Marion Historian files 2000 Report
Submitted by Carolyn Adriaansen
Marion Town Historian

This year I had an exceptional number of speaking and display programs, 22 in all. Word does get around. Most were at travel, school groups, Senior Citizen homes and meetings. I performed my 'Dutch' program at the DAR in Newark, and had lovely responses.

Other subjects included: Cobblestones, Ice Harvesting, Outhouses, Peppermint and The Erie Canal.

Last year, we were able to purchase the old bronze bell that originally rang out from the cupola at the Marion Collegiate Institute. Since the auction price was more than we anticipated, the price was split by the Town of Marion and the Marion School system. I was unable to get any cooperation from anyone to set up a project to defray the cost, even though willing workers were available.

In January, I had a taped interview at our local radio station, WACK, where I answered questions from station manager Larry Ann Evans about our Marion folks and history.

February - At our museum I had a display and video on Ellis Island. Those who visited seemed to be very interested.

March was the Marion 8th Grade Science Fair and the Wayne County History Jamboree judging. Since the jamboree was in Marion this year, I had the Marion Museum open on Saturday so visitors to our town could come and tour.

In April I set up a display, and dressed in my Dutch outfit for a gathering sponsored by the Wayne County Tourism Association. This was held in Newark and I presented information on Marion and invited all to visit our unique museum. On April 21, my friend, Joanne DeVries and I joined a Netherlands Canal Cruise. This year, we traveled through the Southern Islands of Zeeland, the area where my families came from, as well as most of the families who live in Marion and the Wayne County area.

May's highlight was our Memorial Day Parade. I have the museum open during this event, one that our town is proud to say we hold each year. Services, sponsored by the Marion American Legion Post #1430 are held following the parade at the Marion Cemetery, with appropriate music provided by the Marion High School Band. The 5th Grade recited the Gettysburg Address. A moving service.

I did programs throughout the summer and fall plus jobs that surface every day, every week.

In October, we held our Harvest Festival. This is the second year for our town's festival. It was received well and we welcomed all the guests to the museum and to the stores and businesses in our downtown area. There was an interest in the traditional crafts, held at the museum and performed by gracious, talented volunteers for that day.

The first Saturday in December is when I hold my 'Holiday Open House.' Some come for a few minutes and some come to visit and to partake of the special refreshments being served for the day.

This year I made Orange Slice Cake. I had no refusals. This year, I had the opportunity to borrow a digital camera from our local newspaper, The Marion Enterprise. They (Courier-Gazette) also put my column, articles and pictures on the World Wide Web (since 1996).

The East Palmyra Christian School borrowed my Dutch costumes for their program as did the Marion United Church for their special anniversary.

John Lonneville borrowed my file on Marion 'Service Men' to update their records for their annual recognition dinner. Others occasionally borrow my files for reference or reading pleasure.

Our son, Brian, and I continue to video the buildings and homes around Marion's streets and roads. These are available for folks to borrow, but I think will prove more valuable as the years go by.

I have been Marion's Town Historian since 1974, twenty-six years. I still cannot get our town fathers interested in history or our Marion Museum. About two years ago, we were promised the big court office room which would enlarge our museum space. We have collected furniture and accessories and before we could move in, it has been taken over, again, so I have moved my files and materials back into the four present rooms.

Memorial money was left to the Marion Historic Association and, when plans are okayed, I hope to see a clock on the front of our Town Hall. Plans are in the works.

Carolyn Adriaansen, Town Historian Copies have been sent to Marion Town Board, Wayne County Historian and the State Historian.