Marion man recalls gangster era and Iowa dairy roots
Gene Balcom grew up in Marion near Hanna Park on a farm his family ran since 1936. He recalls Illinois threats to his father during the low mood years and the family’s cross country journey from Oklahoma to California before settling back in Iowa.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cindy Hadish
Gazette
Marion
Gene Balcom
Illinois
Iowa
West Coast
Balcom
S. 11Th St
Hanna Park
Charles
Jennie Balcom
Chicago
Charles Balcom
Oklahoma
Gene
California
San Diego
Northwest
Cedar Rapids
Marcia
Marilyn Johnson
Shirley Wallace
Marilyn
Johnson
11Th Street
Old Marion neighborhood built on orchards remembered after fire
A 100 year old home in a Marion area once built on orchard land burned on a cold March night. Neighbors recall a sense of community as families like the O Connells and others continue to visit the old neighborhood. Hanna Park remains a weekend hub for games and trails amid longtime residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Daniel
Steve O'Connell
Connor
O'Connell
Jim Cooper
Orchard Road
Orchard Drive
Vic Miller
Cedar Rapids
Dwight Krumholtz
Neighborhood solidarity lifts a Michigan family in crisis
Marion residents John Lantz, 58, and Evie Lantz, 57, showcase neighborliness in Hanna Park as First Presbyterian Church helped a wheelchair ramp after John's MS diagnosis. Evie battled breast cancer later. the couple credit neighbors, church and the Corvette club for support during weddings, a graduation party, and daily life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cindy Hadish
Marion
John
Evie Lantz
Westview Dr
Armstrong’s
Iowa State University
Silver Dollar
Govs
Robert Ray
Terry Branstad
Evie
First Presbyterian Church
Ryan
Corvette Club
In the Neighborhood video tour series continues
The Gazette offers another look with a video tour of each neighborhood on gazetteonline.com. The feature connects readers to community photos and links published since 1994.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazetteonline.com
the Gazette
Also Mentioned on This Page
TER
Chloe Eulberg
Violet
Valleyview Drive
Chloe
Ken Horstman
Hannah Park
Horstman
Duane Crock
Copper
Hanna
Harold Hanna
Marion Park Board
Barry Wassmer
Wassmer
Marion High School
Cindy
Hadish
Gazettecommunications.com
Ray
Melynda
Willie Nelson
Prizzi
Westview Drive
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