Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Historical Commission

The Franklin Historical Commission is a volunteer committee appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. We are dedicated to maintaining, staffing, and operating the Franklin Historical Museum, and to preserving the historical assets of the Town of Franklin. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the museum and are open to the public.

We have up to 7 full-time members with voting privileges along with non-voting associate members.

Members

Mary Olsson, Chair
Phyllis Malcolm,Treasurer
Jeremy Ball, Recording Secretary
Colette Ferguson
Bob Percy
Paul Pisani
Richard Remillard

Associate Members

Mary O'Neill
Kai Olsson

Overview
The Franklin Historical Museum has been in our present location for 8 years now. The museum occupies the old Town Hall Building at 80 West Central Street, just a half block before the fire station, and across the street from the new Horace Mann Square. We continue to work to engage the community and area residents so they rely on the
museum and find it a place to explore and celebrate the Town's heritage, achievements, and unique place in history.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Historical Museum is a center for community engagement, committed to facilitating the exploration of Franklin through a local, regional, and national lens, to a multi-generational audience.

WE ARE OPEN: Saturdays 10AM to 1PM; Sundays 1PM to 4PM; Thursdays 5PM to 8PM. During winter months (beginning of December thru end of March) we are closed on Thursdays.

Museum Hosts
Commission members and volunteers keep the museum open by giving of their time to host at the Museum during our open hours. Our hosts answer questions and share their knowledge of Franklin’s history. (Hosting is also a great way to learn more!) To become a host volunteer, contact any member of the commission.

Some of our events this year:

Town of Franklin Birthday Party
On March 3rd we celebrated the founding of the town by inviting local town residents who share the same birthday with the town. Those birthday celebrants attending were entered into a drawing for a $100 ‘picture of Ben’. And, as with any birthday celebration, cake was served.

Second Sunday Speaker Series
This year we are pleased to announce the founding of our Second Sunday speaker events at the Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, at 1PM, local and regional speakers share their knowledge and insight on various historical and cultural topics.

Appraisal Day
Antiques expert Nancy Wyman hosted another interesting appraisal session at the Museum in April. People discovered more about their ‘finds,’ and learned of their approximate market value.

Art Week
As part of this town-wide celebration, Dennis Ferguson performed on the Museum’s locally manufactured Trowbridge piano. Also performing were the Prolatio Singers, under the direction of Dr. Ferguson. Musician and artist Kai Olsson performed and displayed his paintings.

Little League Display
To recognize the founding of Franklin Youth Baseball in 1953, an informative and interesting display by Elaine Costello was presented in April. Some of the original players attended a kick-off reception in their honor.

Hi-definition Photographs
We are continuing to add to and refine our permanent collection of historic photographs on our iC4K Display Screen, invented and produced by Almont Green Studios of Medway. This display screen allows visitors to view and browse through large format digitized photographs of Franklin’s past.

Wedding Dress Display and Speakers
Returning this year, June through August, was another exquisite wedding dress display, the product of many volunteer hours. To complement the display were two separate event presentations on wedding dresses. The public was invited to submit their wedding photos to be scanned and added to our permanent collection.

Annual Events of the Downtown Partnership
The Commission enjoys being part in the annual events planned by the Downtown Partnership which include the Strawberry Festival, the Harvest Festival, and the Holiday Stroll. The Holiday Stroll is always a fun evening hosted by Mrs. Claus who reads to many wide eyed children.

Social Media
The Museum’s presence in social media continues to grow. Come join the discussion on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038/).

Wall Calendars
In 2018 we produced calendars of old Franklin photographs and key dates. We plan to produce another for 2019, to be available at the Museum for a nominal fee.

School Participation
We encourage elementary, middle, and high school student visits to the museum to learn about Franklin throughout the course of the year. So many stories to tell! Learning about our town’s history is a wonderful gateway to history as a whole. Teachers are encouraged to contact us to make arrangements to bring their class in for a visit and hosted tour.

Demolition Requests
Under the demolition bylaw passed by the Town Council, the Historical Commission reviews any demolition request of a property built in 1930 or before. We make every attempt to encourage the preservation of any building of historical significance. We have the option to delay the demolition of a building for up to a year so that suitable alternatives can be considered.

This year, the following properties were approved for demolition:

• 300 W. Central St. 1880
• 70 E. Central St. 1900

This speaks to the ongoing issue of the disappearance of the Town’s historical assets.

You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

exterior siding work is nearing completion, next up will be work to repair the cupola

"When Terrorism Struck Franklin - Feb 28, 1919" (audio)

If you missed the Second Sunday Speaker Series at the Franklin Historical Museum on Sunday, Jan 13, 2019, you can review the slide deck here and while listening to the audio recording below.

Franklin historian, Alan Earls is introduced by Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Museum.

FM #157
This internet radio show or podcast is number 157 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Second Sunday Speaker Series presentation given on Sunday, Jan 13, 2019.

Franklin historian Alan Earls talks on "When Terrorism Struck Franklin: February 28, 1919"
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/second-sunday-speaker-series-when.html

The show notes on Franklin Matters will also include the presentation document so you can follow along.

The total recording presentation and the follow up Question and Answer period runs about 55 minutes. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

Mary Olsson introduces Alan Earls

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

Anarchist Presentation from Franklin Matters

______________

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

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, please let me know

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

"it’s referred to as the Fisher House"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"In 1750, in a backwoods edge of Wrentham, a house was erected. More than two centuries later, it is still standing in what is now part of Franklin. 

But the house, located on Lincoln Street, could be on the verge of potential destruction. 

The Franklin Historical Commission will hold a public hearing next week about the house’s potential demolition and its historic value to the town. The hearing takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St. 

Amy Roberson, who owns the house, said she had not heard about the hearing, but as a history buff, she is uneasy about the house’s possible fate. The idea of the house being demolished was news to her, but she said it isn’t surprising due to the house’s condition."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181001/house-possibly-tied-to-early-franklin-family-subject-of-demolition-hearing

Where is the Fisher house?

Annual Report 2017: Franklin Historical Commission

The Annual Report is compiled and published each year to be ready for voters to obtain at the November election. A PDF copy is also posted online and available for viewing our downloading. 

The following is a text representation of the printed pages 90-91 (actually 97-98 of 264)


"ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FRANKLIN HISTORICAL COMMISSION.

The Franklin Historical Commission is a volunteer committee appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. We are dedicated to maintaining, staffing, and operating the Franklin Historical Museum, and to preserving the historical assets of the Town of Franklin. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM at the museum and are open to the public.

We have up to 7 full-time Commission members with voting privileges along with non-voting associate members.

Members
Mary Olsson, Chair
Phyllis Malcolm,Treasurer
Bob Percy, Recording Secretary
Colette Ferguson
Connie Lawson
Richard Remillard
Jeremy Ball
Associate Members
Mary O'Neill 
Kai Olsson 
Alice Vendetti
Anyone interested in becoming an associate member of
the Historical Commission is encouraged to contact us.

FRANKLIN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
The Franklin Historical Museum has been in our present location for 7 years now. The museum occupies the old Town Hall Building at 80 West Central Street, just a half block before the fire station, and across the street from the new Horace Mann Square. We continue to work to engage the community and area residents so they rely on the museum and find it a place to explore and celebrate the Town's heritage, achievements, and unique place in history.

Mission Statement
The Franklin Historical Museum is a center for community engagement, committed to facilitating the exploration of Franklin through a local, regional, and national lens, to a multigenerational audience.

WE ARE OPEN:
Saturdays 10 AM to 1 PM;
Sundays 1 PM to 4 PM;
Thursdays 5 PM to 8 PM. During winter months (early December thru end of March) we are closed on Thursday evenings.

Museum Hosts
Commission members and volunteers keep the museum open by giving of their time to host at the Museum during our open hours. Our hosts answer questions and share their knowledge of Franklin’s history. To become a host volunteer, contact any member of the commission.

Events this past year:

Town of Franklin Birthday Party
On March 2nd we celebrated the founding of the town by inviting local town residents who share the same birthday with the town. Those birthday celebrants attending were entered into a drawing for a $100 ‘picture of Ben’. And, as with any birthday celebration, cake was served.

Horace Mann Day
Each year we recognize Franklin’s most famous son, Horace Mann, born May 4, 1796. Mann, known as the Father of Education, was a lawyer, statesman, abolitionist, and a great humanitarian. We are proud to celebrate his birthday each year and remember his noble accomplishments.

This year’s celebration was highlighted by the dedication of an oversized statue of Horace Mann across the street in the newly designated Horace Mann Square. Congratulations to all those who helped facilitate this great tribute to Franklin’s favorite son.

Hi-definition Photographs on display
A major addition to the Museum in 2017 was the iC4K Display Screen, invented and produced by Almont Green Studios of Medway. This display screen allows visitors to view and browse through large format digitized photographs of Franklin’s past.

Abraham Megerdichian - Metal Sculptures
Robert Megerdichian, son of former Franklin resident and metal sculptor Abraham Megerdichian loaned many of his father’s sculptures to the Museum and gave two memorable presentations on his father’s passion for producing detailed and finely crafted miniature cars, animals, musical instruments, and countless other miniature sculptures.

Wedding Dress Display and Speakers
Returning this year was another exquisite wedding dress display, the product of many volunteer hours. To complement the display were two separate event presentations on wedding dresses.

Franklin Downtown Partnership Events
The Commission enjoys being part in the annual events planned by the Downtown Partnership which include the Strawberry Stroll, October’s Harvest Festival, and the Holiday Stroll. The Holiday Stroll, in early December, is always a fun evening attended by Mrs. Claus reading to many wide eyed children.

Social Media
The Museum’s presence in social media is growing. In a typical week in February on our Facebook page there were 37 page views, 665 people reached, and 1,106 post engagements.

Wall Calendars
In 2017 we produced calendars of vintage Franklin photographs and key dates. Stop by and pick up your 2018 Franklin Calendar, available at the Museum Gift Shop for a nominal fee.

Area Historical Commissions and Societies Hosted at Franklin Museum
For a second year, the Franklin Historical Museum hosted area Historical Commissions for a meet and greet and informal discussion. It was well attended by the surrounding towns of Wrentham, Bellingham, Norfolk, Plainville, Millis, Foxborough, Medway, and Blackstone. We also enjoyed gathering at Plainville’s An Unlikely Story bookstore this year. It is always a pleasure to meet with our counterparts from neighboring towns.

School Participation
We encourage elementary, middle, and high school student visits to the museum to learn about Franklin throughout the course of the year. So many stories to tell! Learning about our town’s history is a wonderful gateway to history as a whole. Teachers are encouraged to contact us to make arrangements to bring their class in for a visit and hosted tour.

Demolition Requests
Under the demolition bylaw passed by the Town Council, the Historical Commission reviews any demolition request of a property built in 1930 or before. We make every attempt to encourage the preservation of any building of historical significance. We have the option to delay the demolition of a building for up to a year so that suitable alternatives can be considered. The following properties were approved for demolition:

• 899 Upper Union St. 1850
• 36 Plain St. 1810

This speaks to the ongoing issue of the disappearance of the Town’s historical assets.

Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum (FFHM)
The Friends, which is the fundraising arm of the museum, work to bring special events and programs to the museum. Donations to this organization are always welcome! Because the Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible.

We also encourage people to donate items that pertain to the town’s history (such as artifacts, photographs, and written records) at the Museum during our regular hours of operation. These donations to the Friends are also tax deductible.

Thanks goes to members of the community who have helped enrich and deepen our understanding of the town’s history, and we look forward to working on additional projects in the future. We are grateful for your support and look forward to another exciting year!

Respectfully submitted,
The Franklin Historical Commission"

Contact us:
Email: franklinmuseum1778@gmail.com
http://www.franklinma.gov/historical-commission
webpage: http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/


You can find the online copy at the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

and specifically for 2017
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-annual-report-2017-revised

Annual Report 2017: Franklin Historical Commission

Fashions of The WW II Era - Dec 10

Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion discusses the influence of war and rationing on 1940s Fashions. Despite the restrictions there was still a distinct style and trends that developed in everyday fashion. Join us as she presents dress and style of the WWII era.


Sunday December 10, 1:15 PM

Hours of Operation: Saturday 10-1, Sunday 1-4, Thursdays 5-8. Always Free and handicap accessible

Fashions of The WW II Era

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

A Remembrance of Alice Wiggin - (1878 - 1966)

Shared by Robert Percy, Franklin Historical Commission:

In 1885, two seven year old girls moved to Franklin, and lived in two newly built houses right next to each other on Crescent St. One was May Fales; the other was Alice Wiggin. They would become fast friends, and remained best friends for the rest of their lives.

Alice Wiggin taught English at Franklin High School for 42 years, starting as a young woman. She had attended Radcliffe College, one of the finest womens’ colleges in the country. By all accounts she was a talented and beloved teacher. The 1929 Franklin High School yearbook, the Oskey, was dedicated to her. In it, her students say:

She is a master of the art of teaching English literature… She is a critic capable of grasping and explaining her subject with clearness and precision by the use of short and simple words… She shows a remarkable breadth of judgment, a patience that never wearies, a quiet enthusiasm which no difficulty can distort or destroy, and great insight which can give richness to literature and new meanings to old dogmas.

This is powerful praise from her students. They go on to say:

As a friend, she loves her pupils for what they are, radiating to them by precept, sympathy and example, what she would have them be. Her creed — “Be a friend; the rest will follow.”

We are here today because of something that happened much earlier. In 1911, an eight year old girl and her four younger siblings were abandoned at South Station in Boston by their mother. This little girl was Sophie Aronofsky, who later came to live with a foster family in Franklin. At first, the soft-spoken Sophie was a student in Alice Wiggin’s English class. 

Because she showed such great promise as a student and as a human being, Alice took a great interest in her, and she came to live at Alice’s house. Alice encouraged Sophie to apply to Radcliffe College, which she attended from 1919 to 1923. Inspired by Alice’s example, Sophie went on to become a high school teacher in Duxbury and Quincy, and teacher of French, Latin, and English in California.

We are honored to have Sophie’s family here today. Sophie’s daughter Sarita Jo Mattson has powerful and loving memories of traveling from California to Massachusetts to stay with Alice multiple times while her mother was battling

cancer: once in 1948 when she was eight, for an entire year in 1952 when she was 12, and again at age 16 in 1956. Alice would also visit Sophie and family in San Diego several times while Sophie was battling cancer there.

Alice had a brilliant and active mind, but she was not the best housekeeper. Items were piled high everywhere, but visitors and neighbors and guests of all kind were always welcome.

In the words of Sarita Jo Mattson, Alice’s house was sort of a mini retirement home. Living with her was another Franklin High School teacher named Doc Fraser. Another was Frank Weaver, a visually impaired piano tuner, along with his wife Florence. The couple lived with Alice for the remainder of their lives. Alice also cared for two other foster daughters: Alice Dutton and Elizabeth Stewart Kubli, and for Sophie’s brother Samuel and sister Lil.

In later life, Alice would read new books for the Town Library and advised them on what to buy. Alice was a good cook and enjoyed cooking and eating. She helped people in need by cooking for them and delivering meals to their houses. She drove neighbors and friends to doctors’ appointments.

Alice passed away from a heart attack in 1966 at the age of 88. The whereabouts of her remains was a mystery for some time. We are honored and humbled that she rests here, in the place she cared so much about, in the town she has done so much for.

Her lifelong friend May lived to be 100, and rests here with her husband, brother… and her dear friend Alice. In this place of remembrance, their close bonds remain.


Union Street Cemetery 
Franklin, MA 
November 18, 2017

A Remembrance of Alice Wiggin - (1878 - 1966)

Mary Olsson before the unveiling

those who gathered pose for a photo

Franklin Historic Commission to host veterans

The Franklin Historic Commission will host local Franklin veterans on Saturday morning, November 12 from 9:00-10:00AM at the Museum.

State Rep Jeff Roy, Veterans Representative Dale Kurtz, Town Officials and Members of the Town Council will be in attendance to honor the Veterans.

A light breakfast of pastries, donuts, coffee and juices will be served.

The commission hopes that this will be the first annual breakfast for the Veterans.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St 

"It's a rare find in such condition"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Town Council heard on Wednesday evening a report on an extensive categorization and reorganization project that took place at the town historical museum during the summer. 

Historical Commission member Mary Olsson, as well as Allison Anderson, one of the two interns who worked on the project, gave a presentation to the council at its meeting. 

Anderson spoke of the conditions at the museum, noting that while there were many deficiencies, the institution has a great deal of potential."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161005/franklin-council-hears-historical-museum-report

an exhibit about Franklin's own 3-star general is available near the entrance to the main room of the Historical Museum

Live reporting: Historical Commission update

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS -
- Historical Commission
Mary Olsson

hired two interns for part time work at the museum
Allison Anderson, BA and working on Masters

hired to assess needs of the collection and propose suggestions
more was required than simple inventory
some items were not relevent to the collection, and not enough storage for the items that should be cared for carefully

dependent upon an inventory developed in the 1970's

collection well connected to community
dusting and cleaning needed to create a safe working environment
items exposed to potential damage
permanent and safe storage needed
volunteers do not have the knowledge or expertise to do the inventory and assessment

at least 300 post cards with fully inventory
post card printing blocks are rare and a few were found, they also have post cards made with the blocks

weight of the clothing stacked potentially damaged the items on the bottom of the piles

a rare find of a child's dress from the 1880's in good condition

high quality scans of photos make the images more readily accessible

a guide developed by one of the interns will help future volunteer work

social media is a good way to build interaction with the museum
the Instagram account was linked to Facebook and volume of interactions increased

many weaknesses are highlighted, a part time curator would be worthwhile
the project set up a framework for future work to build upon

continued investment in people and supplies are vital

The historical commission has done good work getting to this point

In the News: DARE camp, crash victim ID'd, Historical Commissions to meet

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Children attending the Franklin DARE summer camp got an unexpected treat on Thursday - a visit from a Massachusetts State Police helicopter. 

The helicopter arrived shortly after noon, touching down at Meadowlark Field as the campers eagerly waited. After the landing, state police troopers Ron Baker and Tim Foley spoke to the campers, answering questions they had about their unit."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160729/copter-crew-gives-franklin-camp-visit-whirl

"Police have identified the man killed in a Thursday morning crash on Rte. 495 as a 23-year-old Rhode Island resident. 

Zachary R. Lemir, of Warwick, Rhode Island, died as the result of a single-vehicle crash at around 6 a.m. that day, according to the Massachusetts State Police. The incident occurred north of Exit 17 on Rte. 495 northbound. 

According to police, Lemir's 1997 Ford F-150 pickup went off the highway and into the woods."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160729/driver-in-fatal-495-crash-in-franklin-identified

"The Franklin Historical Commission will host a reception for area historical commissions on Aug. 7. 

Commission members from Wrentham, Norfolk, Medway, Bellingham, Millis, Foxborough, Plainville and Blackstone have been invited to participate in a meet and greet reception at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St., Franklin."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160729/franklin-historical-commission-to-host-reception

Franklin Historical Museum

Franklin Historical Commission schedules historical meeting

The Franklin Historical Commission will host a reception for area Historical Commissions on Sunday afternoon, August 7th. 

Commission members from Wrentham, Norfolk, Medway, Bellingham, Millis, Foxboro, Plainville and Blackstone have been invited to participate in a meet and greet reception and the Franklin Historical Museum. 

In appreciation of our shared goal of preserving the history and culture of our respective New England Towns, we organized this reception with the purpose of expanding the spirit of cooperation. 

The afternoon will consist of introductions, informal conversation and an opportunity to get to know one another. We hope to get to share ideas, successes, challenges, goals and establish a network of support for our respective museums. Cake and coffee will be served.

Franklin Historical Museum

Find out more about the Franklin Historical Museum online 
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

or on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038

Franklin Annual Report 2014: Historical Commission

Continuing our walk through the Annual Report we arrive at the Historical Commission

Summary

Franklin Historical Museum (free) Location: 80 West Central St, downtown, near the fire station.

Hours: Thursdays 5 to 8; Saturday 10 - 1; Sunday 1 - 4

Monthly Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Museum and all are welcome to attend.

Overview

We have now completed our fourth year at the new museum and have been well received by the citizens of Franklin and surrounding communities. The museum continues to explore and celebrate the Town's cultural diversity, achievements and unique place in history.

Mission

Our mission is to preserve, protect and develop the historic and archeological assets of Franklin.

Membership

The commission is appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. We have 7 full time members with voting privileges along with non-voting associate members. We invite all residents, with an interest in Franklin, to contact us to become associate members.

Hosting

All of our members take turns hosting at the museum at one time or another. We have continued to increase our hours of operation so that we are available to the public at diffi:rent times. We are always loolda& for people to belp as host at the mueeum. It is a fun, relaxing and a great learning expericiK:e. Try it ....... you'll like it!

Events

We held many events during this past year and had over 1,000 visitors at the museum. Some of the events included:

Birthday Party

We once again enjoyed celebrating Ben Franldin's Birthday.
We served a birthday cake and sang "Happy Birthday".

Wedding Gowns

Once again, we had our famous event exhibiting gowns from 1893 through 2010. Both young and old seem to enjoy this display.

Veterans Uniform Display

This is always a favorite display both with young and older residents. It's strriking to walk info the museum and see all the uniforms from all branches of the armed services standing at attention.

Sebool Participation

We encourage elementary and high scbool student visits to the museum to learn about Franklin throughout the year. It's important to see how Franklin "used to be" as compared to the present time. One student said "I wish I lived back then!" Teachers are welcomed to make arrangements with us to bring their class in for a visit.

Antique Appraisal Day

This is a very popular event that we hold each year at the museum. People are invited to bring up to three (3) items to be appraised. Very well attended.

Movie Night

One June 29th we showed the musical 1776. This was a first time event and enjoyed by all who attended. The popcorn was good too!

Annual Events of the Downtown Partnership

The Commission takes part in the annual events planned by the Downtown Partnership such as Harvest Festival (pumpkin carving contest) and Strawberry Festival. Our museum was opened and many first time visitors came by.

Demolition Requests

Under the demolition bylaw passed by the Town Council, the Commission is instructed to review any demolition request of a property 60 years and older. We look into the property to see if there is any historical significance and then write a review. In some instances, we ask that a plaque be displayed representing what existed on the parcel of land. Developers are very agreeable to this.

Audio Conversion Project

We are working with a FHS student, Micbael Labine and instructor Mark: Brady who spearheaded this project. We are converting all our old record albums to digital status. The turntables being used are fimded by a grant from the Teacher's Association secured by Mr. Peacock. It's great to be able to work hand in hand with Town and School personel. Thanks to all involved in this project.

Old Museum on Washington Street

We continue to look into possible uses for the "'Od Museum" on Washington Street. Any thoughts, give us a call.

Frieads of Historical Museum

The Friends, along with our regular and associate members, work very bard to bring special events to the museum. Without their support, we could not bring these special programs to the museum. Donations are always welcomed!

In conduslon, we feel that the Franklin Historical Museum has reached so many of its goals and we look forward to offering the residents of Franklin continued years of enjoyment. We are grateful for your support and look forward to another exciting year.

Respectfully submitted,
Franklin Historical Commission

Deborah L. Pellegri, Chair
Delwyn Arnold
Bob Percy
Marlene Oliver
Mary Olsson, ViceChair
Colette Ferguson. Treasurer
Connie Lawson

Associate Members

Mary O'Neill
Kai Olsson
Alice Vendetti
Minessa Konicki

Franklin Historical Museum

The full annual report can be obtained from the Town Clerk's office (hard copy) or viewed and/or downloaded from the Franklin website here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/2014report.pdf

Annual reports of prior years can also be found online at
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/annual/

screen grab of Franklin Historical Museum webpage

You can also find more information on the Historical Museum webpage here

http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

“We have an attorney who tells us the exact opposite”

As local officials ponder possible reuses for the 158-year-old South Meeting House on Washington Street, the church that deeded the historic property to the town in 1972 has demanded compensation. 

The Franklin Federated Church, known back then as the First Congregational Church, contends that the town violated a covenant of the deed by poorly maintaining the property and building a pump station there. 

Town officials, however, do not believe they owe the church anything and continue to review potential uses for the property with the historical commission. 

According to a memo sent to the town council last month by town attorney Mark Cerel, the church conveyed the property to the “inhabitants of Franklin” for the purposes of historic preservation.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141110/NEWS/141119854/1994/NEWS

Where is the church?

Located on Washington St just past the interchange with Grove St, on the way to Bellingham.

South Meeting House

"best fit for the museum"

What to do with the former historical museum is an open question.

When the commission moved into its current museum on West Central Street three years ago, the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House no longer had a use and now stands perpetually empty. 

Recently, commissioners have been discussing with town officials potential uses for the old church — such as leasing or selling it — but have hit hurdle after hurdle. 

While the town has maintained the more than 150-year-old building to a certain extent, it will still require an extensive amount of work before it can be sold or repurposed, according to Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1868836740/Franklins-former-historical-museum-center-of-quandary#ixzz2eZldSpiC

The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in Franklin!

Over 100 folks enjoyed a dramatic reading of "A Christmas Carol" as performed by Al LePage with musical accompaniment by Rev Diane Carpenter on Thursday evening.

On behalf of the Food Pantry Board of Directors, our sincere thanks to the Historical Commission and to the United Methodist Church for arranging this event. Our special thanks to performer Al Lepage for his significant contribution to make this happen. It was a wonderful performance.

One gentleman as he left the performance checked with Mary Olsson on whether the show had sold out. Informed that there had been about 15 tickets unsold, he said that he would provide a check to ensure that the event had been sold out.

The event raised over $1,300 for the Franklin Food Pantry.

This is the kind of Christmas Spirit that exists in Franklin and for which we are most grateful!


Related post:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/tickets-on-sale-christmas-carol-times.html

Tickets on sale; "A Christmas Carol Times Two"

"A Christmas Carol Times Two!", a dramatic reading performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" combined with traditional 19th century English Christmas carols will happen on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Actor Al LePage will become "Englishman Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian" complete with English accent, clothing of the period and other accoutrements for the dramatic reading part. Organist and local minister Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter will weave piano music between various scenes to set the tone for what's to come and entertain.

This is a special benefit performance sponsored by the Franklin Historical Commission and hosted by the Franklin United Methodist Church with all proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. 


Tickets are on sale at the Franklin Historical Museum 

• today from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• Sunday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Thursday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (also the Holiday Stroll - Nov 29th!)

For more about the show 
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/10/a-christmas-carol-times-two-dec-13.html

Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City’

VIA APPIA PRESS has announced the release of Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City.’

Welcome to Franklin, Massachusetts, a town that to a casual visitor might appear to be nothing more than an ‘ordinary’ Greater Boston suburb; maybe even the kind of place where, “Nothing much ever happens.” But don’t be fooled. This is the entirely true story of how one town transformed from a small hamlet – a precinct in a frontier community -- into one of the fastest growing municipalities in America; an ‘edge city’ built around an Interstate. It’s a story of religious extremists, farmers, factory workers, entrepreneurs, anarchists, and eccentrics. It’s a story more than 300 years in the making and it has never been told before in one volume...until now.

Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City’ is 204 pages in length, featuring more than 70 illustrations, and retails for $19.99. The book can be ordered through www.viaappiapress.com.


About the Author
Eamon McCarthy Earls is a longtime resident of Franklin, and a graduate of Franklin High School, Class of 2012. Eamon has been involved with the Franklin Historical Commission since 2010. Realizing the need for a new, updated history of Franklin, Eamon built on his experience in writing and researching his previous book; Wachusetts: How Boston’s Quest for Water Changed Four Towns and a Way of Life and tapped a wide range of sources, including extensive interviews with local residents, to complete Franklin: From Puritan Precinct to 21st Century ‘Edge City.’

A Christmas Carol Times Two! - Dec 13

"A Christmas Carol Times Two!", a dramatic reading performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" combined with traditional 19th century English Christmas carols will happen on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 7PM at the Franklin United Methodist Church, 82 West Central Street in Franklin, Massachusetts.

Actor Al LePage will become "Englishman Thomas Hutchinson, Traveling Thespian" complete with English accent, clothing of the period and other accoutrements for the dramatic reading part. Organist and local minister Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter will weave piano music between various scenes to set the tone for what's to come and entertain.

This is a special benefit performance sponsored by the Franklin Historical Commission and hosted by the Franklin United Methodist Church with all proceeds to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry.

Admission is $10 per person and the performance is best appreciated both by adults and children 7 years of age and older. Tickets go on sale Nov. 15th and their advanced purchase is required by visiting the Franklin Historical Museum located at 80 West Central St. in Franklin Thurs. 5-8PM, Sat. 10AM-1PM and Sun. 1-4PM. Doors for the performance open at 6:30PM, the fun begins at 6:45PM, and seating is general admission.

"One of the best gifts I received this year," begins actor Al LePage, "was an email from Franklin, MA. A Mary Olsson called me about doing my Christmas Carol performance in the first town ever named after Benjamin Franklin. And during our follow-up phone conversation, the gift kept getting bigger and better, like unwrapping one box only to find another and yet still another inside that one!"

LePage entertains appreciative audiences with his one-man "solo" of Dickens' Christmas Carol as Victorian-era "Englishman Thomas Hutchinson." His abbreviated performance is not only based upon Dickens own historic public reading version, but are also done just like Dickens did simply by using his voice, facial expressions, gestures and movement to create all 18 characters -- accents and all -- plus sound effects, too! From Scrooge to Tiny Tim, from Marley's Ghost to Mrs. Cratchit, there's howls and growls, bangs and bongs, a dance with a song, lively laughter and heartfelt tears.

Since he's playful, likes to experiment and believes in seizing the moment, even he doesn't always know what's going to happen next. And, before each reading, he's definitely got what could aptly be called “his stories” to tell both in “the year” and the place he's performing to connect, interpret, and share history with the audience. He loves to play to -- and with -- audience members to bring history alive, which will quickly become evident when you first encounter him. He's sure to bring you lively laughter, and hopefully some tears, during his dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol.'

"Gifts, oh yes, gifts," continues LePage. "The first, of course, was the invitation to perform. I gave the second gift and said I'd perform for free with the idea, though, that all the money would go to help keep hunger away from local doorsteps. And it all started coming together with other people giving gifts too! The Franklin Historical Museum would provide the volunteers, the Franklin United Methodist Church would freely host and its very own 'Pastor Dianne' also agreed to play the organ for the event! The Franklin Food Pantry agreed to receive all the money, which in itself, accepting a gift that is, is a sort of gift, too, to the giver, right? This wasn't just another event, this was already becoming a real community event, where everyone involved was being generous with their time, talents and resources."

Hunger close to home is a serious issue both locally and nationally. At any given time, people sometimes have to make choices between food and other critical survival factors such as heat, housing, medical care or transportation. In Massachusetts alone more than a quarter million children, that's almost 1 in every 5 in the state, often face hunger, and almost half are from families that don't qualify for government programs like food stamps or free school lunches simply because they earn too much money. And also according to Map the Meal Gap: Child Food Insecurity, a report issued last year by The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) and the national network of food banks, Feeding America, children who don't eat what they need for strong healthy brain development may never recover their lost potential for cognitive growth. The report goes on to say that besides stunting their intellectual capacity, it could also affect learning, social interaction and productivity, diminishing what could have been a child's eventual contributions to society.

"We're still seeing probably a 25% increase this year over last year, and last year was a 25% increase over the year before that, too," says Steve Sherlock, President of the Franklin Food Pantry, "so the demand even for a fairly well to do community, the number of hungry and at risk continues to increase. It's something that's not very well talked about, but the need is something the community fortunately is very able and willing to support. So we want to continue to get the word out, continue to get that support, and this special event will help us do that."

Dianne Carpenter started playing piano at age 6, took up the violin a few years later, and by the time she was a junior in high school landed her first job as a church organist! She pursued her music education degree from Lowell State College, went on to teach music in area schools, but always remained a church organist or choir director as that "teachers second job" to make ends meet. She eventually decided to get even more serious about her life in "music ministry," went back to school to receive a Masters of Sacred Music from Boston University, but continued to teach school. A few years later, though, the economic situation for funding education statewide in Massachusetts took a turn for the worse and teaching jobs were threatened. All this forced her to do some soul-searching, and in the end she decided her journey was now to be the path of pastoral ministry. She sold her house, went back to school yet again, and eventually earned both a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School and a PhD in Christian Social Ethics from Boston University Graduate School. She's been a minister in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church for nearly two decades, serving in Natick, Spencer, Belmont, Hamilton and Brewster Massachussetts. She currrently serves as minister of the United Methodist Church in Franklin, MA, and continues to publicly perform both on organ and piano, typically now only playing the violin for her own enjoyment.

"We all have gifts, and God wants us to be generous with those gifts, asking us to share them," begins Rev. Dr. Dianne Carpenter, pastor at Franklin United Methodist Church. "And this event is an opportunity for the community not only to be entertained, but also become aware of the real meaning of Christmas, God's passion for the entire world as reflected in providing the resources needed by the food pantry so everyone served can celebrate the season, too."

LePage got his start bringing history to life through improvised portrayals of real people from the past and has been seen by thousands during the eight years he appeared at events with the National Park Service, historic sites, museums, and other venues in the Pacific Northwest. He's appeared on the PBS TV History Detectives series as everything from a bartender to Robert E. Lee! He's also written and produced his own one-man historical dramas, and recorded his “short” performance version of Dickens' classic holiday story as a one man radio show, an Oregon Public Broadcasting Radio production that premiered last year on Christmas Eve. LePage has even given “historical performances” on location in Boston where, and once when (same calendar date), Dickens did in 1867! "Performance with passion and purpose" is the mission of his Great Stories Alive! theater company shows. “Englishman Thomas Hutchinson” was first created to share history as an “average guy” but who somehow always seemed to turn up when and where historic events happened! He now lives on as a Victorian-era “Traveling Thespian” giving performances of Dickens' Christmas Carol to benefit charity, having done so since 2006. Last year he even traveled to England to perform the Carol for the very first time. LePage loves to improvise and believes all the world's a stage, and every audience member a potential player, so watch out!

"As an actor, the show itself is my work," says Al LePage, "but as a person my real work is about generosity, not only being generous myself, but also cultivating it in others. And what's great about generosity, about giving of oneself, is that it does good things both for the giver and the receiver, too. Tis better to give than to receive, as the saying goes. So give yourself a special treat this year and know that the ticket you buy isn't really just about a show, it's also about generosity, it's about helping to feed someone, it's about loving your neighbors as yourself."

"I've been talking about the upcoming event for the last three months," says Mary Olsson, Franklin Historical Commission board member, "and everyone is so excited, I know it's going to be a sell-out! Get your tickets fast!"


Photo Credit: David Krapes