Marion Illinois History Preservation

Parks, William R., Silver Star Recipient, The WW II Experience of,

Posted on April 21, 2013 by wcihsApril 6, 2017

The following Marion Daily Republican article, published in November 1945, details the war experience of William R. Parks as a Japanese POW for nearly 4 years. Bill Parks was the son of F.E. Parks, founder of Park’s Pharmacy. Continue reading →

Parks, F. Ernest 1883-1955

Posted on April 21, 2013 by wcihsMay 8, 2017

F.E. and Pearl Parks at 601 E. Thorn home

Frank Ernest Parks was born on October 24, 1883 in Williamson County, Illinois. Continue reading →

McLaren, Archibald B. 1873-1959

Posted on April 19, 2013 by wcihsDecember 14, 2013

Archibald B. McLaren was born in Dunfermline Fife, Scotland on January 6, 1873 to William E. and Mary (Kennedy) McLaren, both full blooded Scots. Continue reading →

Marion Lumber and Supply Company

Posted on April 19, 2013 by wcihsNovember 4, 2013

$Marion Lumber and Fuel late 1930\'s$

$Marion Lumber and Supply1940\'s$

In 1920, A.B. McLaren purchased and tore down the old Edwards Mill that had sat next to the C & EI RR tracks for decades cranking out woolen and cotton materials and garments. Continue reading →

Bob Stotlar Building Center, Marion, Illinois

Posted on April 19, 2013 by wcihsApril 19, 2013

Bob Stotlar Lumber Yard opened its doors in Herrin on February 28, 1928, just five months after Charlie Birger, the notorious gangster, had been hanged and one and one-half years before the Great Depression hit, closing all the banks of Herrin. Continue reading →