Generations of Memories

 
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 Generations of Memories

Generations of Memories is the most complete pictorial history of Franklin County ever produced.  From the Native Americans who trod this soil first, through the early settlement days of the white man, and on through the years of development of the county and the era of King Coal, the history comes alive.

278 photographs with scripted texts make this book fun as well as educational.  No matter if you are from here, or just passing through, you will enjoy this hardback edition of Franklin County's History.

 Generations of Memories

Aspects of life in Franklin County featured in the pictorial include:

  • The Early Days
  • Education
  • Agriculture, Business, and Industry
  • Churches, Clubs, and Organizations
  • Coal Mines and Miners
  • The Famous and Infamous
  • Architecture
  • Entertainment, Recreation, and Sports
  • Transportation and Travel
  • Wars
  • Families and Family Life
  • Heartaches and Disasters

Below are some sample pictures and their captions which can be found in the pictorial.   If you enjoy looking at these photos and want to see more, visit the order form page to place an order.  To enlarge the picture, simply click on it.  Please allow time for images to load.
Franklin County Courthouse The Franklin County Courthouse seen in this picture was taken in 1943, and though refurbished and added on to several times since then, still serves us today.
Martin's Station on the southwest corner of the Benton Public Square advertised gasoline for 9.3 cents a gallon in 1937. Gas Station
Rend Lake This photo depicts the Rend Lake Dam during construction of the lake during the 1960's.  A popular tourist attraction, Rend Lake offers something for everyone's vacation expectations, bringing millions of people to the area each year.

 
When service men and women returned to Franklin County following World War I, they were greeted by this display of flags adorning the First National Bank Building on the Square. Wood Building
Old Style Road Construction This 1940s picture was taken of a WPA crew working on the road to the Harrison Cemetery in Christopher. 
These two brother-in-laws, both sailors during WWII, were home on leave.  Notice the vintage automobile, a 1938 Ford. Two Brothers
Old Time Couple This photograph shows two elderly Franklin  County gardeners doing their best to keep the weeds at bay.
Outlaw Charlie Birger is pictured as he was being escorted from the Franklin County Courthouse back to jail where we he housed during his trial for the murder of Mayor Joe Adams of West City in 1928. Charlie Birger
Benton Coal Mine The Benton Coal Company's first coal mine opened in 1904.