There is a word not often used, sesquicentennial. Officially, the meaning refers to a celebration of one and a half centuries of something. Here in Williamson County, our grand and noble enterprise, the Williamson County Fair, has earned such a name. It is the Sesquicentennial of the founding of our beloved County Fair. Although the Fair itself will be held in August, as usual, we intend to celebrate its Big Event all year long. Continue reading
Category Archives: All Marion Content
By 1940, with increasing north/south traffic through Marion, the Illinois Highway Department offered Marion the choice of either increasing the width of Court Street or bypassing Marion altogether by building a bypass on Carbon Street which at the time was at the west edge of town. The full content of these articles follows. Continue reading
Throughout its long history, the Williamson County Fair has featured many famous celebrities and entertainers. None was more well-known or beloved than Annie Oakley, the legendary sharpshooter. “Little Miss Sure Shot” once put on a demonstration of her uncanny marksmanship right here in Marion. As a matter of fact, it is believed that this appearance was Annie’s last with a traveling show, ending a spectacular career which had begun in 1884 with the world famous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West.” Continue reading
Wilbern Boatright was born on September 12, 1912, in Galatia, Saline County, to Mack Boatright (1872-1951) and Cora Jane Blackburn (1875-1945).
When the 1920 federal census was taken, Wilbern’s parental family was living in Brushy, Saline County, on a farm owned by his parents. His parents were then in their 40’s and his father was farming for a living. Wilbern was aged 7 and had four brothers living at home. Brother Roy was 19 and teaching public school, Lloyd was 17 and a farm laborer, Leman was 14, attending school, and Walter was 2. Continue reading
Wesley Dean Deaton was born July 24, 1937, to Clyde and Velma (Edwards) Deaton. He was a life-long resident of Marion.
He graduated from Marion High School in 1955. He spent three years in the United States Navy as a radioman, stationed at Kamiseya, Japan and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Master’s Degree in Science and Education and a 6 year Specialist Certificate. Continue reading