Marion Illinois History Preservation

Marion Business District ca 1910

Posted on August 17, 2013 by wcihsAugust 22, 2013

This photo compilation was found in the Marion, Illinois, Opportunity City booklet published in 1913. No date was given on the photos but I set the date between 1907 and 1913 due to the presence of the Fire Department on E. … Continue reading →

Thurmond, Ralph 1896-1959

Posted on August 13, 2013 by wcihsSeptember 5, 2013

George Ralph Thurmond was born in Ewing, Illinois on January 6, 1896, the son of Elisha M. and Ida A. Ingram Thurmond. His father, Elisha, taught school and engaged in farming and raising livestock prior to bringing his family to Marion on October 1, 1909 to engage in the monument business by buying the Marion Steam Marble Works (monument makers). Continue reading →

Thurmond, Elisha M. 1864-1943, Thurmond Monument Company

Posted on August 12, 2013 by wcihsMarch 9, 2017

Elisha M. Thurmond was born in Franklin County March 6, 1864, and was the son of William H. and Sarah Elizabeth Thurmond. He attended the public schools in Franklin County and went to Ewing College.

He was married on April 8, 1886, to Miss lda Augusta Ingram in Franklin County. Ida was born in Macedonia, Illinois on August 16, 1870. Their fourth child, Clyde Thurmond died in 1894 at the age of 1. Continue reading →

1950 Marion High School Aerial View

Posted on August 12, 2013 by wcihsJanuary 20, 2014

This photo was taken by the late Carl Sorgen around 1950. The view is looking toward the south of the old Marion High School as it was then on West Main Street. Note the sparsity of homes in the background.

(Photo by Carl Sorgen)

1970, Fire Dept.’s Last Run Out of the Old Fire House

Posted on August 12, 2013 by wcihsAugust 12, 2013

On last run from the old “fire barn”. Fireman Bob Yost pilots fire truck on way to new station on North Court Street. Fireman Jack Wells is beside him. Transfer of firefighting equipment from the former old station which had been in use since it was in reality a horse barn more than 50 years ago was affected at noon Wednesday. Continue reading →