Staff writer
A group of Topekans on a mystery tour found themselves taking in the sights of Marion Thursday.
Even the bus driver was impressed with the points on the tour.
“This is the best day trip I’ve been on in the last five and a half years,” said Rick Daubenspeck, driver for Arrow Stage Lines.
The 38 participants walked through the historic Elgin Hotel, enjoyed a catered lunch at the Community Center, saw the city library, watched an artist demonstration at Copper Shed, spent time at the Historical Museum and had ice cream at Prairie Oak Alpaca Gift Shop.
The driving portion of the tour took the group to 10 historic homes; Bown Corby; the 1872 Presbyterian Church; the Performing Arts Center; and the cemetery.
Navy veteran Louis McCarthy gazed long at the military display at the museum while chatting with volunteer Debbi Darrow about the items on exhibit. McCarthy served from 1960 to 1964. Although he was not assigned to duty in the Vietnam War, Darrow said he remembers how soldiers returning from Vietnam were treated and is glad soldiers today are appreciated by the public.
“I’ve been here before but this is the first mystery trip here in 12 years,” said Oneta Ashcraft, tour planner. “I do a mystery trip once a month. Everyone was so amazed at what this little town has done with their buildings and schools, and amazed at your accomplishments.”