1972, Marion Illinois Assets

I-57 is Biggest of Marion’s Assets

Interstate Rt. 57 is the biggest asset ever to come to Marion.”

Banker Oscar Schafale’s opinion is shared by others.

Franklyn Moreno, Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, said I-57 with its connections to Interstate Rts. 24 and 64 and a proposed Southern Illinois freeway to St. Louis make “everything coming at Marion. It enhances it as being a central location.” Continue reading

Felts, Melvin L. 1924-2001, WWII Veteran

Melvin L. Felts 1924-2001Melvin Lee Felts was born October 17, 1924 in Pittsburg to Troy Felts and Vivian Williams. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1942 and entered the navy on July 15, 1942. While serving in the U.S. Navy, his parents were employed in a Chicago war plant and his brother, Floyd E. Felts, was a machinist’s mate in the Navy.

In 1945, he was awarded a bronze star and cited by Admiral W.F. Halsey for outstanding service in action against the Japanese. Continue reading