I used to research public records— even if the original paper has gone missing (which I doubt) they have photocopies of the originals on microfilm, that’s just procedure.
In 1961, I’m sure they would have copies etc.
Back in my day they didn’t.
Mine and my mother’s BCs were lost in a courthouse fire.
No proof except what her mother’s statement said and no proof for me other
then my mother’s statement. Then we both were given a ‘document’
that said we were who we were, when we were born and to whom we were born.
I know what you mean. It just stretches credibility too far to believe that because a few years ago a system was automated that vital legal documents were just tossed out. By the way, I’ve got a bridge in N.Y. I can sell Roland Martin!