Scott Mason talks about the "Train Town Franklin" exhibit opening today (Dec 2, 2023) at the Franklin Historical Museum (audio)

FM #1103 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1103 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with current Historical Commission member Scott Mason. Scott has a lifelong passion for model railroads. 

Scott is designing and building the second diorama of historical Franklin, circa 1932. This second part features a scale model of the Thompson Printing Mill and of the railroad roundhouse located just east of the downtown train station. 

Our conversation explores some of his Franklin story and then gets into the development of this second of the series of dioramas. We talk about the research, interesting findings, decisions on scale, etc.

Train Town #2 will be displayed along with Train Town #1. The exhibit is scheduled to open Dec 2, 2023 and run through the end of January 2024 at the Historical Museum. The museum is open on Saturdays (10 AM to 1 PM), and Sundays (1 PM to 4 PM) during winter.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Scott and his work on “Train Town #2” recorded November 30, 2023.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1108-train-town-2-with-scott-mason-11-30-23 (oops, the original audio file has a technical glitch as the interview closed out. This file was corrected as of 9:30 PM, Dec 3, 2023)

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Historical Museum notification on Train Town #2 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/downtown-franklins-model-railway.html 

Scott’s model railroad page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/wwwScottyMasoncom/100063840514784/

Train Town Franklin 2022 recording -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html 

Photo album of Train Town #1 -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 

Photos of Train Town #2 will be added as soon as available

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• * If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• * If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Scott Mason talks about the "Train Town Franklin" exhibit opening today

Franklin History Uncovered

Via Lyn MacLean:

“Serendipity?”

A wave of serendipity falls upon us in the most unexpected of ways.  February 3, 2023 weather was forecast for unprecedented freezing temperatures.  I prepared by opening the sink cabinets and kept the faucets running with a slight drip.  

 The next morning, I came downstairs to see my Golden’s wet paw prints shining in a straight line beckoning me to follow them to the kitchen.   Then, I saw it, water everywhere!  Yes, our 50+-year-old home caught up with us.  The pipes had burst.  I proceeded to the basement to find water everywhere, including boxed mementos from my deceased parent's home that I thought were placed in a “water-safe-space”.  

“The Find” 

For thirteen days I worked to discard damaged items.  This process began an emotional journey that I was not prepared for.   Keeping their boxes seemed to be the only way I could really honor my mother, or at least respect what was important to her. 

Unpacking the last boxes, I discovered a plastic bag that uncovered a memory that was tucked away in my ten-year-old mind.   

sewing materials for a quilt square

The contents included chintz fabric and a hand sketch that I witnessed my mother drawing, erasing, and perfecting.   This bag included sewing materials for a quilt square that my mother had volunteered to make for Franklin’s bi-centennial celebration 45 years ago in 1978.  I could not believe that it was dry, almost like she gave me this gift.   I conducted research about this quilt to satisfy my own curiosities and now share with you. 

“ Quilt”:   Woven Legacy 

The Franklin bi-centennial celebration was a grassroots effort by local residents to celebrate the 200th year from when Franklin was incorporated on March 2, 1778.  This was a chance to remind town residents of Franklin’s deep-rooted history.  The celebration that year included a Bi-Centennial parade. 

In addition, a commemoration coin was created to highlight the origins of the town name and displayed the Little Red Brick Schoolhouse honoring this as the hometown of the American education reformer Horace Mann.  

bi-centennial quilt

Another legacy project for this event was the creation of a bi-centennial quilt.  This project was directed by Mrs. Loretta DeBaggis, the Franklin Youth Services Bicentennial Quilt Committee chairman.  The making of the quilt was sewn by 33 volunteers.  They were asked to make two replica applique squares to incorporate into two 116” x 72” quilts representing 40 historic and landmark locations within the town.  Example sites included were the Ray Memorial Library, Little Brick School, and others like my mother’s assignment, the Wittrup House.  One quilt was to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Franklin Youth Services group. The second quilt was to be on display for the town as a commemoration of the event. 

I was fortunate to interview Mrs. Loretta DeBaggis who now resides in Florida.  Listening to her reminisce about the project warmed my heart.   Her love for the project shined through with comments such as “We had a great time, we laughed and had so much fun doing it”.   Knowing the vast scale of this undertaking it was clear to me that it was time happily served by her.  Mrs. DeBaggis donated the fabric and notions for the quilt from her decorator shop above the Mill Store where she sewed drapery, costumes, and tablecloths.  Upon reflection, this quilt is a swatch kaleidoscope representing many Franklin families far beyond the actual sewers. 

the Wittrup House

Mrs. DeBaggis selected the various historic sites she wanted to be represented in the quilt.  She drew many of the patterns for sewers who were not comfortable with the sketch component of the process and her mother spent countless hours hand-quilting each square into the entire quilt.   When I asked Mrs. DeBaggis which was her favorite square she replied “The town dump!”  

She shared that her husband had built the quilt frame and also a sewer, he asked if he could make a square.   She suggested he represent the Town dump since he enjoyed scavenging the dump weekly for treasures.  Since Sesame Street was quite popular at that time, he chose to have Oscar the Grouch emerging from a trash can providing a touch of whimsy to an intentionally primitive style quilt.  Oscar provided a nod to our youth, helping them connect to this project.  

What’s Next? 

We have five years before we reach Franklin’s 250th anniversary, a remarkable milestone to reach.  If our town wishes to highlight its amazing history once again, then it will be individuals stepping up to volunteer, initiate ideas, and implement action to keep the heartbeat of Franklin’s heritage alive.   Will you be one of those trailblazers?  Time will only tell how many individuals have the time to help decide how to best embrace the 250-year mark.   As much as the day my pipes burst was a hardship to my family, deep down I like to think that my mother led me to find her hidden treasure.  I am honored that her effort and stitched signature are on display for her grandchildren to view in that very notable quilt.  

Thank you to the volunteer sewers for sharing their skills with our town.  Many have since passed away, however, the extended families can view their artistic work on continuous display in the Franklin Historical Museum located at 80 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.

commemoration coin - 1

commemoration coin - 2

Panther News: Friday, December 1, 2023 (video)

Panther News video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge6Gfk2-dRw

FHS robotics club

So an online scam is NOT what you ordered?

So an online scam is NOT what you ordered? By Kira Krown, Consumer Education Specialist This time of year, you're probably buying lots of things online. Gifts, decorations, food!  But what if something you've ordered shows up different than advertised? Or damaged?  Or never comes at all? If so, you're not alone. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/so-online-scam-not-what-you-ordered YouTube video -> https://youtube.com/shorts/yEoeGmIw3l0?si=2bhYpHOEkvZjCB-u So an online scam is NOT what you ordered?

Franklin Music Boosters share schedule of winter concerts for December

Franklin Music Boosters (@MusicBoostersFr) posted on Fri, Dec 01, 2023:

"Time for the Winter Concerts!

12/4: Remington at HMMS 6PM
12/5: FHS Band Concert at FHS 7PM
12/6: Horace Mann at HHMS 6PM
12/7: FHS Chorus & Orchestra at FHS 7PM
12/14: Annie Sullivan at HMMS 6PM

Come hear some great music!

$5 donation requested at the door. Students free.

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/MusicBoostersFr/status/1730744802843496684

Franklin Music Boosters share schedule of winter concerts for December

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 1, 2023 to December 6, 2023

Friday, December 1

6:30pm Alex Cohen (live music) (Raillery Public House)

7:00pm New Dancer Showcase  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

Saturday, December 2

9:00am Christmas Fair (holiday gifts, etc.) (St John's Episcopal Church)

10:00am Holiday Wreath and Arrangement Sale (Daddarios Hardware) 

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2 Opens (Franklin Historical Museum)

1:00pm New Dance Showcase  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

2:00pm The Nutcracker (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

2:00pm Ian Kabat: Art exhibit opens (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm New Thespian Showcase  (ticketed event) (Dean College)

7:30pm The Nutcracker  (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

8:00pm Ellis Paul (ticketed event) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

8:00pm Viva Las Elvis: A Vegas Christmas (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

Sunday, December 3

9:00am Santa & Mrs Claus at the Franklin Police Station

12:00noon Holiday Market (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:00pm Train Town Franklin; Part 2 (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm The Nutcracker  (ticketed event) (Franklin High School)

Tuesday, December 5

6:00pm Franklin Garden Club - meeting (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, December 6

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:30pm Franklin Art Association (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, December 7

6:00pm Open Mic (6 Degrees Brewery)

6:30pm Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Faculty Dance Works (Dean College)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 24, 2023 to November 30, 2023

These are some of the Franklin Garden Club wreaths & arrangements for sale Saturday, Dec 2

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths and cemetery arrangements on Saturday, December 2,  from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram and Facebook beginning December 16. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities. 

Payment for all purchases can be made with cash, check, credit card or Venmo.

some of the Franklin Garden Club wreaths & arrangements for sale

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens, as will the cemetery boxes.  All items will be reasonably priced:  wreaths - $30; cemetery planters and swags- $20. The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $40.

Club Co-Presidents Pat Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, 

“We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club. "

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)

FM #1107 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1107 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  

Topics for this session

• Budget cycle starting new with tax rate hearing pinning FY 2024

• Tough decisions face in FY2025 and beyond

• Migrant housing situation stabilized

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1107-talk-franklin-11-28-23

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Agenda for Tax rate hearing Nov 21, 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf 

Budget cycle and financial terms audio with Chris Sandini & Kerry Bertone

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/the-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)