The last few weeks of 2009 brought many positive changes for the employees and Administration of Franklin Medical Center. We have a newly elected Administrator, and a new outlook on the future. We have discovered in all the changing and moving some wonderful memories preserved in the hopes of being discovered just as they were this past week. Pictures and newspaper articles all bring us back to the beginning of our hospital.
Such hope and anticipation is evident in every sentence of each article written. So, many smiles and so much pride in every picture. The anticipation of what this hospital could mean to Franklin Parish was more than anyone could have ever truly imagined. Here we are 40 years later. Again, looking forward with so much pride, hope and anticipation of what this change will mean to the citizens of Franklin and Tensas Parishes.
On December 7, 1967, The Franklin Sun reported on the new multi-million dollar hospital that would be constructed in Franklin Parish as soon as the Johnson Administration released the federal funds. Congressman Otto E. Passman was quoted as saying “I will do everything in my power to get the funds released for the hospital project as quickly as possible.”
True to his word the 56- bed Franklin Parish Hospital’s groundbreaking took place in April 1969. The hospital opened to patients January 15, 1970. The architects of this “ultra modern hospital” are John T. Womble and Don Mathis. A dedication ceremony with all the pomp and circumstance of the era was held on January 11, 1970. Mayor “Frenchie” Marioneaux welcomed the many visitors and dignitaries on hand for the dedication. Guided tours of the facilities were to conducted by the Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. Special guest speaker was none other than, Charles Gage, executive director of the Louisiana Hospital Association. The ribbon cutting was performed by the President of the Franklin Parish Police Jury, George Allen Price and Chairman of the Board of Directors, W. M. Snyder, Jr. A dedication in Franklin Parish would not have been complete without the wonderful sounds of the Winnsboro High School Band.
Proudly we will celebrate 40 years as part of this community. Please join us in our celebration and remembrance.
