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.

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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.