Civil Organizations in Marion in 1931

A Few Of Marion's Civil Organization That Were Active In The Year 1931

 

The Woman’s Club of today is the outgrowth of a small Literary Club, which was organized in March 1920, and was composed of sixteen women, who realizing the value and also the pleasure of studying together, banded themselves together for this purpose, and Mrs. Mary Deboe Christian, who was instrumental in completing the organization, was elected the first president.

In a short while, the members of the Club began to realize the importance of co-operating with other club women of the state, thereby enlarging their scope of work and service and in May, 1921, became members of the State Federation and two years later, made another step forward by becoming members of the General Federation of Clubs of America.

When the club was only two years old, the members began to dream of a club home, and of a rest room for the women of the town and country and soon began working toward that end, and in 1926 that dream was realized in the completion of the present Woman's Club Building.

From year to year the Woman’s Club has made an honest endeavor to render service to our town and county, through cooperation with the Parent-Teachers Association, the Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, the Auxiliary and the State Board of Health in sponsoring movements for public welfare and the betterment of humanity and has assisted in a financial way, to place Public School Music in our Graded Schools and two years, have helped to defray expenses of contestants to Lexington and have at all time, stood for and boosted for better schools, in a better town and county.  (The Woman's Club is still an active organization today)

Marion Kiwanis Club

The relations between the Kiwanis Club and our High School have always been most cordial, as a natural consequence of the similarity of the objects and aims of both organizations. Our motto is “We Build” and our principle endeavor is to build the community while the chief end of our High School is to build the individual.

So it is apparent that both organizations depend upon each other. An injury to either would hurt the other and the advancement of either would benefit the other. A community of active, intelligent, educated citizens, awake to the interests and working for the betterment of the community, naturally develops a wide awake, active Kiwanis Club and likewise a wide awake, active Kiwanis Club naturally takes great interest in the greatest beneficial enterprise in the community, the high school

We both live under the motto of the State: “United We Stand Divided We Fall.” J. W. Blur, Jr. President, Homer G. McConnell, Vice-President.  (This organization has been gone for many years)

Auxiliary

Believing that the kind of school we have typifies the kind of citizenship we have and one of the chief aims of the American Legion Auxiliary being the promotion of good citizenship, we are highly appreciative of the high standard of excellence that has been attained by the public school system of Marion and wish to go on record as endorsing the efforts of our citizenship along with this line as wishing to co-operate in every way possible to hold this standard. Mrs. Frank Bennett, President. Mrs. J. D. Vaughn, Vice-President.

Ellis B. Ordway Post Number 111 American Legion

For God and Country, we associate together the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our association in the great war; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy.” Preamble to the Constitution of the American legion.

The Ellis B. Ordway Post No. 111, of Marion, is one of the leading posts of Kentucky for 11931. With a membership of 231 World War veterans associated together with the above pledge in mind, the Legion will be found backing and boosting all things that tend toward the carrying out of this ideal.   (Still a Post, but not an active one anymore, they used to be in charge of a Memorial Service each Memorial and Veteran's Day, but this was stopped in 2018, due to lack of membership.)

The Bee Hive Block, January 1908

On account of the hustle and bustle around the businesses located on Carlisle St., a new name was given to the address of the businesses located there.

In the basement of the Crittenden Record Press who has its quarters here may be found at times the President of the Marion Electric and Ice Company.  The Press force consisting of Robt. E. Wilborn, foreman, Mrs. May Wilborn, Elmer Franklin, Cleveland Stone, and Valentine Threlkeld on "press days."  (The paper was located in the basement one of the buildings on Carlisle street at this time.)

                                                

At Davis & Davis, No. 1 Beehive block you will find the two members of the firm there at all times.   Ready to help you with your clothing items.

At McConnell's Parlor Barber Shop, No. 2 Beehive block, Walter McConell, Winfred Sleamker and Ed Shelby are waiting to help you with all your hair cuts and grooming needs.

At the Postal Office, No. 3 Beehive block, Miss Mary Cameron, Mrs. Henrie Lamb and Miss Leaffa Wilborn, who is the Wall Street Agent for the Record-Press, will be in attendance.

At the Marion Saddlery & Harness Co., No. 4 Beehive block, Dave Moore has charge and in the room adjoining, M. L. Rison does repair work on shoes.

In the story above, Dr. George W. Stone, Occulist, has Beehive suite 1 and 2.

Dr. Frederick W. Nunn, has Beehive suite 3 and 4

J. B. Kevil and R. L. Flanary Insurance, has offices in suite 5.

Champion and Champion, attorneys, have their office in suite 6.

W. H. Clark, attorney has his new office in suite number 7.

A party who kept count one day recently estimated that not less than 1,000 people entered this building at the various shops and places of business during the 24 hours, and they were hunting everything from a copy of the Crittenden Record-Press to a set of teeth on a good plate.

Some times there are a dozen at one time in Dr. Nunn's office and equally as many in McConnell's barber shop.

Weston's By-Laws Established Town's Order

In May of 1880 the town trustees of Weston met and organized with J. H. Lamb as chairman and R. I Nunn as clerk. 

One of their first duties was to write the By-Laws of their town of Weston. Later that year the new Weston By-Laws were printed in the August 25, 1880 issue of the Crittenden Press. There were 23 Sections, but I've only used part of them for this article. By reading these By-Laws, you know these men wanted the best for the citizens of their busy river port town. 

Crittenden Press - August 25, 1880
 Section 1st. Any person or persons who shall be found guilty of disorderly conduct within the town of Weston, or shall be found loitering around about is said town, not employed in some visible or laudable occupation, shall be fined not to exceed ten dollars for each offense, and, in default of payment, shall be committed to the lock-up of said town, not exceeding one day for every two dollars of the fine.  

Section 2nd. Upon all theatrical performances, each exhibition of wild animals, menagerie or circus, and for all other shows, concerts, etc, there shall be paid for license to the Marshal or Clerk of the town of Weston a tax of not more than ten or less than two dollars, the amount at the discretion of the Marshal or Clerk

Section 3rd. Retailers of ardent spirits within the town of Weston shall pay a tax of ten dollars per annum in addition to the State tax, imposed by the laws of the State of Kentucky, for license to retail ardent spirits in said town in any quantify not less than a quart and not to be drank in the house, on the premises, nor adjacent thereto, which sum shall be paid by the person or persons desiring such license to the Marshal of said town, who, upon receipt of same, shall give his receipt therefor, stating of whom received and for what purpose and the amount; and, upon said receipt being produced and filed with the Clerk of the Board of Trustees, the Clerk will issue to such person or persons a license to sell ardent spirits within said town of Weston for the space of one year from the date of the Marshal’s receipt; Such license shall not be so constructed as to permit or authorize the applicant to sell in quantities less than a quart, and that not to be drank in the house or on the premises, or adjacent thereto.

Section 8th. Any person who shall be guilty of drunkenness within the town of Weston shall pay a fine of any sum not to exceed ten dollars, and in default of payment of said fine, shall be committed to the lock-up of the town for the space of twelve hours, unless bond and security be given for the amount of fine and cost.

Section 9th. Any person who shall be guilty of profane swearing in a clamorous manner in the town of Weston shall forfeit and pay a fine not less than one or more than ten dollars for each and every such offense, and, in default of payment, shall be committed to the lock up of the town for not exceeding ten days or may be so fined and imprisoned.

Section 13th. Any person who shall be guilty of any indiscreet or boisterous conduct, such as disturbs the peace and dignity of the town, or any boisterous conduct on the Sabbath, crying aloud in a disorderly manner, by day or night, blowing of horns, or any disorderly or strange noise, or any riotous act not enumerated in any of the foregoing sections shall be fined in any sum not exceeding ten dollars for each offense, and, in default of payment, shall be confined in the loci-up not exceeding one day for each two dollars of the fine, or maybe imprisoned not exceeding ten days

Section 14th. Any person who shall be guilty of any grossly improper or indecent conduct in any public part of the town of Weston shall be fined in any sum not exceeding ten dollars, and in default of payment, shall be confined in the lock-up of the town not exceeding one day for each two dollars of the fine.

A Weston Community picture made in April during the 1913 Ohio River Floor.  C. W. Grady's house is pictured in the background.  A grand house for it's time.  In the boat on left is: Joseph Hughes, Mae Holeman, Mamie Hughes and Tommy Hughes.  In boat on right is Cassie Cain and Myrtle Hill Cain.   Weston Cemetery in on the hill in the background.  Almost bare of any trees at this time in history.

James Ford Family Cemetery, Tolu, Kentucky

James Ford Family Cemetery located near Tolu, Ky, on the old home place of James Ford.  The land today is owned by the J. T. May family.  David May, son, gave permission for the clean up of the cemetery in 2011.

Who Is Buried Here? 

James Ford along with his sons, Phillip and William, and his daughter-in-law, Alma G.

There are most likely more unmarked graves that have never been located and are not on record.

James Ford's plantation home once stood a short distance from the cemetery, but it's location has not been

documented.  

The story has been told down through the years that James Ford's boxlike sandstone tomb was undisturbed for many years, but a farmer who once owned a parcel of the land, used Ford's crypt and the crypt of other family members buried around him to cover some holes in a nearby pasture.

The fellow's cows started dying mysteriously after that and so did a child of his.  Thinking that his misfortune might have something to do with his taking the tombstones, he returned the stones to the family cemetery and just stowed them about.  Gladly putting them back where he got them, but the damage had been done to the little cemetery and it would never be the same.

 There the stones lie broken and off their bases, and leaving the actual grave site of each person unknown to man.  

Although the two large flat stones of the sons, William and Phillip, are in the cemetery, James Ford's stone has not been located.  It has been searched for for many years, but it is still lost to us history hunters. 

Who was James Ford, some may not know the history of this mysterious person.  

James Ford was a well known citizen of Crittenden County (at that time Livingston County) he served as a sheriff and was an entrepreneur running the Ford's Ferry and providing loans to his neighbors when money from traditional banking services was hard to get. 

Some sources also list him as a leader of the much talked about Fords Ferry Gang.  The Gang that was responsible for the robbing and deaths of many a westward bound settler who crossed the Ohio River using his ferry.

Others say people that owed him money helped to brand him as an outlaw and that he really wasn't the person behind the gang.  

Henry Shouse was formally charged with the murder of James Ford in 1833 in Livingston County, charges were later dropped.

Tradition has James Ford was buried head first in his grave, he was a large man, over 300 lbs at his death.  He was buried by slaves and Arthur Love during a thunderstorm.  Due to the weight of the casket and the slaves fear of Mr. Ford he was dropped head first and was wedged diagonally in the grave.

Happenings In Our City and County for the start of 1939

At the start of a new year, I always find it interesting to look back in our past history and see what was taking place in our home town during that time period  Let's take a look back 80 years ago to the first few months of 1939 and see what was going on in our town and county.

 A downtown scene from 1939.  Marion was a busy and bustling place during this time.  The Court House always the center of the activity, whether for business or visiting.

In the first issue of the paper on Jan. 6, 1939 it is reported that there were no arrests during the New Year's holiday. New Years Eve and the day following passed uneventfully in the city and county with no arrests, no accidents nor violations reported. Many private parties were held Saturday night but the revelers were calm and quiet.

Perfect weather greeted the arrival of 1939 with a temperature of 66 being reported in the afternoon. A bright sun shone all during the day.

1939 Tax Levy ordinance for the City (partial list)

The Board of Council of the City of Marion, Ky., do ordain as follows: (1) That an advalorem tax of Seventy-five Cents be, levied on each One Hundred Dollars of value of all real and personal property in the city of Marion, Ky., excepting shares in Bank and Trust Companies. (2) That an advalorem tax of Twenty Cents be levied on each One Hundred Dollars of fair cash value of the shares of all Bank and Trust Companies in the city of Marion. (3) That a poll tax of One Dollar and Fifty cents be levied on and shall be collected from every male resident of the City of Marion, Ky., who is over twenty-one and under the age of seventy years.

Polio Drive

The drive against infantile paralysis annually undertaken at the time of Pres. Roosevelt's birthday, begins in the city and county Monday according to Mrs. Edwin C. Frazer, chairman.

One half of the funds, so raised will remain in the county and be used here. It is at present planned to sell chances on a cake, to place receptacles in the schools of city and county for donations and to canvass residential and business sections. The campaign this year carries the slogan of “March of Dimes”. The quota is one and one-half per cent per capita and it is estimated that there are about 11,300 persons in Crittenden County. This would set the county quota at $169.50. Homer McConnell is treasurer.

Dorothy Riley, Piney neighborhood, will appear at a specially arranged chapel program at Fohs Hall next Tuesday morning for the purpose of assisting the local committee in its drive for funds to combat infantile paralysis. Miss Riley is a victim of the disease and has been materially aided by the treatments made possible through funds collected from past drives. At one time Miss Riley was unable to walk but treatments at Louisville were made available for her and she is decidedly improved, being able to walk with the aid of crutches. She told Mrs. Edward Frazer, drive chairman, that she would do anything she could to assist members in the campaign.

Rural Electrification Is Favored All Over the County

From all parts of the county come reports that rural Electrification is the foremost thought in the minds of county residents. A party headed by W. R. Cruce consulted with Area Engineer Hardin, Morganfield, for preparatory to perfecting plans for rural electrification in Crittenden County. Appointed groups were formed including, County Agent Shelby, Tom Board, Hiram Parish and Jack Shepherd. George Conditt, Chapel Hill, Hiram Parish, Dycusburg-Frances; Howard Hurley, Sheridan, I. W. Cook, Hebron, Frank Hill Shady Grove, Marion Brantley. All members of the appointed groups have reported progress in the respective districts and that all consulted are in favor of and want improvement.

Within the near future Cruce said meetings will be called to sound out sentiment of rural residents of the county preparatory to perfecting plans for establishment of the system. It is much needed and I believe that it can be accomplished without unnecessary delays. It is proposed to form a county organization and to include in the project as many lines as possible to serve the greatest number of residents.

So another year begins for the residents of Marion and Crittenden County with it's hopes, dreams, disappointments and happy moments to then become memories of our forgotten passages of time