Just in case list subscribers don't know about the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Historical Society, I wanted to tell you a little about the organization and make a plea for members in the almost-desperate interest in keeping the organization alive. As is indicated by the name, organization is to perpetuate the memory of Phoebe Apperson Hearst. She was the wife of George Hearst -- both Franklin County natives. George was a Franklin County mining engineer who went west a couple of years after the 1849 Gold Rush, and became wealthy. Their son, William Randolph Hearst, was a well known newspaper magnate and was the builder of the Hearst Castle, also known as San Simeon -- in California. Phoebe was known for her philanthrophy, personally paying for the education of many young people, establishing scholarships for others, donating art to universities (particularly the University of California at Berkeley), restoring Mount Vernon, and much more, in addition, to being one of the primary people responsible for the spread of kindergartens in the United States. In the 1950's this organization began and the Hearst family provided funds for a wonderful brick museum building and park south of St. Clair on Highway PP. They built a replica of the one-room Salem school next to the museum. The organization thrived for many years but, during the last ten years, has declined to the point of having only a handful of active members, many of whom were charter members and who are now 80 or 90 years old. These include Helen Ely, Ralph Gregory, Elizabeth Bruns, Elmer Cowan, and the Rousins. This organization has a lot to offer the community and the preservation of history but needs an infusion of new blood. They have the newest museum building in the county to the best of my knowledge, complete with kitchen. Other organizations are allowed to use the facilities (includes a kitchen) free of charge. They provide two scholarships each year to area youngsters, also funded by the Hearst family. Groups of children visit from time to time and particularly enjoy the one-room school replica. If this organization fails due to lack of members, the community will lose these benefits. They are honestly holding together by a thread. There are only about six active members under 60 and some admit they are primarily involved due to accompanying and supporting their older family members, for whom this has been a lifetime cause. The president, Elmer Cowan, has undergone bypass surgery and some complication afterward and is in poor health. Those of you who know him, know that he has been on the East Central College Board of Directors for many years. Of course, Ralph Gregory, is a well-known name in Franklin County history, having been involved heavily with the Washington groups and having written on many historical topics. It wouldn't take much to show your support for this group. If you would like to join, dues are only $2 a year and should be mailed to Helen Ely, 2808 Sycamore Lane, St. Clair, Missouri 63077. They meet two or three times a year. There is an Arbor Day meeting, not actually held on Arbor Day, but within a week or so. This year that meeting will be at 2 PM on April 29 at the museum. As you can see, members don't need to put forth a great deal of effort in terms of money or time, but the benefit to the community, as well as to the preservation of local history should be worth $2 to many of us. I will be speaking at the next meeting on some of the old families that lived in the Whitmire Campground / Anaconda area before the turn of the century. Please join us on that Sunday if possible. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 636-629-4851. If you live out of the area, you can certainly still be a member. I personally do whatever I can to help all of the historical societies in the county but believe this one deserves special attention right now in order to survive. Thank you. Sue Cooley Franklin County Coordinator Missouri USGenWeb Project

Today's issue of the Missourian carried a nice article about the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds, Sharon Birkman, and her plans to put many records on the internet. Saying that she recieves many calls and letters each week asking for copies of such things as marriage licenses she has started scanning microfilms to put the records online. Marriage records go back as far as 1820 and she thinks it will take at least five years to have them all ready. After completing that task she wants to scan the real estate records next. Even though it will take a long time, it's nice to know that the records are so old and so available. At the present time there are no paper records at the courthouse - they're all on microfilm. However, many of the original records are still available and in the safe keeping of the Washington Historical Society and the Franklin County Historical Society. The Washington Historical Society is just commencing full time operation at their museum and the city is considering some financial help to keep the museum and its records available full time. The Franklin County Historical Society is in the first stages of locating (or building?) a new museum which will be more visible, more accessible and safer for the records and artifacts held by the group. Ross Malone