In the process of creating an extensive article about the Robert L. Butler administration (1963-2018) a few years back I searched through the Southern Illinoisan newspaper archives back to the late 1950’s and took note of significant events that occurred … Continue reading
This photo from 1977 was found in a Marion Daily Republican Special Edition called Salute to Firefighters published in 2002. Pictured from L-R are, Hubert Benedict, Carl Kelton, John Lewis, Commissioner Ron Joyner, Jack Wells, Charles Heyde and Anthony Rinella. Not pictured were Bill Whiting and Paul Barnwell. Two additional firefighters came onboard the following year in 1978, they were Bill Lewis and Rusty Deaton.
(Marion Daily Republican, 2002)
New Truck gives Fire Dept. Big Boost Firefighting in the City of Marion should get a little easier thanks to a $275,000 aerial-ladder fire truck that recently arrived here from Pittsburg, Penn. … Continue reading
City Annexes Right of Way West of Marion
State right of way along New Rt. 13 westward from Interstate 57 to Broeking Road was annexed this week to Marion by the City Council.
Robert Hall clothing store is included in the annexation.
This council action paves the way for businesses along the highway that want city service to petition for annexation into the city. Continue reading
James D. Long was an early City Marshall, Marion Chief of Police and according his obituary, the first Fire Chief of Marion. He was born on June 17, 1875 in University City, Tennessee to Arthur R. Long and Louise E. Warren.
Five years after James’ birth, the 1880 census found the Long family living in Stewarts, Kentucky. His father, Arthur, was listed as a mechanic. The entire family was, oddly enough, only listed by initials Continue reading