While researching in Ohio newspapers, Dr. Margaret Sumner, associate history professor at The Ohio State University in Marion, was struck by the many stories she found about Marion’s Black community after the Civil War. While many residents know the story about Black and white activists helping Bill Anderson escape slavecatchers and flee to Canada along […]
People
Photographer Captures Marion’s Best Features
One man volunteers his time and talent to take dozens of beautiful pictures of Marion County, its new businesses, historical places, interesting people and everything in between. “I like the history of Marion – from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Chapel to the Huber Museum to the True House. We need to learn about our history!” […]
Laipply’s Celebrates 50 Years in Marion
For 50 years, Laipply’s Printing and Marketing Solutions, Inc. has been serving the needs of the Marion community. Ron and Effie Laipply started the company and now a second generation of the family serves the community. “Marion has been good to us – and they still are today!” Ron Laipply exclaims. The Family’s Beginning Effie […]
Marion’s Miss America Won Local and National Hearts
With a dazzling smile and a talent for tap dancing, Marion native Marilyn Meseke won the Miss America pageant in 1938. Marion is still the only town to have both a Miss America and a U.S. president. Marilyn’s Beginnings Meseke was born Mary Ellen Spurrier on October 7, 1916 in Lima, Ohio. Charlie and Clara […]
Entrepreneur Returns Home to Be a Part of Marion’s Future
Katie Grimes’ family has been in Marion for generations. She was born here to Michael and Mary Anne (Frericks) Grimes. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School before graduating from Harding High School in 2001. “I’ve always had extreme love for Marion,” Grimes said. Grimes went to the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She taught […]
LaRue Team Led By the Athlete of the Century
When a LaRue businessman was looking to make a splash, Walter Lingo bought a National Football League franchise for $100 and hired a man called “the greatest athlete in the world” at the 1912 Olympics. Jim Thorpe won two gold medals and set a world record which stood for decades. “It’s just like if [Lionel] […]
