A senior citizens center for Marion was a dream of several for many years and the first meeting was held on March 22,1966 at Zion United  Church of Christ with the following present:  Dr. and Mrs. Martin May, Mr. and Mrs. Gladden McNary, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Berkel,   Mr   and   Mrs. V.O. Winkenweder, Loren Margrave, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blackman, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Darter, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miles, Rev. Everett Lynch, Ray Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Betts, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Sims,   Mrs. Sessions, Wally Thurmond, and Harl Piercy.

The Senior Citizens Club of Marion & Vicinity, with a very large membership, was formed soon thereafter and met in various places throughout the city, including the Marion Youth Center.

In 1980 the City of Marion purchased the property at 507 West Main Street that was originally a Bracy Food Store belonging to Harry W. Bracy and later housed an automobile dealership. With a HUD grant the building was renovated and doors of the Marion Senior Citizens Center opened on February 16, 1981 to serve the first meal and offer programs for all senior citizens.

Elflora K. Aikman, hired by the city as the first director and original Senior Citizens Council members, appointed by Mayor Robert Butler and the City Council were, Walter Stahlhut, chairman; Rev. W.E. Lynch, vice chairman; Gertrude Craig, secretary; Clifford Owen, treasurer; Roosevelt Greenwade, A.S. Dodd, Vivian Edmonds, O.P. Allen and Rev. Will Thomas.

Williamson County Programs on Aging asked to bring their programs into the center and food was transported from their Herrin site for the noon day meal until July when the center’s kitchen was set up for food preparation. Earline McEvers was the executive director of WCPA and Aleda Doelitzsch acted as program manager with Dorothy Jones as site manager for Marion.

In March 1984 Marion chose to “paddle their own canoe” (words of Mayor Butler) and operate the center and programs independently. Soon thereafter a tour program was initiated and since that time all programs of the center have experienced a continued growth under the leadership of Executive Director Aikman and the Senior Citizens Council.

The congregate noon day meal serves an average of 75 to 80 participants daily with a wholesome menu and there are many programs of educational, informational and recreational nature. Many public service programs are offered, as well as those in the field of social services. In 1992 Gwen Nofsinger was the Outreach Worker from WCPA for many of these services and staff members included, along with Director Aikman, Betty Gulledge, administrative assistant, Maria Aikman, head cook, Sherry McConnell, kitchen aide and Kenneth Gabriel, custodian. All are City of Marion employees.

Through the cooperation of John A. Logan College, classes are offered in art, dancing, exercise and sewing. Many health screenings are held monthly and bi-yearly, Legal Clinic is offered through the Southern Illinois University School of Law, crafts and many other recreational activities are offered as well. The Center offers lunches, bingo games, dances, classes, quilting and has two regulation sized pool tables.

Fund raisers are held which benefit the center directly and a monthly newsletter is published of all menus, daily activities, and news of the senior organizations using the building and much, much more.

The center is described as a “home away from home” for some, a place of fellowship and fun, with an atmosphere where love abounds, through the efforts of a dedicated staff working with the Senior Citizens Council.

The center’s programs are open to all regardless of race, color or creed and pride themselves in a large volunteer program whereby those who are retired may share their past experiences and wide field of knowledge.

Through the years the Senior Citizens Council members have included, in addition to those previously mentioned, Pauline Johnson and council members Don Henard, Robert Morrison and Harold Chase.

On July 1, 1999 Elflora Aikmen retired from the position as director of the center.

As of 2013 the Senior Citizens Council consists of  Chairman, Don Tisch; Vice-Chairman, Dale Holloman; Treasurer, Paul Langan; Secretary, Don Henard; and members Thelma Malone, John Sanders, Alice Barnett, Harold Worthen and Gene Anderson.

The center’s staff consist of Executive Director, Letina Poole; Assistance Director, Vicki Hayes; Clerical Aide, Kathy Jones; Custodian, Kenneth Gabriel; Kitchen Manager, Elaine Dunn; Asst. Kitchen Manager, Mona Carter; Dietary Aide: Kay Davis

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(Data from 1989 Sesquicentennial History, WCHS; Marion Illinois Senior Citizen Center Website)