florence.

Rex Wilson, track coach at Marion High School, gave a detailed report at the regular meeting of Marion Kiwanis Club about prospects for the coming track season.

Improvements on W. Main St. are becoming evident as weather improves. A new sidewalk in front of Marion Marble and Granite Works is being built by Bob Kelly. Across the street, Marion Lumber Co. is getting a facelift and modern entrance. A new fast-food café is being constructed at Main and Walnut Sts.

Debra Kreutzman of Marion won a $5 first prize for her entry in the Florence Women’s Christian Temperance Union’s junior high essay contest.

A grass fire that began with the burning off of a garden plot at Stone Prairie, former Marion County Poor Farm, could have resulted in considerable loss had it not been for the quick work of the occupants and a neighbor, Orville Hett. They managed to keep putting out spots of fire until the fire department arrived. Not only buildings saved but also the county’s hot-mix plant north of Stone Prairie were saved.