Marion A. Aldrich, a pioneer resident of Bemidji, was born in Barron County, Wis., Aug. 2, 1878 and his marriage to Glendolia Sprague took place at Lowden, Iowa, Aug. 5, 1903. They moved to Bemidji in 1904 where he lived the rest of his life.
Mr. Aldrich was the instigator of the Gordon Falls Memorial playground on Park Avenue and 12th Street and stayed actively in charge of it. He was also part of establishing several other playgrounds in various areas of Bemidji including 19th Street, Gemmell Avenue and in Nymore. He was a former city alderman and a carpenter by trade.
The Aldrichs celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at their home on Mississippi Ave. (July 1963)
Toys for Youngsters.. Ike Chandler, M. A. Aldrich and Paul Mealio and others made toys during the several months preceding Christmas 1963 in the Aldrich workshop at 1115 Mississippi Avenue. The “young” workmen, members of the senior citizens council, turned out nearly 170 pieces for needy children in the area. They included 14 different articles which included doll cradles, rocking chairs, quoit games, hobby horses, benches, blackboards, boxes of blocks, wheel barrows, wagons, bookcases and other items. (Dec 15, 1963)
Mrs. Aldrich died Sept. 8, 1966 and a son, Ray, was killed in action during World War II in 1944. Mr. Aldrich died in 1972.