1959, Keystone Cops on Fire Engine #4, Marion, Illinois

Keyston Cops as Firemen ca 1959

Keyston Cops as Firemen ca 1959

In the mid 1950’s throught the early 1960’s the Marion Elks Club in cooperation with the Marion Illinois Fire Department would annually promote fire safety. Each year, Elks Club members would dress as Keystone Cops and board the fire engine loaded with fake guns and candy to distribute. The engine would make the rounds of the local schools and hand out candy to the children. Sam Lattuca, my father, would regularly participate in this event. He is shown in the center of this picture pointing the gun. Continue reading

Rotary Club No.1407 Fiftieth Anniversary, Marion, Illinois

Rotary 50th group photo

Rotary 50th group photo

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.  Continue reading

Rotary Club No. 1407, Marion, Illinois

 

Rotary Club International

Rotary Club International

The Marion, Illinois International Club No. 1407 was formed following a meeting held at the Goodall Hotel on the Public Square (now Tower Square) in March 1923. The hotel later burned in 1941 and W. T. Grant constructed a store on the location in the 1950’s. In 1992, the City of Marion purchased the building after W. T. Grant went bankrupt and converted it into the Marion City Hall. Continue reading