NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1981 SESSION

 

 

CHAPTER 1374

HOUSE BILL 1602

 

 

AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE EDWARDS-FRANKLIN HOUSE IN SURRY COUNTY.

 

Whereas, the Edwards-Franklin House in Surry County has been acquired by the Surry County Historical Society, Inc., which plans to preserve and restore it as a public facility for the education and enjoyment of the citizens of our State; and

Whereas, the transitional Georgian-Federal style Edwards-Franklin House, which was built circa 1799 by Gideon Edwards, a prominent citizen in the early history of Surry County, is architecturally significant as the culmination of architectural development in late-eighteenth century/early- nineteenth century northwestern North Carolina; and

Whereas, the Franklin House was for 25 years the home of Meshack Franklin, member of the General Assembly and Council of State, delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1835, and representative in the United States Congress; and

Whereas, Meshack Franklin devoted nearly 20 years to public service for the State of North Carolina during a critical period of the State's history; and

Whereas, Meshack Franklin's education, experience, and prestige made the Franklin House a social, cultural, and literary center for the people of Surry County during his occupancy; and

Whereas, the Surry County Historical Society, Inc., wishes to honor one of its outstanding citizens by preserving and restoring his home; and

Whereas, the Surry County Historical Society, Inc., has already raised over one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) of private, local, State and Federal funds and has completed exterior restoration of the Edwards-Franklin House; and

Whereas, there is a need for funds to continue the restoration of the Edwards-Franklin House; Now, therefore,

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

 

Section 1. There is hereby appropriated from the General Fund to the Surry County Historical Society, Inc., the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for fiscal year 1982-83 to continue the restoration of the Edwards-Franklin House, including interior restoration, architectural services, and site improvements, provided the Society itself raises a like amount to match the grant-in-aid on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Sec. 2. There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Rockford Preservation Society, Inc., the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for fiscal year 1982-83 for further preservation and stabilization of the York Tavern, Bland House, Davenport House, and office building in Surry County, provided a like amount is raised by the Society itself to match the grant-in-aid on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Sec. 3. Funds appropriated in this act shall not become part of the continuation budget. Any unexpended funds at the end of the 1982-83 fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.

Sec. 4. This act shall become effective July 1, 1982.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 23rd day of June, 1982.