Marion?s double milestone anniversary involving its city library is worthy of celebration. People who love the preservation of historical buildings as well as the successful development of a cutting-edge, top-notch public service center have reason to be proud of what the community has accomplished. The old Santa Fe Depot has never looked better than it does now in its 100th year, and the library programs operating within the structure have developed wonderfully during the past decade.
We tip our hat to the city leaders who had the vision to acquire the aging depot some 14 years ago, the staff and board of the library who planned the project and secured a Kansas Department of Transportation grant to fund 80 percent of the $758,000 cost, and the community as a whole for rising to the challenge of working together to raise the remaining $152,000.
It?s been said that people who don?t know their history are doomed to repeat it. When it comes to historical structures, those who recognize the value of restoring these old treasures have the privilege of enjoying them for generations to come. ?DR
