Hometown History #64: About Those Lady Bugs

Franklin Observer has the story of the ladybug becoming the State bug in it's series on Hometown History ->  https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/83091/hometown-history-64-about-those-lady-bugs

Ladybug locations currently  -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNMDcoRMduw4o8xM6

Displayed on the Town common in 2014  ->   https://flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/14859089256/in/album-72157645935226828/

 

ladybug at the Franklin Public Library

Ladybug Trail Unveiling scheduled for June 10 at 6 PM

On June 10, the Franklin Downtown Partnership will unveil the exciting new Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail during the Strawberry Stroll. The Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical, cultural and business sites together in downtown Franklin. Signs and a digital map will explain the various works of art. 

The purpose of the Ladybug Trail will be to promote economic development in downtown Franklin by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy all that Franklin center has to offer by visiting, dining, and shopping at downtown businesses while they walk the trail.

The history of the ladybug in the town of Franklin is rich. In 1974, Franklin’s John F. Kennedy School second grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, petitioned the bill to name the ladybug the state insect and subsequently witnessed it signed into law.

The Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail Committee cordially invites everyone, especially the artists and those children from the 1974 second grade class, to attend the unveiling. It will take place on the Dancing on Dean stage at the corner of Main Street and Dean Avenue at 6 PM. Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail maps will be available at the FDP booth during the Strawberry Stroll or at the Franklin Historical Museum.

The Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail Committee is comprised of Chair Lisa Piana, Pandora Carlucci, Jane Curran, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, Mary Olsson, Beth Simon, and Roberta Trahan.

Sponsors of the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail map are: Platinum sponsor Middlesex Savings Bank and Gold sponsor Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Learn more about the Partnership at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. 

Photos of the ladybugs are they were unveiled in 2014 on the Town Common for the first time  https://flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157645935226828

ladybug at the Franklin Public Library

Save the Date for June 10 - the Strawberry Stroll returns!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently organizing its annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 10, from 4 PM to 8 PM in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 11 from 4 PM to 8 PM. 

During the Stroll, the Partnership will unveil the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail. The Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical and cultural sites together in downtown Franklin.

Also during the Strawberry Stroll, Dean Bank will host “Dancing on Dean” which will feature two local bands on a bandstand at the intersection of Main Street and Dean Avenue. Delicious strawberry shortcakes provided by Dean Bank and Dean College will be sold in front of Dean Bank.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Strawberry Stroll back after a two-year absence because of the pandemic,” said Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We are looking forward to kicking off the summer season with this fun event.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information about sponsorships, contact the Partnership office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

 

Franklin Downtown Partnership: "Ladybug Trail Springing to Life"

The Franklin Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with other local organizations and businesses, is launching an exciting new project to create a sculpture trail connecting historical and cultural sites in downtown Franklin. 

 

The Ladybug Trail will use ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 sites together. Visitors will walk along the trail using a digital map and view signage detailing the history of Franklin and the names of the artists who painted the ladybugs. 

 

The purpose of the Ladybug Trail will be to promote economic development in downtown Franklin by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy all that Franklin center has to offer by visiting, dining, and shopping at downtown businesses while they walk the trail of sculptures.

 

There are currently several outdoor ladybugs sculptures in the downtown area, including those at the FDP, Dean Bank, and Keefe Insurance. By the end of summer, the FDP hopes to place more than 15 ladybugs downtown Franklin tying the trail together. A recent grant to the FDP from the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council will help fund a portion of the ladybug installations.

 

The history of the ladybug in the town of Franklin is a storied one. In 1974, Franklin’s John F. Kennedy School second grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, petitioned the bill to name the ladybug the state insect and subsequently witnessed it signed into law.

 

“The elementary school, JFK, rallied the state to make the ladybug the state bug,” said Beth Simon who along with Claire Griffin were members of the Franklin Cultural Council in 2014 that initiated the ladybug public art project. “It’s a wonderful idea to have a Ladybug Trail to highlight how this was accomplished. It will be a great addition to Franklin.

 

”The Ladybug Trail Committee represents key organizations in the Franklin community, including the FDP, Franklin Cultural District, and Historical Commission. Members are: Lisa Piana, Beth Simon, Roberta Trahan, Pandora Carlucci, Mary Olsson, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, and Jane Curran.

 

“We are so excited to bring together several organizations in Franklin to make this project a reality,” said Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the FDP and chair of the Ladybug Trail Committee. “Our vision is to have visitors and residents alike enjoy the opportunity to walk the downtown trail and visit the unique businesses along the way, as well as view the historical and cultural sites.

 

”Additionally, the FDP is coordinating a number of public art projects that will be included on the trail.  “It has been a fun experience working with five talented artists from the Franklin Art Association to paint murals in what will be known as 'Flower Alley’ on East Central Street,” Piana said. “This will be just one of the 25 stops along the way.” 

 

Shared from the Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/04/ladybug-trail-springing-to-life.html

 

The Ladybugs were introduced in August 2014. A collection of the photos as they were displayed on the Town Common can be found here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157645935226828

Franklin Downtown Partnership: "Ladybug Trail Springing to Life"