Marion Illinois History Preservation

Marion Timeline 1954-2016

Posted on July 22, 2021 by Sam LattucaJuly 22, 2021

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 →

Prater, Charles R., Jr. 1949-2014, Civic and Youth Sports Leader

Posted on July 21, 2014 by wcihsJuly 21, 2014

Charles R. Prater, Jr., active youth sports and civic leader, was born on January 3, 1949 in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Charles R. Prater Sr. and Marcella (Gutek) Prater.

Early in the 1950’s, the Prater family moved to Marion and later purchased a home at 419 Charlotte Road. Charles’ father managed Sherman’s Department store on the square in Marion, while Charles Jr. attended Catholic seminary in his youth.

Charles was active in the Marion Jaycees, holding several local offices and participating in numerous community service projects held by the club in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was also a member of the Jaycees International Senate and served as the Nation Director of Jaycees of Illinois during that period. Continue reading →

1924, Marion Has a Beautiful Park

Posted on July 13, 2014 by wcihsJuly 13, 2014

Marion Has a Beautiful Park

Large Sixteen Acre Plot at Garfield and DeYoung May be Developed

Marion, the city of Opportunity now has a park of sixteen acres expanse, set with scores of beautiful shade trees and located in one of the most beautiful and accessible parts of the city. That may sound startling but it’s nothing new. For twelve years, sixteen acres of ground donated to the city for a city park, has lain idle. With the arrival of summer, many public spirited citizens have become aware of the fact that the city park which people have been desiring has been here all the time, and an attempt is being made to arouse enough interest in the venture to develop the park. Continue reading →

McCormick, Raymond L. 1921-2014, WWII Vet, City Commissioner

Posted on February 28, 2014 by wcihsFebruary 28, 2014

Raymond L. McCormick, former Marion City Commissioner, WWII veteran and civic leader, was born on Tuesday, August 2, 1921, in Marion, the son of Ray and Ora (Cothran) McCormick, being one of five children. A Marion directory places the family in a home at 1204 E. Parham Street in 1928. Continue reading →

Miller, John K. 1918-1993

Posted on February 17, 2014 by wcihsSeptember 18, 2023

John K. Miller, active Marion Lion, Shriner, Fair Board and Marion Park District member, was born on March 3, 1918, in Marion on S. Court Street to Ray Miller and Ruth Kilbreth. Miller received his education in Marion schools and also attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Continue reading →