Notes & News

Bill Reed

Bill Reed was a 1934 Marion High School graduate who achieved the status of true American Hero fame and died 10 years later. Now, almost 80 years later, representatives of the Marion Historical Society have been asked to present the case for memorializing Flying Tiger Ace Bill Reed by designating and naming the runway area of the Marion Airport as “Lieutenant...
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Soldier Statue

In 1914, members of the Women’s Relief Corps dedicated a statue in City Square Park commemorating the sacrifice and victory of the Union soldier after the American Civil War. The statue was one of thousands produced and erected in cities across America – at least in the North. Given the fact that more than 100 years have passed and the Civil...
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Newsletter – March 2022

Download the Marion Historical Society newsletter for March 2022. (pdf)
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Kacena Honored for Volunteer Work

We are proud to announce that our Marion Historical Society board president, Jay Kacena, was inducted into the prestigious 9 Who Care Hall of Fame on February 19. KCRG’s Joe Winters and Nicole Agee hosted a dinner and presentation at the Czech and Slovak Museum. Inductees received a medal, a plaque, and $500 to the...
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Cira’s Grocery Store

Many people today have fond memories of Cira’s Grocery Store across Seventh Avenue from City Square Park. They talk about the ice cream on a stick made by Mike Cira’s brother-in-law, Charlie Gallo. This unique confection was made of ice cream “wrapped” on a stick and dipped in chocolate which immediately became hard. Jack Larson says the “lollipops” were made for...
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Newsletter – December 2021

Download the Marion Historical Society newsletter for December 2021. (pdf)
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Robyn Ireland Named Executive Director

New Marion Heritage Center Executive Director Robyn Ireland needs no introduction to a large number of Marion citizens due to her previous position as Senior Reporter for the Marion Times. Being the chief chronologist of developments and events in and around town has brought her in front of virtually every political and business leader of Marion. Her coverage of Marion Heritage Center events...
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Newsletter – September 2021

Download the Marion Historical Society newsletter for September 2021. (pdf)
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2021 Art Show Winners

Congratulations to the People’s Choice Award winners from the 2021 Art by Your Friends and Neighbors exhibit at the Marion Heritage Center. Special thanks to sponsor Hills Bank and Trust Company for providing cash prizes to our winners. The annual art exhibit marked its 20th anniversary in 2021. Due to derecho damage at the museum, a virtual gallery...
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