This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Displaced 72-year-old man clings to downtown memories
Charlie Marsden, 72, sheltered in the Allison Hotel for seven years, faces eviction as the building is razed for a parking lot. He lives on Social Security, plans an upcoming move to a Marion nursing home, and laments losing his downtown home and independence. He suffers palsy, cataracts, and arthritis and recalls selling Gazettes 60 years ago.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Allison
Charlie Marsden
the Allison
Charlie
The
First Avenue
Marion
Eagles Club
Moose Hall
Cedar Rapids
Nursing Home
Allison Hotel