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April 30, 2004 was a special day for Chris Ozbirn. The award was presented as a surprise to Chris by the Bolton, Massey, Strickland and connecting famlies reunion committee for her dedication and perseverance of making the Franklin County Archive Building a reality and a success. And it was a surprise, as the Archive Building was crowded with members of the reunion along with Probate Judge Mike Green, who serves as commission chairman. Tears filled the eyes of the ones who worked so hard with Chris as she received her award. She stated that she did not want an award; she said she wanted everyone to come to the Franklin County Archives Building and enjoy the research that is becoming available here. Mike Green said that the Archive Building turned out much better than he expected. The amount of tourism that it brought to Russellville, Franklin County and the surrounding area was a surprise to him and the other Commissioners After getting approval for the Archives to be moved to the old Health Department building, Chris and other volunteers met to see what task lay ahead for them to get the building in order. The building was completely in a shambles, said Chris, and the smell was terrible. However, you would not know it now as the inside as well as the outside is completely restored with beautiful curtains on the windows and flowers planted along the wall outside. Pictures of Franklin County residents, buildings and places adorn the walls while shelves and rooms are becoming full of resources from which to search for ancestors. Chris said that donations are still needed and volunteers who would like to help at the building are welcomed. Betty (Bolton) Starnes sang the wonderful song she wrote about Franklin County. She has finally made a CD which includes many songs that she has written the words and music. The CD includes her song “Franklin County”. If anyone would like a copy of this CD, just let me know and I will see if she has any left. It was a fulfilling day for everyone; I know it was for me. Ann Glasgow |
