In commemoration of Marion’s 50th year as a Rotary Club, a banquet was held at the Holiday Inn in Marion, Illinois on April 6-7th, 1973. The program was in charge of President Jesse Hill and the officers of the club, including Raymond Allen, Clay Hunter, Laurence Bouas, Richard Darby, Wilson Giles and Duane Mayberry.
Dr. Joe McAlpin was general chairman for the observance. His assistant chairmen included: Paul Morris on arrangements; Bill Bowlby on program; Richard Darby on publicity; Harold Chase on finance; Oldham Paisley on club history; Clay Hunter on Interact and Lynn Zech and Max Martin in charge of music. Dr. Nathan Ivey served as Master of Ceremonies.
A commemorative photograph was taken February 15, 1973 in front of their regular meeting place at the First United Methodist Church on W. Main Street. The members identified in the photograph are as follows:
The front row from left to right, Charles Ingram, drug store; Lewis Nielson, retired; Wilson Giles, Giles Electric; Jesse Hill, bank president; Duane Mayberry, Insurance; and Richard Darby, public relations.
Second row; Oldham Paisley, retired-Marion Daily Republican; Clay Hunter, high school principal; Dutch Doelitzch, radio; Laurence Bouas, bank; John Cline, retired Navy; Harry Rodd, Savings and Loan; Dee Rodd, real estate; Cliff Storme, superintendent of schools; F. L. Walker, stock broker Bill Armstrong, school system treasurer.
Third row; Orland Stanley, retired; Wayne Tate, clothing store; Milt Witt, Chamber of Commerce; L C. Cavaness, insurance; Joe Shelton, retired; LaRue Swinney, retired; Dr. Joe McAlpin, dentist; and Raymond Allen, insurance.
Fourth row: Art Bays, grocery store; Lloyd McMichael, Farmers Produce; Loren Carter, GTE; Bill Bowlby, CIPS; Harold Chase, Giles Electric; Jim Wilson, funeral director; unidentified, Believed to be the manager of Ramada Inn; Paul Houghton, retired; and Ted Heyde, hardware.
Back row: Max Martin, minister; David McChessney, minister; Spulin Burress, retired; Everett Lynch, minister; Oscar Schafale, retired; Lawrence Wohlwend, real estate; Paul Morris, VA Hospital manager; Lynn Zech, store manager; Leon Fosse, Farm Bureau; Edwin Soldner, MDR; Raymond Atchison, insurance; Jim Dunn, retired; Happy Norman, tax return preparation.
(Data from Rotary Club of Marion Anniversary Booklet)