Showing posts with label historical commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label historical commission. Show all posts

Saturday, March 11, 2023

When "No" means "yes, but not now - wait a year"

Per Alan Earl's update in the recent Franklin Observer about the proposed demolition of the carriage house at 201 Main St:
"After some more comments from Kelly and questions and comments from commissioners, the chair, Mary Olsson, asked for and received a motion to close the hearing. She then asked for a motion to approve the demolition. The motion was duly made and seconded and each commissioner, including the chair then voted and all voted no.

That vote sets the clock ticking on a one year delay, after which, the Archdiocese will be free to bulldoze the site if it hasn't found another alternative to demolition in the meantime."
Per email with Mary Olsson to clarify the "No" vote, she responded
"Sadly the only power we have is to delay the demolition of a building for one year. In that time we hope that the owner would come up with some alternative to bulldozing the building. 
After the one year, they can do as they please. In the case of the carriage house, because of it's historic significance and certainly it's uniqueness, there will be some effort to save the building one way or another. 
But you are correct, it's 'no' for now, but eventually 'yes' if they so choose.
The meeting agenda (originally scheduled for Feb 22, then rescheduled at last minute to March 8)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/reminder-historical-commission.html
 

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view from Queen St
view from Queen St

view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner
view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner

view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)
view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)

view of parking lot side of building
view of parking lot side of building

view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building
view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Reminder: Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 
201 Main Street, Franklin MA (Carriage House).

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

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view from Queen St
view from Queen St

view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner
view from Queen St & Pleasant St corner

view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)
view to main entrance (Pleasant St behind the building)

view of parking lot side of building
view of parking lot side of building

view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building
view from parking lot & Pleasant St corner of building

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing, Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 6:30 PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 
201 Main Street, Franklin MA (Carriage House).

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

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Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023
Historical Commission schedules a public hearing for a demolition request - Feb 22, 2023

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice for consideration of demolition of 803 Washington St

HEARING DATE Wednesday, January 11, 2023

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin

Historical Commission

will hold a Public Hearing,

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 6:30PM

regarding a demolition request

 application for the property at 

803 Washington Street, Franklin MA

Meeting will be held at the 
Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street, Franklin

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Please reach out with any questions.

Thank you,

Mary Olsson, Chairperson
Franklin Historical Commission

Town of Franklin: Legal Notice for consideration of demolition of 803 Washington St
Town of Franklin: Legal Notice for consideration of demolition of 803 Washington St

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Annual Report of the Franklin Historical Commission - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

Current Members:
Mary Olsson – Chair
Phyllis Malcolm – Treasurer
Colette Ferguson, Paul Pisani, Richard Remillard, Brock Leindecker, Randy LaRosa
Associate members: Alan Earls, Kai Olsson 
FHM Archivist – Rebecca Finnigan

Like everyone else, the Historic Commission and the Franklin Historical Museum weathered the storm known as COVID-19. After our March 2020 meeting we followed state and local health orders to temporarily close the museum and hold all of our meetings remotely. We opened the new year still having all of our meetings via Zoom, and continued with our limited operating hours of just once a week on Sunday afternoons. Our occupation numbers were limited and safety regulations including masks, temperature checks and social distancing were in place. The museum also had 3 air purifiers installed to assist in the effort to make the museum a safe place to visit in these trying times.

But the year was not a loss by any stretch. In January we saw the installation of The Clara J. Foss Johnston Memorial Federal Parlor, a donation of beautiful period furnishings from Jim Johnston in honor of his mother.

The room is a tasteful addition to the museum. With the installation of the Federal Parlor at the front of the museum, the FFHM relocated and updated their museum gift shop, and have added many new Franklin related items. The gift shop is worth a visit.

The townspeople had approved the Community Preservation Act (CPA) in the November election. In a special meeting, Phyllis Malcolm was nominated to represent the commission on the CPA committee.

A collection was taken up by commission members and a donation was made to the Franklin Food Pantry in memory of long time former Historical Commission member, Alice Vendetti, who had recently passed away. February saw a new exhibit open called Prominent Women in Franklin History. The display included short biographies of Lydia Ray Pierce, Annie Ray Thayer, Alice Wiggin, Palmer Johnson, Loraine Metcalf, Barbara Smith and Stella Kehayas Jeon, among others.

Demolition Delay - In January we had our only demolition request: Steven Narducci, 484 Union Street applied for a demolition permit. The commission saw no reason to delay the request.

The Commission arranged to have a historical marker installed at the former sight of the Thomson Press Building on Dean Avenue. The marker acknowledges the building’s historical influence in town from its original use as the Snow Basset Straw Mill to its final use as a printing and manufacturing business.
 
In June we were finally able to resume our in-person meetings and lift all covid restrictions for hosts and visitors alike. The first opportunity to host an event since March of 2020 occurred when Cultural District broke free of the COVID cloud and sponsored a summer kickoff event entitled ARTWALK. The museum participated by hosting 3 piano performances.

July saw the grand re-opening of the museum and a return to our normal operating hours. Invitations were sent and the public was invited to join the commission on the steps of the museum for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Welcome speakers included State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, James Johnson, Debra Pellegri and music was provided by Jamie Barrett.

Everyone was invited in to enjoy refreshments and see the new exhibit, Davis Thayer, a Retrospective. An exhibit that looked back on the nearly 100-year history of the building which opened as Franklin High School in 1925 and sadly this year closed its doors after service as the Davis Thayer Elementary School for many years.
 
In August we were able to resume our popular Second Sunday Speaker Series. The first program focused on the home of Charles Whiting of the Whiting and Davis Company. Darrin Cutler, the current owner of Whiting and Davis also gave a history of the 145-year-old company. 

Additional speakers in the coming months will include Retired NYPD Sargent and Franklin native Paul Faenza discussing his experience at Ground Zero during 9/11, in September; Author Steven Puleo, A Voyage of Mercy in October, sponsored by FFHM; Franklin Vintage Homes in November; Author and Franklin native Charles Harrington, A Contemplative Life in December; and Dennis Sardella presenting Byzantine and Russian Icons in January. The public is invited to attend these free and informative presentations on the Second Sunday of each month.

The museum is a town gem in the heart of downtown Franklin, open to the community and the public at large to experience and appreciate the history of our town. We hope you will visit soon.


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

HEARING DATE WED 8/3/22

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday August 3, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition request
 application for the property at 
121 Grove Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

For more about the Franklin Historical Commission, visit their page on the Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/historical-commission

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request
Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

HEARING DATE WED 8/3/22

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday August 3, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition request
 application for the property at 
121 Grove Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

For more about the Franklin Historical Commission, visit their page on the Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/historical-commission

Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request
Legal Notice: Franklin Historical Commission - property demolition request

Monday, January 10, 2022

Franklin Historical Commission Meeting - changed to virtual meeting Jan 12, 2022

The scheduled Franklin Historical Commission Meeting and Demolition Request hearing will be held this Wednesday, Jan 12, 2022 via Zoom due to safety and health concerns.

Topic: Franklin Historical Commission Meeting
Time: Jan 12, 2022 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 687 896 1344
Passcode: 0JqDYQ

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,6878961344#,,,,*586551# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,6878961344#,,,,*586551# US (New York) 


Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022 - virtual meeting

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Legal Notice = Franklin Historical Commission - Public Hearing scheduled for Jan 12, 2022, 6:30 PM

 PUBLIC HEARING 1/12/22


LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday January 12, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition
 application for the property
 at 230 East Central Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022

PUBLIC HEARING 1/12/22

LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin
Historical Commission
will hold a Public Hearing,
Wednesday January 12, 2022 6:30 PM
regarding a demolition
 application for the property
 at 230 East Central Street, Franklin MA
Meeting held at the Franklin Historical Museum
80 West Central Street, Franklin

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022
Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Public Hearing - Jan 12, 2022


Thursday, May 20, 2021

FM #545 - Community Preservation Committee Mtg - 05/18/21 (audio)

FM #545 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 545 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Tuesday, May 18, 2021


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Committee members were in the Council Chambers, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee meeting held Tuesday, May 18. Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/33ee06e9-bb5d-4547-a818-de42694a4c65



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Meeting agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_for_may_18_2021.pdf


Recreation presentation doc

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/community_preservation_committee_2021_rec.pdf 


Recap of the meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/community-preservation-committee_19.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"


Rec Director Ryan Jette presenting to the CPC
Rec Director Ryan Jette presenting to the CPC


Tuesday, July 14, 2020

"French Neutrals" - local interest in the French and Indian War - July 20

The Bellingham Historical Commission in partnership with the Bellingham Library will delve into the story of the "French Neutrals" who were relocated to Bellingham and other nearby towns during the French and Indian War (1754 – 1763).

The free presentation, which will be hosted on Zoom, will feature the Bellingham Historical Commission's Vice Chair Steve Joanis and his wife Bronya. The two will, in costume, relate the tale of the Robeshaw and Amerault families - Nova Scotians who were relocated to Wrentham and Bellingham in the late 1750s because the British regarded French speaking Acadians as potential adversaries.

The presentation will use a mix of the historical facts, original documents, and "likely suppositions" to recreate the story of Joseph Robeshaw's life. Joseph was born here as a captive, but stayed to serve in the militia as a citizen soldier during the American revolution.

This is a Zoom event on July 20 from 7:00 to 8:00 PMFollow the Facebook event for updates:  https://www.facebook.com/events/268935604314925/


"French Neutrals" - local interest in the French and Indian War
"French Neutrals" - local interest in the French and Indian War

Thursday, July 2, 2020

"French Neutrals" - local interest in the French and Indian War (a virtual Zoom event)

The Bellingham Historical Commission in partnership with the Bellingham Library will delve into the story of the "French Neutrals" who were relocated to Bellingham and other nearby towns during the French and Indian War (1754 – 1763).

The free presentation, which will be hosted on Zoom, will feature the Bellingham Historical Commission's Vice Chair Steve Joanis and his wife Bronya. The two will, in costume, relate the tale of the Robeshaw and Amerault families - Nova Scotians who were relocated to Wrentham and Bellingham in the late 1750s because the British regarded French speaking Acadians as potential adversaries.

The presentation will use a mix of the historical facts, original documents, and "likely suppositions" to recreate the story of Joseph Robeshaw's life. Joseph was born here as a captive, but stayed to serve in the militia as a citizen soldier during the American revolution.


This is a Zoom event on July 20 from 7:00 to 8:00 PMFollow the Facebook event for updates:  https://www.facebook.com/events/268935604314925/


"French Neutrals" - local interest in the French and Indian War
"French Neutrals" - local interest in the French and Indian War

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Franklin Historical Museum: COVID-19 Archive Project Survey

The Historical Museum is conducting a survey on what we are doing during this pandemic.
"As you well know, we are currently living through an event which will become a dash on historical timelines in future classrooms around the world. It will be a date memorized by history majors and a subject studied by researchers, scientists, and anthropologists alike as they work to understand what happened - how the spread occurred, what our response was, and how people across the globe pulled together to fight, to survive, and to find moments of joy in otherwise uncertain times.

The COVID-19 outbreak has challenged us all in ways we did not know were possible. Many of us have had to endure the unthinkable from losing jobs and suddenly becoming a homeschool teacher to worrying if it’s safe to take a walk down the street. But, it has also sparked some extraordinary and astonishing stories about the human spirit. Neighbors are helping neighbors attain food and toilet paper. Family bonds are growing stronger through video calls and virtual game nights. And, manufacturing companies are finding ways to change gears and produce much-needed medical supplies.

Now is an important time to think about how history is preserved and how what we choose to save will determine how we will be seen by posterity. With this in mind, the Franklin Historical Museum asks that you consider sharing your COVID-19 stories with us. What has quarantine been like? Are you home alone or with family members? What have you done to stay connected to friends and family outside of your household? What have you done to stay entertained? Did you binge watch tv shows and movies? Did you learn a new skill? What were your favorite moments, your most challenging moments? What do you want people to take away from this moment in history?

Stories can be shared using this form and/or by tagging us on social media #franklinstayshome."

Here is the link: https://forms.gle/3ztGoasvjGVz8RXy9

--
Rebecca Finnigan
Archivist
Town of Franklin
80 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038
rfinnigan@franklinma.gov


Franklin HIstorical Museum: COVID-19 Archive Project Survey
Franklin Historical Museum: COVID-19 Archive Project Survey

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

"We quickly realized the collection was much more than we had originally hoped for"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"What goes around comes around.

That is certainly the case with a collection of historic images that originated in Franklin, left Franklin, and have now returned to Franklin, giving new meaning to the phrase and leaving local historians elated.

The Franklin Historical Commission has acquired what they are describing as an historical treasure trove -- more than 600 photographic negatives on glass plates, in addition to printed photos, recording scenes of everyday life in the town around the turn of the last century.

The images were among close to 1,000 glass plate negatives that were put up for auction by Coyle’s Auction Inc. of Medway, which also included images captured in Oak Bluffs, Marstons Mills, Plainville, Wrentham, Sheldonville, Medway and Bellingham. The Franklin images comprised the bulk of the items put up for auction."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200224/treasured-trove-franklin-historians-acquire-hundreds-of-antique-town-images/1

"the glass negatives will be carefully cataloged, scanned and digitized for archival protection and to make them more widely available"
"the glass negatives will be carefully cataloged, scanned and digitized for archival protection and to make them more widely available"

Sunday, August 4, 2019

Are they calling your name? - 7 Committee and Board vacancies waiting to be filled

While some folks are going to take out papers to run for election to one of the committees or boards that are elected, there are other volunteer spots available on committees or boards that are appointed.

When I checked Saturday morning, there were 7 spots open:

  • BOARD OF REGISTRARS (1 vacancies)
  • CULTURAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE (1 vacancies)
  • Design Review Commission (1 vacancies)
  • Finance Committee (2 vacancies)
  • Franklin Cultural Council (2 vacancies)
  • Historical Commission (1 vacancies)
Do you have an interest and talent in one of these areas?

Prepare a cover letter and resume and you can submit online or stop by the Town Administrator's office to do so in person.

The open positions are found online  https://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php

Click on the board or committee name and a window will also to allow for an online application.

Committee - Board vacancies waiting to be filled -Are they calling your name?
Committee - Board vacancies waiting to be filled -Are they calling your name?


Saturday, April 20, 2019

Discussion scheduled on future of Old South Meeting Church - Apr 24

A discussion is scheduled at 7:10 PM during the April 24 Town Council meeting regarding the Old South Meeting Church on Washington St. The memo to neighborhood residents from Town Administrator Jeff Nutting is shown here:
"As are well aware the Meeting House at 762 Washington Street has been vacant for a long time. The Town Council will have a discussion on the potential future use of the property at their meeting on April 24, 2019. We would very much like to hear from you on this matter. The intent the meeting is to listen to ideas, suggestions and concerns prior to the Town Council considering any future action on the matter. 
Prior to the meeting the church will be open for viewing 5:00-6:15 PM on April 24, 2019. The meeting to discuss the matter will be held immediately after at 7: 10 PM in the Town Council Chambers. 
The Town did have an architect review the building in 2015 and estimated at the time the cost for the Town (subject to all public bid laws) to bring the building into compliance with all building, wiring, plumbing, handicap accessibility etc. codes would be about $500,000. Since then building construction prices have risen so the cost will be higher. 
The full report can be found at 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf
Past discussions with the Historical Commission and others did not lead to any practical suggested reuse given the cost to renovate the building, limited parking, site lines looking west on Washington Street and the limited use the building has had over the years relative to peace and.  
The building does not meet current zoning requirements for residential or commercial use. The current zoning is RRI that requires 200 feet of frontage and 40,000 square feet of land. The only allowed use without a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals would be for religious or educational use. 
The Town did construct a water booster station in the rear of the property (funds provided from the developer of Oak Hill Condo 's) and will maintain the station no matter what decision is made about the future of the Church. 
We would appreciate your attendance and comments. Please pass this information along to others who may be interested in this matter. I am happen to answer any questions you may have prior to the meeting."


The letter can also be found online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczV2V6Vkh6NnJWLXM3SHYxeFBySTdNOXV1NUpB/view?usp=sharing

And viewed here




South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House, Washington St