This photo compilation was found in the Marion, Illinois, Opportunity City booklet published in 1913. No date was given on the photos but I set the date between 1907 and 1913 due to the presence of the Fire Department on E. Main Street in a livery at the corner of E. Main and S. Madison, the presence of the old J.B. Bainbridge building which was destroyed in 1913 where the Hotel State now sits and the presence of brick paving on the square which occurred in 1907.

I have separated the photos out for ease of comparison. Note that the N. Market Street photo shows the old, original one story Delos Duty Pharmacy building at 200 N. Market Street. This store was later occupied by F.E. Parks of Parks Pharmacy and even later in a rebuilt building by Campbell’s Pharmacy. Few pictures have been found to date showing the original building.

The Benson building shown in the NE square view burned in October of 1923 narrowly taking the Cline drug building next door with it. The building was later occupied by J.V. Walker Clothing and was owned by Hosea Ferrell who had his law office upstairs.

Another rare view is found in the NW square view of the old Denison building which almost shows the entire building to N. Market, but not quite. The Denison building burned down in February 1916 and housed the First National Bank. The rest of the building can be seen in the Views from atop the Court House looking North down Market Street. The Duncan Baker Hardware store, shown to the West of the Denison building had only just started in 1903.

The Fire Department used to house their fire wagon in a livery stable at the corner of S. Madison and E. Main Street which is where they are shown in this photo set. They appear to have moved to W. Union Street around 1916 or so.

Sorry for the poor quality, but better something than nothing. Perhaps someone will find original copies someday.

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(Extracted from the 1964 Williamson County Quasqui Centennial Souvenir Booklet)