1916, January 17 – Lowe Building on N Side of Square Burns

Fire Chief Cash and his assistant were called out of their warm beds at 1 o’clock this morning to fight one of the worst fires that Marion has experienced for a long time. With the thermometer below zero and the fire already burning fiercely the chief saw that he had a tremendous task on his hands. Continue reading

1914, September 19 – Elliott Hotel Damaged by Fire

The large two story frame structure known as the Elliott Hotel on West College near the C&EI yards was practically destroyed by fire on Friday night at about 9 o’clock, together with practically all of the contents. The fire originated from the explosion of a coal oil stove in the kitchen on the ground floor. Continue reading