May 4 was the first event in the Franklin County Bicentennial Summer Series, The Way We Were.

Local collectors set up tables in the Canteen in Russellville with everything from Native American arrowheads, to quilts, to decades-old tools.

One collector, Jackie Richardson, has been collecting since 1961. He has a unique collection that includes part of a main water line from Tuscumbia, block planes and a nail puller.

“I recognized a number of years ago that some of this stuff was going to be gone,” Richardson said.

His brother Johnnie Richardson showcased a Native American collection. Kerry Gilbert and Shannon Wilson also had collections of old tools, blades and other antique items.

“I try to find unique stuff you don’t see often,” said Wilson.

Buffie Ozbirn set up a table of handkerchief dolls. Glenn Rickard brought part of his collection of quilts, which tallies at more than 100. He has a large variety of colors and designs and knows details about every one of them.

Frank Stone offered horse and buggy rides around downtown Russellville to whoever wanted one.

The next The Way We Were event will be June 8.