‘Marion County History’ reprint available for sale this Christmas

“Marion County History,” a reprint of a book first written in 1884, will be available for sale at several local outlets during the holiday season.
Reprinted in 2001, the book has been selling for $70 to $75, but will be offered at $60 in Hannibal and Palmyra locations, in Hannibal, The Mark Twain Museum Gift shop, Hyland Antiques, 223 N. Main, and Becky’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Emporium, 318 N. Main.  In Palmyra the book is offered at the library, 210 S. Main St., and Palmyra Hardware, 120 W. Main Cross St.
Marion County Historical Society has moved into the stone “Welshman’s House” next to the Visitor’s Bureau.  Meetings are held there, and historic documents pertaining to Marion County history are being stored and archived at that site.  The little stone house was originally rescued and moved to the present site by Marion County Historical Society  when the highway department widened Mark Twain Avenue.  Each stone was numbered and the house was moved from Denkler’s Alley to where it is now.  It was dedicated on this site in 1963, and then it was used as a tourist information center.
The stone house is believed to have been built before 1839, and has been used as a residence, a saloon, and possibly a soda water factory.
Marion County Historical Society is a non-profit agency which has quietly contributed to preservation of Marion County history over the years.  The creation of Hannibal’s newest historic district, Maple Avenue Historic District was one accomplishment, as well as the reprinting of Marion County History.  The group, along with Friends of Historic Hannibal has worked jointly on several preservation projects, and co-sponsors an information booth at the annual Folklife Festival.
For information about becoming a member of the organization call Candace Klemann in Hannibal at 573 248 1321, and Jim Talley in Palmyra at (573) 769-4307