Minister. Socialist. Pacifist. And, six-time presidential candidate. Norman Thomas may easily be the most notable, unheard of man from Marion, Ohio. Born in 1884, Norman Thomas lived in Marion for the first 18 years of his life–working as a paper carrier for The Marion Star and graduating from Marion High School. After high school, Thomas’ […]
People
Duane Kline
Originally from Attica, Ohio, Duane Kline moved to Marion in 1961 after college at Heidelberg to teach high school math at Claridon. With their first child on the way, Duane readily accepted and offer to be an assistant coach of the basketball team to supplement his income. Little did he realize that his desire to […]
Jerrod Slater
Harding High School has a new head football coach, and he’s making history. Jerrod Slater, head football coach, and graduate of Marion Harding High School, is the school’s first African American head coach. Slater’s love for football started when he was in second grade. A former standout running back and nose guard for the Presidents, […]
Carroll Neidhardt
APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS AND A LOVE FOR HISTORY In 1966, Ridgedale High School graduated a small class of 66 students. Among them was future Marion historian, Carroll Neidhardt. After graduation, Neidhardt was one of the first students to attend The Ohio State University at Marion. His 1951 Ford — with no heat and a […]
George Alber
He lived in Marion, believed in Marion, and when he died on Thanksgiving Day in 1997, forever left his mark on our community and its people. George Alber was–and is–MarionMade! thanks to his legacy gift of a $32 million trust, administered through the Columbus Foundation. . Each year, thousands of Marion County residents feel the […]
Merle & Peg Hamilton
Centenarian A. Merle Hamilton, life-long Marion resident and noted philanthropist, and his wife, Peg, created an enduring legacy in Marion. During their lifetimes – 93 years for her and 101 for him — the Hamiltons demonstrated their belief in Marion and its people. Merle, or “Ham,” as he was commonly known, will be remembered for […]
