Downtown Square

A park with a white gazebo, a tall American flagpole with an American flag, blue sky, leafless trees, and some snow patches on the ground.

At the heart of Marionville sits our historic Town Square, a gathering place that has anchored community life for generations. Its most recognizable feature—the gazebo—was constructed with the support of the Lions Club. While its exact construction date is unknown, photographs trace its presence back to the 1940s, making it one of the Square’s most enduring landmarks.

In 1988, during Marionville’s Centennial Celebration, the Lions Club joined with local residents and business leaders to place a commemorative stone at the front of the gazebo. This stone holds two plaques honoring the sons and daughters of Marionville who served in World War I, World War II, and during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. It stands as a quiet reminder of the town’s deep gratitude and enduring respect for those who served.

Today, the gazebo continues to evolve as a symbol of local pride. It now features a hand‑carved wooden white squirrel created by local artisan James Barr, celebrating the beloved creature that has become synonymous with Marionville’s identity. Each Christmas season, the gazebo is dressed in festive decorations, adding a touch of magic that draws families, visitors, and photographers alike. The Town Square remains a place where history, community, and small‑town charm come together—an inviting space for gatherings, celebrations, and the simple joy of being part of Marionville.

A decorated park at night with festive holiday lights, a pavilion with a star on top, a tall American flag, and illuminated snowflake and Christmas light displays.
A decorated gazebo lit with string lights, garlands, and ornaments, topped with a star-shaped light on the roof, during nighttime.
Three memorial plaques mounted on a rock with the Marionville gazebo in the background. The plaques honor soldiers who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, including a fallen soldier from Marionville named Spc. Silas S. Jones
Carved wooden sculpture of a squirrel holding a nut, sitting on a tree stump porch

Christmas 2025