June 25, 2012 by Loretta Walker
| Hello, I am very excited about all the activities surrounding downtown Marion in the last month. The first “Clean Up Downtown”, First Friday, the colorful and very artistic pigs guarding the corners of our downtown square!!!! I don’t know how many times I have been asked “So, What’s up with the pigs downtown?”… I love it! What a fantastic opportunity to talk about Main Street Marion, the communities involvement and so many visions of seeing our Downtown thrive! |
| It is the heart of our community and the love of what is and what is to come that makes me proud to “MAKE IT MARION”! |
| Sincerely, |
| Brianna James-Logan |
| A Letter from the President: May is National Preservation Month |
| The Marion Downtown Commercial Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. They define this area as being roughly bounded by 7th, 2nd, Branson and Gallatin Streets, including 80 acres, 52 buildings, 2 structures, 2 objects. This area is noted for its examples of Romanesque, Italianate and Classical Revival architectural styles from 1874-1949. In addition to the Historic District, Downtown Marion has a few gems on the National Register as individual structures. |
| Grant County Jail and Sheriff’s Residence – 215 E. 3rd – remodeled as residential spaces – occupied with available spaces for rent or lease. |
| Abijah C. Jay House – 118 W 7th – saved and recently remodeled – reuse strategies being formed by the Marion Public Library. |
Aaron Swayzee-Love House – 224 N. Washington – well-preserved – for sale – would make a great Downtown B&B!
George, Jr. and Marie Daugherty Webster House – 926 S. Washington – preserved – occupied by National Quilter’s Hall of Fame. |
| Woodrow J. Wilson House – 723 W. 4th – preserved – occupied as The Hostess House |
| Preserving Downtown for future generations is the primary reason Main Street Marion exists and we need your help. Thinking of Downtown for your day-to-day needs is the first step in ensuring a vibrant downtown. Join Main Street Marion on Facebook for more ways to get involved! |
| I would like to take an opportunity to sincerely thank a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to help make May’s First Friday’s possible. |
| Erin Donovan worked tirelessly to put bands and entertainment together. Here is a little about Erin in her own words and how she came to volunteer for MSM. “Born and mostly raised in Marion, I am a college student, attending Ivy Tech in Marion and transferring to Ball State in the fall to pursue a degree in anthropology. I am also a local musician who has helped to organize local events, such as Rockers for Knockers which raised funds for the Grant County Cancer Services BESS program. I began volunteering for Main Street Marion by working at the beer tent for last year’s Hog Daze and, at the insistence of Loretta, attended the first Festivals Committee meeting. The best part of this experience was watching the fun people had at May’s Hoosier Superhero? and I hope to continue that as we move through this festival season.” Thanks again Erin you made the outcome look effortless! |
| Other BIG thank you’s go to Linnie Claxon, Aletha Dunston, Maria Stefanovic, Diana Geistler, Thomas Rawlings, Roger Tappan and Brianna James-Logan for setting up and working during the festival. |
| Main Street Fairmount for the use of their tent, Steve Wright and Sammy Edmonds for being our fantastic MC’s and for everyone who had a hand in helping Thank You! You are appreciated! |
| WALK OF HOPE We all know someone who has been affected or has lost their battle with this horrible disease. It does not discriminate, it does not know age or gender nor, does it take mercy on its victims. “CANCER SUCKS, ALL THE TIME” as one of their T-shirts bluntly puts it. Cancer Services raised awareness for cancer Friday, May 4th as the group was led by the Marion Fire Department. |
| The walk is meant to not only bring awareness but also to educate our community about the disease. Cancer Survivors were honored and “Cheerleaders for Charities” led the group in contagious cheering. The walk ending with closing ceremonies and words by Tracy Collins, Program Director. |
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