Now that July 4th has come and gone, Marion’s Old Fashioned Days is rising fast on the horizon. Almost before we can turn around, we’ll be off to the Friday night Main Street Cruise, the Saturday morning parade and visiting with all of the old friends we can find. Old Fashioned Days is Marion’s own holiday and we’re ready to celebrate. Our holiday provides something for everyone.
When Old Fashioned Days arrives, we all see what we want to see in our town. If there was a drug store when you were a kid, you see it now, or the Ben Franklin or Big Dad’s. Those places and so many others live on in our memories and on our holiday, if not on our streets. Some come home to see the old Marion they grew up in, others are here for the Marion they found only a short time ago. They both see what they seek.
These days, the ‘Old Fashioned’ part isn’t so much about our founding days as it is about homecoming, family and old friends. On the first Saturday in August, Marionites far and near, old and new, know that they can visit, and find the Marion things they seek.
This week’s photo is of the Middle Branch Grocery, formerly located on the north side of Main Street, on the east side of the river. Built in 1889 and occupied for many years by Herb’s (LaGoe) Place, its close proximity to the railroad depot made this a popular stop for many a traveler seeking to fill a sweet tooth, grab refreshment, or to buy postcards or newspapers.
In the 1950’s after the demise of passenger trains, the Little Store or Penny Store became a magnet for every kid in town with change to spend. It boasted the largest penny candy counter this side of Cadillac. On any given summer day there were always bicycles parked out front and kids on the sidewalks with brown bags brimming with penny candies. They also offered a great selection of novelty ice creams, harking back to an earlier day. At one time hand dipped ice cream cones were available and hugely popular.
Known by the ‘of age’ generation as the Party Store, this was the long time source for packaged liquors and beer and wine to go. It was also the go to when an item was needed after the grocery stores had closed for the day.
The Middle Branch Grocery had maybe a dozen owners in its existence. Marionites will remember the Jeffery’s, the Nolan’s, and Joyce Grandy and her family, who were the last owners of the operating business.
In the early 2000’s the liquor license was purchased by one party and the decaying building became village property. In 2010 the building was demolished and a riverside deck and walkway built. Today, the site of the old Herb’s Place is still a fine place to take a break, enjoy your lunch or just sit and watch the river passing by. The walkway across the river to parking behind Main Street has proven a fine addition.
The Middle Branch Grocery, which for a time reigned as the oldest surviving business building in town, 1889-2010, had several names through the years and is already fast-fading from local memory. It still lives every August through old postcards and in the memories Marionites.
