Oyster Bay Hotel and Restaurant is one of the most popular places in the gas belt of Indiana, and is an example of what perseverance and business sagacity, coupled with courteous treatment of the public, can accomplish. The growth of this place of business has been remarkable, and it now enjoys an enviable reputation with the citizens of Marion, and the traveling public. Only a few years ago the Oyster Bay began business in one room, but under the able management of its proprietors, Messrs. Graham & Rippy, it soon grew in favor and the business increased until now it serves as large a number of people daily as any eating-house in the city.

        The dining-room is very large, and the table is daily provided with a variety of wholesome and well-prepared dishes. The meats are especially delicious, as the proprietors do their own butchering. There is also a lunch counter, where short orders are furnished at all hours. The sleeping rooms are large and well furnished, and all are occupied every night. The sample-room is clean and orderly, and its service equal to any in the city. The entire building is lighted by electricity and heated by natural gas, and is supplied with other modern improvements. All the different departments are under the direct management of the proprietors, and they devote their entire time to the business, giving attention to its every detail. Mr. Graham is ably assisted by his amiable wife, who spends much time at the desk and at once makes strangers feel at home.

        Vance Graham, senior member of the firm, was born March 7, 1857, and is the sixth of seven children born unto A. V. and Celia Graham, natives of Indiana. He was reared on a farm, attended the district schools until nineteen years of age, after which, for five years, he worked in flouring-mills in Johnson and Carroll counties. Coming to Marion, he served in the employ of Hon. James Charles three years, when he opened a small restaurant that was the beginning of the Oyster Bay. He married in Carroll county, March 1, 1880, Sarah Catherine, daughter of Eli and Susannah (Ridenour) Huff, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively.

        Mr. and Mrs. Graham have two children: Frederick O. and Daisy M.    Mrs. Graham and daughter are members of the Presbyterian church.

        George Alfred Rippy was born in Leesburg, Kosciusko, county, Indiana. He was the third child of C. D. and Eugenie Rippy. When merely a boy he went to the Rocky Mountains, where he lived in Idaho and Montana for a number of years. Coming back to the east he located in Philadelphia, where he lived for four years previous to coming to Marion. Mr. Rippy has been an extensive traveler and is well acquainted in almost all parts of this country and has been identified in the light harness horse business in many places.

        Graham & Rippy are proprietors of what is known as the Oyster Bay training and sale stable of Marion, where they have a competent trainer and are handling some of the best horses for speed in Indiana. Prominent among which are Oyster Bay Jack, Quline, Con Belle, and a number of others of more than local reputation.