The Marion County Hall of Fame Honors Panel announces the induction of three deserving individuals to the Hall of Fame wall. The coming induction will take place Sunday, April 19 at 4:00pm in the auditorium of Marion County Historical Society’s Heritage Hall.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to permanently recognize persons who brought fame and honor to Marion County by their personal accomplishments in Marion or elsewhere. Hall of Fame inductees must have made direct and notable contributions to the area in education, the arts, business/industry, government/civic service, literature/media, history, sports, or agriculture and who have by their lives brought credit to Marion County.
The Marion leaders whose bronze plaque will join 23 other honorees on the prestigious Hall of Fame wall will be: Trella H. Romine, George K. Brown, Amos Hall Kling.
The Criteria for Nomination
Basic Criteria for eligibility is more than one of the following:
1.Born in Marion County, Ohio
2.Lived in Marion County, Ohio for at least five years
3.Entombed in Marion County cemetery
4.Associated with a historical or artistically significant activity of Marion County
There were many deserving submissions reviewed and narrowed by the Honors Panel.
Trella H. Romine’s application was submitted by David Haldeman. David writes, “She was owner of Hemmerly’s Flowers and Gifts and after her retirement she served as President of the Marion County Historical Society, the Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums. In her younger years she was active at Trinity Baptist Church, various garden clubs, the Burroughs Nature Club, Quest club, Altrusa Club and other in addition she was guest speaker of many organizations doing talks on flower arranging and nature. She helped establish the Marion County Park District with her gift of 12 acres of Terradise, her home near Caledonia on the Whetstone/Olentangy River. She was responsible for the placement of many historical markers around the county by the Ohio History Connection, most notably the Claridon Prairie, the Scioto Ordinance Plant and the Marion Engineer Depot market. In addition, she purchased the Green Camp Prairie and donated it to the Marion County Historical Society. She was responsible for making sure the State and ConRail were aware of the significance of the Claridon Prairie remnant. She was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from The Ohio State University, The Marion Women’s Business Council ATHENA Award and was honored posthumously at the 2018 Marion Made! Awards as a philanthropist.”
George K. Brown’s application was submitted by Karen Ream. She writes, “George was an active leader, successful businessman, and energetic entrepreneur. He joined the family business, Wyandot Popcorn in 1950, and experienced many successful years, eventually retiring in 1996.
His significant community accomplishments were well-known. He took the Rotary motto, Service above Self, to heart. He was United Way Campaign Chair and board president. He helped to build Marion County’s new library in 1978 and he alone was the energy behind the new Marion Family YMCA build fundraiser. George founded the Wyandot Popcorn Museum, creating a home for numerous antique popcorn machines and more.
His enthusiasm for Marion was unmatched. Among the many leadership positions he held were the chair of the Marion Public Library’s Advisory Board, president of the Harding Home and Memorial, and chair of the endowment board of the Marion County Historical Society. He was dedicated to numerous boards. It is not possible to estimate the total time and amount of talent that George has given to all of us.”
Amos Hall Kling’s application was submitted by Jon Andersen. John writes, “As an overview, Amos Kling acted as a “power house” in establishing a firm foundation for Marion, as it continued to grow and develop into the booming community it was by the turn of the century. His shrewd business dealings made him an icon in Marion, and also in demand for his expertise and experiences in various roles throughout the community. The importance of his daughter Florence Kling Harding, can not be undervalued but Amos helped shape and mold her aggressiveness and intelligence that was so far ahead of the standard woman of the day. It’s hard to imagine a successful Marion without Amos Kling, and hard to find any accomplishment past 1854 that does not have some involvement of Amos Kling.” This overview came after an extensive list of leadership roles and contributions Amos accomplished throughout his lifetime in Marion County.
Please join the Hall of Fame Committee as they formally induct these worthy honorees into the Marion County Hall of Fame.