Marion Installed As Member In State Chamber's Hall of Fame - 1972

Crittenden Press, May 13, 1972

 Now, IN HALL OF FAME.  this delegation was on hand in Louisville Wednesday, April 5, when Marion was officially named to the All-Kentucky City Hall of Fame by the Kentucky chamber of Commerce.  To be admitted to the Hall of Fame, a city must win the title of All-Kentucky City three years out of five.  Marion has won the title for three consecutive years.

Marion was one of eight communities to be installed in the Kentucky Chamber's All-Kentucky City Hall of Fame during presentations at the Executive Inn in Louisville on April 5.

The communities were cited for progress in development during a five-consecutive-year period when each community was recognized as All-Kentucky three times by the state-wide Opportunity for Progress program of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.  

Each community was presented a plaque in recognition of the accomplishments.  Marion - 1969, 1970, and 1971.

Attending the luncheon and representing Marion were: Mr. and Mrs. James Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. William Tobin, Mr. and Mrs. George E. Winn, Mrs. Neil Guess, Mrs. Weams Croft, Miss Nelda Phelps, Mrs. C. L. Frazer,  chairman of the Community Improvement Committee of the Marion Woman's Club, Mr. John Ramsey, Mr. Gordon Guess, and Mr. James D. Hunt.

The Perils of the New Automobiles

 

The late Maxine Be bout Croft of Tolu shared this wonderful vintage picture from her husband's family photos.  The picture was made about 1915-1916.  Seated in the sporty new touring vehicle are Nellie Croft, with daughter Roberta standing in front of her, and behind the wheel is a very young Ollie Phin Croft.  It certainly goes right along with our story.

 

 Although being exciting and getting one to their destination faster, owning one of the new rubber tire automobiles in the 1920's could definitely prove to be a challenge. Many perils awaited most of the owners, and also proved a danger for the traditional travel of the horse and buggy.

From the archives of The Crittenden Press we can read many of these adventures of our fellow citizens of yesteryear. Looks like the reporter for the paper was kept pretty busy keeping up with all the automobile news.

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Oct. 19, 1911 - Narrow escape. Sunday afternoon the horse driven by R. A. Rodgers, to this runabout became frightened at a passing automobile and was soon unmanageable. After rearing and plunging he fell and broke the shafts and otherwise damaged the vehicle which was a new and handsome one. Mr. Rodgers was accompanied by his wife and son. None of the occupants were hurt, as they escaped by jumping out, and were only badly frightened by their experience.

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Nov. 12, 1920 - Three automobiles have been destroyed by fire in this county, all within the past week.

A Ford belonging to Fred Crayne was burned Saturday night. Mr. Crayne was driving the car when the machine caught fire from a short circuit.

C. M. Dillard, of Marion, lost a Inland truck by fire Saturday while on is way to Rosiclare, Ill. The fire originated as above while he was driving near Sheridan. The flames fro m the burning machine ignited the dry leaves and the woods caught fire resulting in the burning of a fence.

A Ford car belonging to Frank Butler caught from back fire in the carburetor while being driven near Frances Sunday and was destroyed. All these machines were insured.

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Loses Foot In Automobile Accident. Thursday morning of last week an automobile accident occurred on South Main Street, in which Hally Wilcox, colored of this city was seriously but not fatally injured.

Wilcox was riding on the fender of T. C. Bennett's car, driven by Walter Fritts who was driving close behind the car of Carl Henderson. As they neared the top of the hill on South Main, the cars met Fonnie Belmear in his “Lizzie.” The dust was so dense that the second car and Mr. Belmear's crashed in which the Negro was injured. He was taken to the hospital at Paducah where his foot was amputated.

***

Aug. 5, 1921 - Car Runs Away

Thursday morning about 9:30 Elzie Moore who works at Cochran's Garage cranked a Chevrolet car that belonged to Cochran and Co., after he had filled it was gas and oil. The car was in gear and before Mr. Moore could get in the car started backward down the street. It ran into a buggy belonging to Mr. George Conditt and threw him out.

The horse became frightened and ran away, doing considerable damage to the buggy. The car backed into Mrs. Mary Cameron's front porch and stopped. No one was injured.

***

Sept. 1, 1922 - Injured In Auto Accident

Wednesday morning while Mr. J. Hicklin was motoring near the Cave-in-Rock landing he met with a rather painful though not serious accident. The roads in that section are nothing to brag about and while he was going along the car ran against a stump.

When the car wheel hit the stump Mr. Hicklin struck the windshield of his car bruising and cutting his face in a number of places. He drove home and had the wounds dressed and it is reported is doing well. The car was uninjured.

***

July 28, 1923 - Automobiles Collide

A Star automobile, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Willie George of Salem, and Mr. and Mrs. Press Guess, while being driven on Bellville Street opposite the residence of Mrs. Clara Carnahan Sunday afternoon, collided with a Ford car driven by Sig Hopson, slightly injuring Mrs. George and badly damaging both machines.

A buggy being to the right of the approaching car, Hopson in trying to pass, collided with the other car as it met the buggy.

***

Buggy's Beware - On last Sunday as H. B. Hamby was driving in a buggy in the vicinity of Haffaw Mines near Mexico, he was run into by an automobile and the buggy wrecked. Mr. Hamby escaped with slight injuries, as also did the horse.

The driver of the machine was not reported.

***

May 23, 1924 - Auto Overruns Cow.

Sat. afternoon as Squire Charles LaRue was driving a cow along the Salem Rd. near J. E. Sullengers place, the animal was overrun by an automobile driven by George Dowell of Tolu, dislocating the lower joint of the cow's leg. The collision is reported to have been purely accidental or unavoidable, the cow delaying or refusing to give the necessary right of way until it was too late for the driver to stop his machine. Dr. Slayden was called to set the injured limb.

***

Three persons were painfuly injured Sunday when an auto driven by Mrs. Earl Stephens was over-turned near the R. H. Enoch place on the Morganfield Road. The car was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Earl Stephens, Misses Ada Barnes, Jewell Dean Glore, Nellie Belt, Gladys Barnes and Messrs. J. D. Glore and Arnold Travis. The following persons were injured in the accident: Jewell Dean Glore - gash behind ear and bruises, Ada Barnes, gash on right cheek, Gladys Barnes - cut across nose. Dr. Cook dressed the wounds.

***

June 20, 1924 - Two Injured

Lonnie James and Cecil Sigler, young men of near Marion, were seriously injured Sunday afternoon on the Marion and Princeton road when their automobile was struck and run over by another car.

Sigler who was driving and his companion were going south and overtook another car driven by a Mr. Gilland. Sigler in passing Gilland's car swerved too quickly in front of it and was struck and turned over.

James suffered two broken ribs, a cut on the chin, besides several minor cuts and bruises. Siglers ankle was dislocated, his left arm and small bones in his hand were broken.

***

While Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Caps, who reside near Mexico, were returning home from Princeton one day last week the automobile in which they were traveling went over a culvert, turned turtle and threw the occupants out resulting in a broken rib for Mrs. Capps. Dr. Cook dressed the wounds of the injured woman and she is reported to be improving.

***

July 1924 - More Accidents

Mr. A. C. Babb, while driving on N. College St. was painfully, but not seriously hurt in an automobile accident. The rear axle of the machine struck some high stepping stones and Mr. Babb was thrown forward on the windshield, resulting in the loss of one tooth and being considerably bruised and shaken up. His car was also considerably damaged.

***

Last Sunday as P. P. Paris, of near town was driving on the Marion and Princeton road near Crider, his car, a new Chevrolet, was struck by another car and badly damaged. Mr. Paris while going South and while passing some buggies was met by a Ford car, which is stated, was going at a high rate of speed, which collided with his car. Mr. Paris was slightly injured by bits of broken glass. None of the occupants of the other care was reported injured. Both cars were damaged.

Clock Tower Measured Days and Years For Marion

 I have made a couple of posts in the past about the old Clock and Bell Tower on the old Marion Jr. High building located on College Street, I seemed to have a fascination for the old structure and it haunts me every time I see it.  I feel I must carry on its history as long as it hangs on, literally hangs on to the top of the building. 

I can't help but look at it every time I am on College Street and think about the history of this once proud clock and bell tower.  There is no sign now of the old clock, because its Roman numerals and arms of  the clock have been lost to time, only the aging wooden tower once home to the 1895 clock is left, and with its present condition, it will soon disappear from sight.

 

It's history began with the new Grade and High School building that was built in 1895.  As the building was almost completed and the tower that was to be the final step in it's completion, some enterprising spirits conceived the idea of putting in a clock, and in a few days a big $600 clock and bell  was installed in the tower, it will tell and toll of the time, and as it measures off the days and years of the people of Marion.

 

 

The clock and bell tolled out the time and called the children to school each day in this building for 43 years and by then the school had become to small to hold all the students so in 1938 a new school was decided to be built.  The new brick structure would be part of the work of the New Deal, the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The new school was completed in 1938-1940 and the first graduating class was in 1941.  The clock and bell from the 1895 building was saved and placed in the new structure.

The clock ticked and the bell tolled until about 1966 and it became beyond repair and some of the parts on the outside were lost and it wasn't able to rewind the time piece so it sat idle for the rest of it's life.

In August of 1981 this school was closed and students transferred to the new Crittenden County Elementary School on Autumn Lane.

Today,  November 2023, only the old wooden structure that held the clock and bells has just about lost it's battle to time and looks like it will soon be gone.

New Deal Programs helped Crittenden County - WPA

 Works Progress Administration, known as the WPA was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings, streets, bridges, roads and numerous other projects.  

Marion and Crittenden County greatly benefited from this agency and the many projects done here through the years of 1935-1943.

Some of the streets to be improved with cement bound macadam or cut black asphalt, which would include curbing and drainage, included: East and West Depot, East and West Elm; North and South College, East and West Carlisle, North and South Walker. 

      Shady Grove and Frances Gymnasium's constructed by the WPA

 Other projects submitted and approved were to construct recreational center at Shady Grove, Ky, (new gymnasium) $2,027.00, Training work centers for women at Marion, $7,782.20, to construct playground at Frances Consolidated School, Frances, Ky., $2,269.00, (Frances also got a new gymnasium) Construct playground at Mattoon Consolidated School grounds, $1,5469.00. 

Dec. 13, 1935. The rock crusher began operation at the Alexander-Hopsons quarry, Shady Grove, crushing rock for the use of W.P.A. in the paving and curbing of the various streets in the city previously designated for these improvements. The first of the rock so delivered will be placed for use around the court Square in order that this paving and curbing may be completed at once and after this to the other streets so named.

 

In March of 1936 the Press tells us that the work of preparing the streets around the Court Square for paving is rapidly progressing since the moderation of the weather. The remainder of the sewage has been completed and preparations are now under way for the laying of the curbs.

 

Another important road project that was completed in October of 1938 was the Dycusburg-Kuttawa road. The bridge connecting Lyon and Crittenden counties was opened last week. With the completion a direct route to Lyon County is now open to citizens of the Dycusburg area.

 

 

 We know they helped with the building of several bridges in the county.   In 2013 the Fiscal Court authorized the replacement of the bridge on the Bells Mines Road.  Prior to the demolition of this bridge it was noticed that this foundation stone indicated the WPA had constructed the original structure in 1939.  The stone was removed and preserved for historical purposes.  This historical stone was presented to the Crittenden County Historical Museum in Oct. 2023 to be kept and preserved.

 

Perhaps one of the last large projects completed by the WPA was the demolition of the old Marion Grade and High School building and replacing it with a beautiful new building in 1938.  

This is why it is such a shame and disgrace for us to have let this beautiful and historical building sit and slowly fall into ruin, a ruin so bad that they say it is beyond any kind of repair now, due to the expense. 

Early Pioneers and Early Roadways

 

This is an interesting article that was written many years ago in 1931 by Rev. James F. Price. It's a look into some of our very early history of the land and the settlement of our county.

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The early pioneers of our Western Kentucky that later would become Crittenden County were a most neighborly and visit-prone people right from the beginning. This can be attributed to many factors, not the least of which was the dark, gloomy, largely unbroken forest which blanketed our virgin landscape and cast uncontrollable fears of Wilderness Fever caused by too much loneliness and isolation. Added to this was the nagging fear of Indian trouble .

 

The pioneer of original Livingston County was that hardy breed of perpetual western movers we term the Scotch-Irish. Even though they were relatively poor, in most instances, they retained the overbearing family and neighbor ties as the system was developed in the deep South. There were a few of the planter-aristocrats who attempted to set up plantation type farms, these were usually in the river bottoms, but these people soon realized that this land was just not suitable for such uses, and soon adapted themselves down to the smaller cropping method of provision farming.

***

Traveling To Western Kentucky

The Pioneers migrated to what became Crittenden County by both the overland routes across the Cumberland Mountains and across Kentucky or through the Cumberland River Valley through Tennessee by wagon, foot and pack-horse, and by the river flatboat route down the Cumberland, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. 

 

By far, the former overland routes were mostly always taken by the home seeking, very few of whom lived near rivers in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee, and fewer yet had any river boats nor navigation skills, and since few had money to buy or build boats and rent crews or pay passage, the river pirate and hostile Indian danger on the rivers decided the way this county was settled, which was traveling on land.

 

The overland travelers in the virgin Kentucky and Tennessee forests always traveled in groups as a means of protection against the ever-present larger savaging-wild animals, such as wolves and panthers, who would follow the pioneer's herds of cattle, hogs, sheep and poultry in packs awaiting the opportunity to attack a straggling animal or even a child. 

 

They also traveled together for protection from possible attacks of hostile Indians or robbery and murder by land pirates, although there was less actual danger of Indian attacks in Kentucky, since they using the state only as a hunting ground, and had become adjusted to sharing the game with the white settlers.

 

When the groups of overland traveling pioneers arrived in west Kentucky they considered the wooded rolling hill-land of what was to become Caldwell and Eastern and Southern Crittenden County as prime land, for the pioneers were convinced that land that would not grow trees would grow nothing, and most of them were quite familiar with hill-farming in their original homes in the south, thus the first sections of original Livingston County to become settled were its Eastern and Southeastern half. 

 

The original permanent settlement of what was to become Crittenden County was determined to a great extent by the only roadway that naturally led through the desired homestead country in a south to north direction.

***

Roadway known as the: Saline Trace, Chickasaw Trail and Flynn's Ferry Road

Geologically a natural break, formed by parts of Camp Creek and Piney Creek in very early times formed a basis for a North-South track or trail through the eastern part of the County from the plains or grasslands of middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky to the salt-licks along the Saline River in Southern Illinois.

 

The first use of this pathway was made by the great herds of buffalo and other grazing animals that had inhabited the grasslands from time immemorial as the route to travel to secure the supply of salt, which was necessary for their health. 

 

The "Saline Trace" was built by the buffalo, which has been called the trail maker or engineer, because of his habit of finding the route of least resistance between salt licks and cane breaks. His trail, some 4 or 5 feet wide, was hard packed by many hoofs. Indians adopted and followed his traces, or paths. 

 

Before Crittenden County was settled, the Chickasaw tribe of Tennessee sent hunting parties into the area. One of these early camps was located in the vicinity of Piney Fork church, near whee the present highway crosses the creek west of the church. 

 

The Kaskaskia Tribe representing the powerful Illinois nation, often camped on lower Camp Creek near the site of Weston. Thus these large groups of Indians often came into conflict over possession of hunting rights in the land that was to become Eastern Crittenden County.

 

Early Crittenden County tradition tells us that in about 1790, warriors of these tribes met near the Piney Fork campsite, and in a running battle from there to the river, more than 200 Indians were killed. The Chickasaws won the battle and immediately made provisions for the spoils to be transferred to their camp. They cleared a road along the trail for the use of their wagons, by 1790, the Chickasaw had adopted the full use of the white man's freight wagon. 

 

When early settlers located, at what would later become Weston, the road was known at the Chickasaw Trail, but soon in 1803 it would become know as Flynn's Ferry Road for George Flynn who opened a ferry and established a better road to Big Spring in Princeton.

***

Armstrong and Centerville

The land that is now Crittenden County is a rolling plateau cut by three main north-south running valleys which are clearly divided by high ridges between them in its southeastern quarter which were the first sections to be settled by the pioneers after the Centerville neighborhood had been taken up.

 

The Armstrong's were among the first settlers of (what was to become) Crittenden County. James took up 200 acres on Livingston Creek, the site of Centerville, where he had already built a residence a few years earlier. Logan Armstrong and Samuel Armstrong took up 200 acres on the same creek. The three tracts were all surveyed in 1799. (There is a Kentucky Historical Marker to mark the site of Centerville on the Crittenden-Caldwell line on Highway 641.)

 

The Piney Fork Valley was next preferred by the homesteaders. It begins as a narrow valley in the south, near where the original Piney Creek Baptist Church was located and is separated from the Tradewater River Valley by the Haw, Blackburn and Piney Bluffs ridge on the east, but soon broadens to the Twin Knobs-Wilson Hill ridge on the west. (Who would have ever dreamed that the once historically known Twin Knobs would be no more, and a modern highway would now be where they once stood. These knobs were landmarks known for miles around by pilots in the air and from travelers on the highways.)

 

This valley was very fertile to the basic pioneer crops and was well drained by both forks of Piney Creek and watered by numerous ever flowing springs. The land was also blanketed by a fine virgin growth of hardwood timber. These factors made it the ideal location for successful pioneer settlement and it became the "cradle" of Crittenden County.

***

As each generation dies out, much of our past history is lost. It's nice to have these written facts to still read and recall the very early days of our county and it's pioneer people.

Amish Came To Crittenden County in 1997

 Article from The Crittenden Press, July 28, 1977

Amish buy 1,900 acres in county.  Horses and buggies may become  common site on county roads again when an Amish community gets settled into the Mattoon community this fall.

A group of Old Order Amish from Dover, Del., recently purchased about 1,900 acres of land near Mt. Zion church and a spokesman said half a dozen families may be moved in by the first of the year.

The community will include people who now live in Delaware, Canada and Pennsylvania.

More families may come after it is seen how well these first are able to adapt to this area, the spokesman said.

Members of the Amish sect, have stubbornly refused to adopt most of the "conveniences" of modern living.  They continue to till the land with draft animals and use horses and buggies as a primary means of transportation.

They will be engaged mainly in family farming with possibly produce for sale.

"As long as we can make an honest living and be neighbors, then we're happy," the spokesman said.

The group had been investigating land in this area for more than a year and a half before deciding to buy the tract from Charles Wesley.

The spokesman explained other Amish in the Gutherie area and in southern Indiana had help them in spotting suitable land.  He said that by getting that large an acreage, it would provide room for several families now as well as for future growth.

Last week, about 25 prospective residents were on the farm digging basements for houses, which they will return later to finish construction.

He noted the county's fiscal court had agreed to erect hitching posts of Jockey Lot for them and that some grocery merchants had indicated they would put up hitch rails.

They hope to re-open an old county road which connect the Mt. Zion road with the Fords Ferry Road and use that less traveled highway for their trips in to town.

Agreeing that their ways and appearances --men are bearded and women wear long dresses and caps -- naturally attract attention to them, the spokesmen noted he hopes the community is not expect too much from them.

We are only human, he said.  "We're not a perfect people."

Some Amish scenes on Mt. Zion Cemetery Road.

Marion Happenings in 1953

 An interesting article appeared in the October 30, 1953 addition of The Crittenden Press, telling of the improvements to our town. Reports such as this are a good way to learn of some of our past history. Major Lewis Chipps gave this informative report.

***

Oct. 30, 1953

On account of the facts that our tax rate was at the highest limit and couldn't be raised, and the further fact that all expenses of our City Government, both as to salaries and material needed were getting higher and higher it has been most difficult to manage the City Government and keep it within its income and at the same time to expand our services to the citizens of our community.

 

Over and above meeting the general expenses of our City Government the officers and employees of Marion have managed to secure for the City and our people over a period of the past few years the following needed improvements, viz: In the Fire Department we now have an almost new fire truck and equipment which cost approximately $7,000.00; and we have retained the old fire truck and improved and reworked it until it is now in excellent condition and in case of a large fire, which we hope will not occur, the Fire Department has two fire trucks to use.

 

Recently the City purchased an up to date aluminum ladder that is long enough to reach the highest building in Marion, and if needed can be used to rescue people from the third floors of some of our tallest buildings, and also to enable the firemen to reach the roofs of the tallest buildings quickly and safely to extinguish roof fires and maybe save buildings that otherwise might be burned. 

 

Also a firetruck for first aid was purchased and equipment by the City with some equipment being donated by some of our public-spirited citizens, which will enable the firemen to give first aid to all who many need such services and too the Department is well equipped with sufficient footage of new and up to date firehouse.

 

The Department is not only well equipped and all the equipment is paid for in full, but we do have one of the best group of firemen that can be found in any small town, and we do think that a good word should be said in behalf of the young men who really get out in the thick of the fire and do the good work of saving our property and the lives of our people whose homes may burn.

 

The Light Department is constantly improving the lighting of our streets and alleys, the light committee with the help and cooperation of Orlan Love, the local manager of K. U, there was installed a new set of street lights around the court Square, and now once the business men have made the much appreciated improvements along the fronts of the stores on Main Street, and after the County Officials together with the good ladies of the Woman's Club have made such remarkable improvements on our Court House, we'd say that Marion looks nicer than at any time since we can remember.

 

The General Department of our City Government, which includes our Police Department, has been maintained at the same high level as in the past years and we think has been improved, for the past several years the City Government has been able to purchase and maintain a police car which is necessary to control traffic and protect the lives of those who use the streets both as drivers of motor vehicles and pedestrians, and especially school children. 

 

And one of the best additions that has been jointly sponsored by the City and School in the School Boy Patrol, and when ever you see a school boy patrol be sure and slow down and obey his signals for you may be sure that is is a boy, maybe a little man, who is out in the heat of the sun or the cold of the winter storm to give protection to the smaller child who is trying to cross the street, and hoping to safely reach home.

 

Our water system has not been neglected, but over the past several years much money has been expended in expanding our system and extending our services to more and more of our people. We have now approximately 875 customers in our water system which has almost double during the past years. 

 

Also the department has purchased a pickup truck for the use of the system; has kept painted and in up to date repair our water tank; has purchased several items of needed equipment and in 1950 made arrangement to use the waters from the lake in the Lake View addition whenever needed, and in 1952 dug three much needed wells out at the water plant to supplement our supply, and too, in the same year expended several hundred dollars in laying a line and making ready the Lucille Mines to enable the City to use water from these mines whenever needed, and all these additions and improvements have been paid for in full. 

 

In addition to the water system a new system has been added to our undertaking, namely the natural gas system, which is now a part of the combined water and Gas System of Marion. We now have approximately 450 users of natural gas and in the course of a few years we hope to double the number of users.

The Crittenden County Court House has had a face lifting which has lifted the spirits of citizens of the entire county, thanks to the help of the Marion Woman's Club.

The historic landmark of Western Kentucky, located in the downtown square of Marion, was badly in need of repair work and a coat of paint. Everyone agreed that something should be done about the Court House, but funds were not available and the work was delayed from year to year.

This year the Marion Woman's Club, under the leadership of its president, Mrs. Thomas Tucker, was determined to stop talking and start acting, and went to work. Members spearheaded a drive to get the citizens interested in getting something done about the painting.

 

The county officials started the needed repairs on the Court House recently but lacked funds for the painting so the Woman's Club started raising funds. The painting project was estimated to cost $300.00 but when it was finished it cost $439.00. 

 

Now that the project is completed the entire down town of Marion has a progressive look and merchants have joined the parade of progress by adding new store fronts and painting their buildings.

 

Marion city officials at this time included: Mayor, Lewis Chipps, City Attorney, W. J. Postleweight, City Judge, Hugh Norris, City Clerk, Mrs. Gertrude Brown, City Treasurer, Mrs. E. E. Mackey, Fire Chief, Lonnie Buckalew, and Chief of Police, N. S. Hollingsworth.