In September of 1948, President Harry S. Truman with his wife Bess and daughter Margaret traveled by car through Marion, Herrin and Carterville. Some 18,000 people greeted the Truman family along Herrin’s Park Avenue, patients and staff of the Veteran’s administration Hospital in Marion gathered on the lawn to welcome them, and Truman spoke briefly to a crowd of some 5,000 on Marion’s public square. Public schools were dismissed early for the children to have the opportunity to view and hear the President.

One of the attached photos was taken by Scott Winn’s father. He was standing by the Hotel State on Main at the corner of the square. Monroe Cleaners and West Side Shoe Repair shown in the background were listed at 107-09  and 111 W. Main St. The second photo shows Truman riding in a convertible and just rounding the square for his speech. The Hotel State building is in the background where Winn’s father was standing during the first picture.

(One Photo and data from Sesquicentennial History, WCHS; West Main photo taken by the father of Scott Winn)