About the Texas Archeological Society

Texas Archeological Society Awards

Past Francis Stickney Field School Award Winners

Gladys Swanson Franssen
Francis Stickney Field School Award 2007
Article, Winter 2008 Newsletter

Stunned and speechless, Gladys Swanson Franssen lovingly admires her Francis Stickney Field School Award. (Photo C. Harrell)

When we think of this person we often find ourselves smiling really big smiles!  We know Field School has started when we see this crew-member arrive to set up camp.  Gladys Swanson Franssen shows up yearly for TAS — rain or shine!  She arrives, sets up her camping spot, and prepares for a week of work and fun.  To the passerby she might seem on the quiet, well-behaved side, as she tends to stay close to the campsite while visiting with friends and family and working on projects.  Gladys also goes about the TAS work willingly as assigned — no problem.  She never really draws much attention to herself until. . . there is a skit or the awards night!  Then this quiet unassuming person comes alive!

A favorite memory of Gladys is the time she narrated the “Evolution of an Archeologist” for the TAS Field School at the Gault Site.  She did a wonderful job of taking us from the first Cave Man Archeologists (played by Nick Morgan with the gorilla suit on BACKWARDS!) to the modern day Archeologist (portraying Elton Prewitt and who knows about his outfits!).  Her description of how an Archeologist evolved was worthy of an Oscar!  That’s right — an Oscar Hotdog!

She also was the narrator for the TAS Beauty Contest held down in Menard a few years back when Michael McCauley won the much sought-after title of Ms. TAS.  There was a lot of “stiff” competition that year for this coveted title.  If you will remember — ALL answers to the really “tough” questions ended with, all together now — “and WORLD PEACE!”

When not out on site for TAS, or enjoying time with family, or working on a skit, Gladys can usually be found working hard on her favorite past time — making jewelry!  You will often see her set up under a big shady tree working away at a little table making necklaces and bracelets, and if you insist, selling them.

Yes, just the thought of Gladys Swanson Franssen brings a smile to many of us!  Thank YOU, Gladys, for sharing your humor with all of as at TAS for so many years.  We all look forward to your fun additions next year!

Neal Stilley
Francis Stickney Field School Award 2007
Article, Winter 2008 Newsletter

Having worked closely with the TAS Youth Group for many years now, all of us agree that the Neal Stilley has gone above-and-beyond the call of duty and deserves recognition for his many contributions to the annual field school.  He has been co-director of the Youth Group for the last seven field schools since 2001.  To complement the experience that the kids get in hands-on archeology, Neal directs the educational activities and uses many different hands-on activities that he has created over many years.  While the kids are thrilled because of that and have a lot of fun, they are also learning.  Neal teaches them material culture, artifacts, and archeology, primitive technologies, adapting to different environments, and natural history.  He is particularly successful as a teacher because he relates well to the kids and makes learning fun.

A total of 380 kids have participated in the last seven field schools, and many are repeat offenders who love the Youth Group activities.  He has made an impact on almost all of them!  Neal has been, and hopefully will continue to be, an important player in the success of the TAS field school.

Doug Boyd
Francis Stickney Field School Award 2004
Interview (PDF)

Doug (on right) with his trusty sidekick, Youth Activities Director Neal Stilley, at the Stallings site, TAS Field School, summer 2005. Photo courtesy of Doug Boyd.