Frances Leah Folks

Frances L. Folks was born in Loogootee on October 27, 1883. She was the only child of John H. and Alice Estep Folks. She was raised in Loogootee and educated in the local schools. He father was a potter who made jars, bowls and other items from clay found in Martin County.

After graduating from high school, Fannie served as a millinery apprentice to the Feagan sisters and later opened her own shop. For over 40 years, she owned and operated a ladies’ ready-to-wear store on North Line Street on the east side of the public square in Loogootee. Fannie was known as a prominent and savvy business woman, and took buying trips to Cincinnati, Chicago and New York to purchase ladies clothing for her shop. When in New York, she was known to pretend she was Jewish in an effort to try to get the Jewish wholesalers to give her a better price. Often times they would.

She loved gum and was always chewing it… in many ways that became a “trademark” for her among local residents.

She was fond of pets and always owned a dog. During her lifetime she was known for her generosity. She made contributions to many charitable causes and to many needy people, especially children.

She died October 20, 1956. In her will she bequeathed her home to the city of Loogootee to be used as a public library. Much of her estate was left in trust for the support of the Loogootee Public Library.