50 years ago

january 13, 1966

An angry inferno of unknown origin swept through the parts department of Marion Equipment Co. early Tuesday morning and had a big head start before it was detected. At daybreak the showroom and offices of the International Harvester dealership was left a mere pile of rubble. Loss estimates from $125,000 to $150,000 are considered both reasonable and conservative.

Marion High School’s 1966 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow is Cheri Lee Bell, a senior and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bell.

Mr. and Mrs. Orl Stage announce the engagement of their daughter, Connie, to Lloyd Bevan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Bevan of Peabody. A July wedding is planned.

George Helmer announced this week that he has sold his station at the east edge of Marion to Hillsboro Cooperative Supply. Archie Stenzel, employed by Helmer Service, will be manager of the station.

Mary Jo Klenda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Klenda, and J. Dennis Dlabal, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dlabal, were married Dec. 27 at St. John Nep. Catholic Church in Pilsen.

Bill Schimpf, Marion well driller, has purchased the former Roberts Plumbing Shop in Florence. L.C. Day will assist Schimpf in the operation of the business.