- Oregon Legislative Administration, Visitor Services, 1966-1998.
- Oregon State Capitol Foundation, Founding Member.
About Bell
Frances “Frankie” Bell, nee Mueller, was born in Portland, Oregon. Raised mainly in Eugene, she studied art at the University of Oregon. In 1957 she married Paul Hargis and they eventually had two children. They later moved to Salem and divorced in 1964.
In 1966 she began working at the Oregon State Capitol as a tour guide. She later married George Bell. She continued working at the Capitol and was first woman to serve as chief Capitol guide. She also staffed the information desk for the Oregon legislature.
Bell became the head of Capitol Use Services, now known as Visitors Services. She was instrumental in establishing the Capitol’s volunteer program, gift shop, and building use program. She retired in 1998 but continued to staff the information desk during each legislative session for the next 25 years. She currently serves on the board of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.
In the interview, Bell shares memories of her career in Salem, including recollections of specific individuals and events. She describes the work of the Capitol Preservation Advisory Committee as well as the establishment of the
Foundation, of which she is a founding member.
In 2021 she became the first recipient of the Oregon State Capitol Foundation Frankie Bell Award. Named in her honor, the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Foundation.
– Interview recorded October 17, 2024