F.W. Woolworth Company

Anyone growing up in Marion from the 1930’s into the 1970’s has to have fond memories of the old five and dime store on the west side of the Marion square called the F.W. Woolworth Company store. From its opening in March of 1927 to its last day on December 31, 1973, the mere mention of the store conjures up very specific smells for this author. I vividly remember those warm summer days when just a stroll past the big wooden, open double doors allowed the fragrance of their candies, chocolates and nuts to stream out onto the sidewalk inviting one in to sample their goods, like a mermaid calling sailors to the reef. Continue reading

Wright, William F. 1852-1939, 508 N. Washington St., Wright & Sons Monuments

William Francis Wright, who went by the name Francis, was born in Williamson County, Illinois, July 28, 1852, and was the son of John Wright and Mary Arnold who came to Illinois from Tennessee. The home of his youth was about five miles from Stone Fort, near Creal Springs, on a farm where he followed the occupation of farming until about 1890 when he entered the mercantile business in Creal. Continue reading