Marble Rock event shows off historical buildings, vintage vehicles

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The Relics & Rides event on Saturday brought lots of people and lots of cars to Marble Rock’s downtown historic district.

“It seems to be growing every year,” said Tracy Merfield, who added that the beautiful weather Saturday certainly didn’t hurt the turnout at this year’s third annual event.

All seven Historical Society buildings were open Saturday and for the rest of Memorial Day weekend on Sunday and Monday – the Museum Hall, Town and Country, bank building, Beelar Cabin, calaboose (jail) and drugstore, as well as the grand opening of the Historic Barbershop, complete with the opportunity for a shave and a haircut by different barbers throughout the day.

Free popcorn was available at the popcorn wagon and free root beer floats at the drugstore.

There were 45 vehicle entries in the car show, lined up along Main Street and Bradford Street, all shined to perfection and many with owners nearby to chat or answer questions.

Also open for inspection was the new Hole in the Wall, soon to be named Beelar’s Grove Station. The structure is a two-story open porch and balcony built where an old tavern and restaurant had been located next to the Marble Rock Post Office. The Historical Society was soliciting suggestions on things to use the space for.

Wayne Parcher was giving hayrides through the couple of blocks to the new Barry’s Bridge, named for the late Barry Winters, who had been an active member of the Marble Rock community, including being a member of the Marble Rock Park Board since 2016. The bridge reconnects the city park to its southern access road.