Script Charles Lewis Follensbee

If you have been to Eufaula's library you just might have seen the name of Follansbee on the wall of the multi-purpose room. That's because I arranged to give a founding gift to the library, a little seed money to start it growing. But I was not always in such a position.

After my parents divorced, my mother Marcella and I traveled from my state of birth, Alabama, to Eufaula in 1902. I was 16 at the time and went straight to work as a clerk at Tully Mercantile Company. My hard work paid off and I became book keeper for the firm.

All the while I read as often as time would allow and tried to stretch myself, to grow. This allowed me to take advanage of opportunities when they presented themselves. I was one of the organizers of the State National Bank. I learned the business from the ground up starting as its only cashier, then later as director. I also owned my own independent insurance agency for near about 40 years.

Yes, I did take time for some of life's other pleasures. My family meant a great deal to me. Miss Florence Moss of Nevada, Missouri became my wife in 1912 and we were together for over 60 years. We had one son, Charles Lewis Follansbee, Jr. who made us so very proud. After he graduated from Harvard Law School he moved to Tulsa and became an attorney.

In 1980 I married Dorothy. She shared my love of books and continued on with the work of building the Eufaula Memorial Library.

Recognition did come my way. In 1973 I was honored by my alma mater, Christian Brothers College of Memphis, Tennessee. They awarded me membership in its President's Club for achievements and what they called "principles of character". The City of Eufaula honored me as its Outstanding Citizen when I turned 87. What a way to spend my birthday-with family members, friends, and wonderful memories. They said I had done so much for the community as a city council member, chairman of the area red cross for 40 years, charter member of the Eufaula Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of St.. Paul's Catholic Church and donating the lots on which the church was built.

A town is only as good as its people. Only when its people are willing to give of themselves can a town grow and prosper. I did give a lot of myself, but in return I was given a most fullfilling life.