Marion’s rich 200-year history is featured in local author Randy Winland’s newest book: “Marion, Ohio Then & Now – A Photographic Remembrance.” Inside, Winland shares 175 photos of Marion’s businesses, churches, government, industries, homes and entertainment from the 1830s to now. In addition to showcasing Marion’s history, proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Marion County Historical Society with its goals of collecting, preserving and sharing the community’s vibrant history.
“The book is written utilizing a format that has not been done before in a Marion publication where the focus is on Marion buildings ‘then’ and ‘now’. Each of the more than 175 buildings in the book is reviewed with a focus on its origin, uses over the years, and its current status. Vintage and current photos supplement the text,” Winland said.
“This is an interesting look at Marion’s evolution,” said Brandi Wilson, executive director of the Society. “It’s great to have a new window into our history and our present.”
Winland also shared the photos at a well-attended presentation this summer at Tri-Rivers Career Center. He hoped residents were surprised to learn at the way buildings’ uses have changed over the decades.
“One example is the former Marion Star building at 141 N. State Street (now Leapin’ Outreach Center) that was originally a marketplace with one of the largest auditoriums in the city on its upper floor,” Winland said.
Marion native and U.S. President Warren G. Harding touched the history of another historic building in addition to the home where he and his wife, Florence Harding, lived.
“The home of Dr. George & Phoebe Harding was located at 498 E. Center Street at the site of what is now a professional office building. The building was the home of future president of the United States Warren G. Harding for a short time and was later where his body was viewed by an estimated 40,000 people who paid their respects while filing through the family home. It was later purchased by Dr. Frederick Stengel who had accumulated a huge collection of Harding items that were occasionally displayed to the general public,” Winland said.
Marion County Historical Society: Preserving the Past
Information and background materials were obtained from extensive research including more than 2,000 newspaper clippings along with maps and other publications. Winland said the Marion County Historical Society (MCHS) is critical for that research.
“The Marion County Historical Society is our community’s home for collecting, preserving, and sharing our past,” Winland said. While there are other organizations that focus on specific topics such as the Harding Presidential Site, Huber Machinery Museum, and Union Depot, MCHS has a holistic approach for our community’s past and the preservation of information about it,” Winland said.
Volunteers Critical to Historical Society’s Efforts
Winland selected the historical society to receive the proceeds because of his long ties to the organization.
“I have been involved with MCHS for more than 30 years serving on the Board of Directors, as president, and as an active volunteer,” Winland said. “We have four paid employees (two are part-time) with much of the work done by volunteers. MCHS is definitely a valued part of our community’s efforts to preserve our heritage.”
Winland is happy to support this worthwhile endeavor.
“People who value the history of their community will strive to maintain and improve that community,” Winland said.
Winland Proud to Call Marion Home
Winland is proud to call Marion his home.
“My wife and I moved here in 1976, made it our home, where we chose to raise our children and where we continue to be involved,” Winland said. “The people who live here are proud of our town and want to work to make it a better place. The remarkable revitalization of the downtown area is one example of how efforts to improve are paying dividends. Hopefully, the efforts I make to collect and share parts of its past are a positive component as well.”
For more info:
To purchase the book or learn more about Marion’s rich history, contact the Marion County Historical Society.
- Call (740) 387-4255
- Stop in at Heritage Hall at 169 E. Church Street
- Order online at www.marionhistory.com
Upcoming MCHS Event
The Society has a number of other fundraisers coming up, including the Lucky Duck Race on August 5 at the Marion Aquatic Center.
Additional Links
Marion County Historical Society (6) Facebook Page
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
