FCHS to Have Office Space in Prime Union Location
By Sue Blesi
The Franklin County Historical Society (FCHS) announces that they are in the process of setting up an office at 15 North Oak in Union.
Bob Hansen, a life member of the society, businessman and benefactor, offered the society the interim use of his former home which is located less than half a block from the Courthouse. Initially, the site will be used for meetings and to house historically significant items relevant to Franklin County, including old photographs. The Society plans to focus on preserving history and historical artifacts from those areas of Franklin County that don’t have historical groups, including Union. The Society’s goal is to complement the efforts already underway by the county in the renovation of the old courthouse; those of other historical organizations; volunteer groups and business development organizations. “This is an exciting time in the life of our organization,” FCHS President Carole Howell said, “It will give the Society a chance to preserve Franklin County history for those communities where no preservation activities are underway.”
Anyone interested in participating in these efforts is invited to join the Society and/or donate items related to the county’s history. Donated items accepted by the society will be cataloged and carefully preserved. To join, send $8.00 to Franklin County Historical Society, P.O. Box 293, Union, MO 63084. Business and Life memberships are also available. Discussions are being held with other organizations to further expand the use of the Hansen Building including the potential for a future visitor’s center.
The society will meet in the Hansen Building on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. FCHS meetings are open to the public.
The Hansen Building is ideally located to accomplish the goals of the Society. “The society is very grateful for the generosity of Bob Hansen,” Howell added. Volunteers will be working on the building and courtyard to restore it to its former grandeur.
This photo of the Hansen Building was taken Oct. 9, 1891, when it was the residence of former Union Mayor John Mueller. It is located just off the courthouse square. Shown on the balcony, left to right, are John Mueller and Harry Reinhard. The building to the right is the former Emma Hein home and later was the residence and dentist office of Dr. W. C. Tainter.