Much of Marion’s rich business and economic history has been captured in the new Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Merchants exhibit opening May 6 at the Marion County Historical Society Museum, Heritage Hall.
The event runs from 5:00pm to 8:00pm with a special dedication of new displays in the lower level commemorating longtime MCHS volunteer Gary Barnhart and his contributions to the Marion County Historical Society.
The museum will also be unveiling the new permanent Industrial exhibit courtesy of Whirlpool Corporation and the Wilson Bohannon Lock Company.
The Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Merchants exhibit focuses on the many ways in which Marion was a leader in industry and the entrepreneurial spirit of America. The Huber Manufacturing Company was started in 1868, by Mr. Edward Huber due to the proximity of hardwood for manufacturing and the ability to ship his products. Another famous business whose home base was Marion was the L. K. Restaurant chain begun by Cleo Ludwig and Bob Kibbey in 1944.
Visitors to this exhibit will learn why Marion was known as “Lime City” in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and how after the Marion Steam Shovel Company organized in 1884; Marion grew to be a leader in the manufacture of steam shovels. It was also known as “Shovel City” thanks to local Marion inventors including Henry Barnhart and George King who along with Edward Huber brought Marion into the Industrial Age with their inventions of farm and earth moving machinery.
Today Marion’s largest industrial employer is Whirlpool Corp. – the largest dryer manufacturer in the world. Other major industrial employers include Silver Line Windows and Doors an Andersen Company, Wyandot, Inc., Nucor Steel Marion, Inc. and General Mills.
The exhibit will remain on display until December 19, 2010.
Summer hours are Wednesday – Sunday 1-4 PM beginning May 5 and continuing through October. Heritage Hall is situated in the former Post Office building built in 1910 and listed in the National Registry of Historical Places.
For more information call 740-387-4255 or visit www.marionhistory.com.
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