Marion, Kentucky Virtual History Tour: Mining Millionaire Fohs and his Hall скачать в хорошем качестве

Marion, Kentucky Virtual History Tour: Mining Millionaire Fohs and his Hall

In one of the other virtual tours of historic landmarks in Marion Kentucky we touched on Fohs Hall’s service to the community as one of its early schools, but let’s look further into the honorable place this significant building holds in our community’s history. Local entertainer Brennan Cruce helps reacquaint us with Fohs Hall and her namesake. An internationally known geologist Julius Fohs was raised in Marion. As a youngster, Fohs became interested in fossils and minerals in the fluorspar rich fields of Crittenden County. After graduating from Marion High School in 1900, Fohs went to work for a local fluorspar company. He later worked for the United States Geological Survey and became Kentucky Mine Inspector, a University of Kentucky lecturer and renown geological consultant. Fohs became wealthy in petroleum exploration in the United States and Middle East and in 1926 he commissioned the construction of Fohs Hall, which he gave to the community with one condition – the city would have to develop a drinking water system and distribute it to Marion homes. Architecturally, Fohs Hall is of the classical revival style, but its huge front doors are guarded by large Roman Corinthian columns topped with eloquent cornice work. Local limestone was used in its foundation and cornices. Fohs Hall has for many years served as a community and civic center for concerts, plays, beauty pageants and dances. The historic building can be rented for private events. A collaborative project between The Crittenden Press, Marion Main Street, Inc., and the Crittenden County Historical Society is bringing history to life with virtual tours of some of Marion’s most unique and significant landmarks. See more of these short history vignettes on The Crittenden Press YouTube channel. This project is dedicated to the Loving Memory of Emily Shelby, former chairperson of Marion Main Street, Inc.