Marion Days in 1931

Back in 1931 the city of Marion wanted a way to promote and advertise their many places of business.  They decided to have a special 3-day event, which would be called Marion Days.  For the event many of the businesses placed special ads in The Crittenden Press.  These ads tell us of the history of some of the local business those many years ago.

• Yandell and Gugenheim - Local dry goods dealers, has the oldest mercantile establishment in Marion, this business being well over forty years old.  Partners in the business are W. B. Yandell, Samuel Gugenheim and R. B. Cook who are assisted in the business by Samuel A. Gugenheim and Ernest Butler.  (Today this building is the home of Frazer, Rogers and Peek Law Offices on the corner of Main and E. Carlisle St.)
• Cochran's Is The Oldest Business - T. H. Cochran is the oldest hardware store in Marion.  This business is well and favorably known throughout this entire territory, not only for the high grade of materials in which they deal but the progressiveness and public spirited attitude of the owners, T. H. Cochran and L. E. Crider.  Cochran's store occupies two floors of their building on South Marin Street.  A large line of farming implements, stoves, kitchen ware, fencing, roofing and hardware staples is kept on hands at all times. (This store building sits empty today)
• R. S. Elkins Is Proprietor of Marion Hardware Company.  The Marion Hardware and Grocery Company, the only such combination in Marion.  R. S. Elkins owner of the store, which moved early in the spring from Bellville Street to a Main Street location. 
• Moore and Pickens - This store was started a number of years ago by Miss Mildred Moore and Miss Elvah Pickens, now Mrs. Weems Croft and Mrs. Frank Bennett.  Since the establishment of the business these two young ladies have had a satisfactory business, due to the kind of merchandise they handle and to the personality they put into the management of their business.
• The Owl Sandwich Shop - Is Marion's "sandwich headquarters". This place, owned and operated y Emmett Koltinsky with the assistance of his wife, makes a specialty of various kinds of sandwiches, chili, etc.  A favorite gathering place for those noon-time meals away from the office.
• Pugh's Variety Store - carries a complete line of novelties, kitchenware, dishes and toys as well as an assortment of hats and ladies and children's clothing.  This is a cash store and they have built up a good patronage in Marion.  Mr C. W. Pugh is from Sturgis and came to Marion and established the third of his variety stores, the other two being located in Sturgis and Clay.
• Conoco Gas At Service Station in located on Marion Street.  It is under the management of M. W. Thomason.  He sells Conoco gasoline and oil.  In addition to this service the Super Service station specializes in greasing and aligning.