MALONE — An accomplished artist and former art teacher was recently honored for her contribution in preserving pieces of Franklin County’s history through her paintings.

The late Elvira S. Manning Hosson was named the county’s official historical folk artist for her works, which remain displayed throughout the County Courthouse and several other community locations 30 years after they were commissioned.

In all, 23 of the 36 Hosson paintings hang throughout the County Courthouse.

They were inventoried and cataloged for future reference by the Records Management staff in the County Clerk’s Office as part of the county’s bicentennial celebration.

They will be held by the county in perpetuity.

PAINTING AT AGE 5

Hosson and her twin sister, Elmira, were born in Brushton on Jan. 28, 1914, of French, Irish and Spanish descent.

Hosson began painting at age 5 and honed her talent as she grew into a teenager.

After retiring from the job she held for 23 years at the Tru-Stitch Moccasin Factory in 1951, Hosson began painting professionally.

She taught art at St. Joseph’s Academy for seven years and at North Country Community College for two years.

CLAIRVOYANT

She was also a self-proclaimed clairvoyant, who did readings with cards.

Hosson conducted training classes on nuclear survival in 1952 and again in 1983 at local adult centers and civic organizations.