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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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.

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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

Downtown Franklin’s Model Railway Returns - “Train Town Franklin; Part 2"

Revisit the Downtown Franklin circa 1932 Railroad exhibit again this December at the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Model train fans, historians and children of all ages will marvel at the detail presented in the exhibit again this year. Historical Commission Member and model railway enthusiast, Scott Mason, has added to last year’s spectacular diorama. The new addition, expanding on the original model of the train station and coal house, reaches further East along the tracks from the station and concentrates on the Thomson Press Building and the New Haven Locomotive Roundhouse. Recreated in minute detail, both buildings and surrounding scenery are laid out in perfect proportion.

Both buildings, originally built circa 1880, are created in exquisite detail in model railway HO Scale, 1.87, (3.5 mm to 1 foot). The Thomson Press Building, originally built as the Snow, Bassett & Co Straw Hat Mfg and later known as the Goulding Manufacturing building, employed generations of Franklin mill workers. The Roundhouse was built with funds from the Hayward Family. 

Mr. Hayward had so many millworkers traveling to Franklin by train that he knew a locomotive roundhouse would be essential to keep the trains running during the harsh winter months. Trains moved forward and backward across their East/West routes. In the winter months, train operations were shut down if the weather became too intense. By building the roundhouse, the trains could be turned around, and travel in a forward direction along their routes. The roundhouse ensured Mr. Hayward’s and many other mill owners employees could make the trip to Franklin, and to work, year round.

If you saw the exhibit last year, you won’t want to miss ‘round 2’. And if by chance you missed last year’s inaugural debut, you’ll want to visit and experience the awe of this tremendous display.

The exhibit opens Saturday, December 2 and runs through the month of December and early January. The museum is open weekends 10AM-1PM on Saturdays and 1:00PM-4:00PM on Sundays. Admission is always Free.     

When visiting the museum this holiday season, please consider donating a non-perishable item for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

• You can view the photos of last year's exhibit that I have taken in my visits  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8

Downtown Franklin’s Model Railway Returns - “Train Town Franklin; Part 2"

Mrs. Claus scheduled to read at Franklin Historical Museum Saturday, November 25, 2023

Bring the kids and enjoy the fun! Mrs. Claus will make her annual appearance at the Franklin Historical Museum Thanksgiving weekend. 

Join us Saturday, November 25th from 10AM to 12Noon. Mrs. Claus will be reading The Night Before Christmas to enchanted children and of course will be available for a special holiday photo. Each child will also receive a holiday sticker craft. 

Start your season bright with this annual holiday tradition at the museum.  

Ho Ho hope to see you there!

 

Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street

Franklin, MA  02038

Franklin Cultural District: Health Fair, Art Reception, live music choices, 2nd Sunday Speaker & more as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, November 8

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

3:00pm Fall Health Fair (Franklin Public Library)

Fall Health Fair

7:00pm St Mary's Women's Faith Formation Group (St Mary’s Church)

Thursday, November 9

11:00am Beaver St Interceptor Ribbon Cutting (Franklin Recreation Bldg)

6:00pm Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm FAA Art Gallery Reception (Escape Into Fiction)

6:30pm Matt Zajac (live music) (Raillery Public House)

FAA Art Gallery Reception

Friday, November 10  Veterans Day (substitute)

6:00pm Jon Paul Royer (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm Laura May Duo (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

6:30pm Steve Demers (live music) (Raillery Public House)

Saturday, November 11  Veterans Day

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:00am RISE Up - a social gathering

4:00pm Emily & Nick (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm The Core (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm The Chestnut Street Review Variety Show (FUSF, 262 Chestnut St)

Franklin Historical Museum

Sunday, November 12

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker - 'Celebrate Wrentham 350' (Franklin Historical Museum)

Monday, November 13

7:00am Yard Waste Curbside Pick up (on your trash day)

Tuesday, November 14

7:00am Yard Waste Curbside Pick up (on your trash day)

7:00pm FBRTC Meeting (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm Yankee Quilter's Meeting

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

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

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 Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Dean College and Franklin History Halloween Cemetery Tour, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 5 PM

The annual Halloween Walk, meets at the Franklin Historical Museum at 5 PM, and walks down to the Union Street Cemetery on Halloween.  It is conducted by Professor Rob Lawson, History Professor at Dean College.

Dean College and Franklin History Halloween Cemetery Tour, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 5 PM

It’s Here! Franklin Celebrates the Season Saturday, September 30 at the Annual Harvest Festival

Franklin’s Annual Harvest Festival is set for Saturday, September 30, 12 noon to 5 PM, with a rain date of Sunday, October 1, from 12 noon to 4 PM. 160 booths and attractions will fill Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central, and Depot Street. 

Annual Harvest Festival

Visitors to the festival will enjoy musical entertainment, food from local restaurants, kids’ crafts, painting and balloon art, specials from downtown merchants, unique artwork and crafts by local and regional artists. Community groups will be there to tell you about their organization. 

“The Harvest Festival is always a great time for people to gather and socialize. They can experience what shopping and dining local is really like in our community,” said Scott Martin, Harvest Festival chairman and president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership. “The mix of activities and entertainment make this event special for all ages.”

The day’s agenda is full. This is what you get.

• Refreshments – Gelato, coffee, bakery, smoothies and many other food choices at Main Street restaurants. Food court vendors will be selling great fare including Italian sausage, pizza, hot dogs, barbecue chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, fried dough, ice cream, apple cider, popcorn and cider donuts.

• Shopping - With more than 160 vendors, this festival is the perfect opportunity for residents to meet their local business owners and learn more about what they offer. Many local crafters will be selling everything from paintings and jewelry to handmade gift items.

• Franklin Historical Museum - Local entertainer Jamie Barrett will play music on the front porch of the museum at 80 West Central Street (route 140). Popcorn will be served from an old-fashioned popcorn machine, and Ladybug Trail maps and buttons will be handed out.

• Touch-a-Truck - The Franklin Fire Department will have its firetrucks out at its headquarters, and Sparky will give out plastic fire helmets to children.

• Art Show and Sale - The Franklin Art Association will host an art show and sale at its gallery located inside Escape Into Fiction bookstore at 12 Main Street. 

“Downtown Franklin is a busy social center for shopping, dining and entertainment. The Harvest Festival is the perfect time to get acquainted with local business owners,” said Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Executive Director. “We welcome friends from our town and beyond to experience the shops, restaurants, and many services Franklin has to offer.”

Piana added, “We love to acknowledge and thank our local business sponsors who make this event a huge success.” 

This year’s platinum sponsors: Dean Bank, Dean College, Middlesex Savings Bank, RI Motorsports; Gold sponsors: Floor & Décor, Notturno Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, PhysicianOne Urgent Care; Silver sponsors: Camford Property Group, Glen Meadow Apartments, Hockomock YMCA, Rockland Trust; Bronze sponsors: Beaux Regards Photographic Art, Chestnut Dental, DCU, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Keefe Insurance, MyFM, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Turtle 2 Properties, LLC; and Friend sponsors: The Enclave of Franklin.

About the Franklin Downtown Partnership 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 350 business owners, residents, and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. Residents can join the Downtown Partnership for only $25. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

Explore the Franklin Civilian Conservation Corp Camp - Oct 14; Hear about evidence of Native American activities - Oct 15

In observance of National Archaeology Month, two events will be sponsored by the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Statue of CCC worker
Freetown St Forest

On Saturday, October 14 all are invited to meet at 10:00 AM at the Franklin State Forest parking lot on Grove Street as we go back to the 1930's with the CCC. View a brief historical film clip of the Civilian Conservation Corp Camp that once existed here in Franklin. The footage covers the construction (and deconstruction) of the Camp. After the short film, we will walk through the Camp as it exists today within the Franklin State Forest. 

This is a special opportunity to uncover our State Forest's CCC history in plain sight. This free event is scheduled from 10:00 AM - 12 Noon and parking is in the Grove Street Lot. Bring water (and bug spray). The short presentation and walk through is sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Franklin Historical Commission. 

Dianna Doucette

This event is part of a weekend long offering that also includes a Professional Archaeological Talk at the Franklin Historical Museum. On Sunday, October 15, Dianna Doucette from the Public Archaeology Lab (PAL), a private company that performs archaeology surveys for public and private projects, will be presenting at the Museum. She and her firm did work in Franklin in connection with utility corridor work and found significant evidence of Native American activities. 

As part of their charter, they also do public education and, thus, are happy to come to us during Archaeology Month to discuss their findings. Doucette, and perhaps a colleague, will deliver a talk and slide presentation, possibly even accompanied by some artifacts! 

The museum opens at 1:00 PM and the presentation begins at 1:15. It will last about an hour, including a question and answer session. As always, events at the museum are free and open to the public.

Tougias to present "Until I have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War)"

NY Times best selling author Michael Tougias returns to the Franklin Historical Museum Sunday, October 8, where he will give a slide presentation and talk on his two books covering the war between the Colonists and Native Americans in 1675-76 .  Tougias is the author of the acclaimed Until I Have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War), and co-author with Eric Schultz of King Philip's War: The History and Legacy of America's Forgotten Conflict.

Tougias to present "Until I have No Country (A novel of King Philip's War)"

The first part of the presentation will discuss the Indian way of life, Colonial settlements, and the events leading up to the war as depicted in his novel. The second part covers the battles and the strategy during this cataclysmic war, which on a per capita basis was the bloodiest conflict in our nation's history.  Book signing and questions will follow.

Slides include battle sites, period sketches, historic markers, maps, and suggestions for visiting road-side history.  Tougias also discusses  Native strategy during the war and the challenges of writing a historic novel.  Former Commissioner of Indian Affairs for Massachusetts and member of the Wampanoag Tribe, Edith Andrews, is quoted on the novel's back cover, commenting that Until I Have No Country "captures the essence of the Native American."  The novel includes adventure, romance, and intrigue while staying true to historical facts.  

Tougias is best known for his seven books about true survival and rescue stories.  His latest book is Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds.

The author grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts which was the scene of a raid during King Philip’s War and that is where the author’s fascination with this conflict began.

Tougias is the author and co-author of 29 non-fiction  books including the national bestsellers Rescue of the Bounty, A Storm Too Soon,  Overboard!  The Finest Hours: The True Story of the Coast Guard’s Most Daring Rescue (to be a Disney movie), Derek’s Gift, The Cringe Chronicle and his award-winning book, There’s A Porcupine In My Outhouse! (Misadventures of a Mountain Man Wannabe). His book, Ten Hours Until Dawn: The True Story of Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the Can Do is the recipient of the American Library Association “Editors Choice” award. He also wrote a memoir titled The Waters Between Us: A Boy, A Father, Outdoor Misadventures and the Healing Power of Nature More about the author can be found at http://www.michaeltougias.com 

The museum opens at 1:00 PM and the presentation will start at 1:15 PM. The Second Sunday Speaker Series is free, open to the public and sponsored by The Friends of The Franklin Historical Museum.  Handicap access is available through the back entrance of the museum.  Be sure to visit our gift shop after the presentation for unique Franklin gifts.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

Jamie Barrett at the Historical Museum for the Harvest Festival - Sep 30

Looking forward to the annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival, Saturday, September 30th, we’re pleased to announce Franklin Music Educator, Jamie Barrett will be providing our musical entertainment on the museum’s front porch. 

Jamie Barrett

Check our website and Facebook page for exact times as we get closer to the event. Families can spread their blanket on the front lawn and enjoy Mr. Barrett’s music. Freshly popped pop corn is free to all visitors (outdoors only please). But do come inside and try your hand at our Scavenger Hunt and learn a little of our town’s history!

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Come in and find your history!

Dean College and The Universalists: Is that a new band? No, some interesting history

Dean College has always shared a strong connection with the Universalist Church. It’s founder, Oliver Dean was instrumental in the growth of Universalism in Franklin.

Rob Lawson

Our next Second Sunday Speaker will be Dean History Professor, Rob Lawson, who will explore that connection and the relationship the Universalists had with the school. Historic documents will be on display from the First Universalist Society Franklin. 

Join us Sunday September 10 for this revealing discussion on Franklin’s history. Doors open at 1:00 PM and the presentation starts at 1:15. 

The gift shop is open during regular museum hours, Saturday mornings 10 AM - 1 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Come in and find your history.

The museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheel chair accessible and always FREE. The Second Sunday Speaker Series are sponsored by The Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Dean College and The Universalists Featured in September Presentation

Jamie Barrett scheduled to perform at the Historical Museum during the Harvest Festival - Sept 30

Looking forward to the annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival, Saturday, September 30th, we’re pleased to announce Franklin Music Educator, Jamie Barrett will be providing our musical entertainment on the museum’s front porch. 

Jamie Barrett

Check our website and Facebook page for exact times as we get closer to the event. Families can spread their blanket on the front lawn and enjoy Mr. Barrett’s music. Freshly popped pop corn is free to all visitors (outdoors only please). But do come inside and try your hand at our Scavenger Hunt and learn a little of our town’s history!

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street, we are wheelchair accessible and admission is always free. Come in and find your history!

Second Sunday Speaker Series: features "Massachusetts: The Library State"

Sunday, August 16 is next in our Second Sunday Speaker series., featuring

Massachusetts: The Library State - A presentation about the amazing history and cultural treasures represented across the Bay State's hundreds of  libraries.

When Benjamin Franklin donated more than 100 books to the tiny Massachusetts town, newly named in his honor, he probably didn't realize the impact he would have. In 1790, the citizens of the Town of Franklin voted to make Ben's books freely available to any resident – a library policy that is all but universal in today's libraries but was a novelty at the time. His books are still on display at the Franklin Public Library, though too fragile for modern citizens to borrow or even touch.

Those books are among the treasures and the remarkable stories of our libraries, including:

• The oldest library building in the United States, now part of the Sturgis Library in Barnstable, MA
• The location of the first dedicated children's library in the world, at Arlington, MA
• The first taxpayer-supported library, at Wayland, MA – a town named for its library benefactor.
• The W.E.B. Dubois Library at University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, the tallest in the western hemisphere.
• The first large city library to be funded by the public - the Boston Public Library with its millions of books and priceless art treasures.
• A death on the Titanic that led to creation of the Centerpiece of the Harvard Libraries - largest academic library system in the world.
• Local libraries with remarkable art treasures

In addition to dozens of libraries funded by Andrew Carnegie, the story of many other wealthy individuals who funded local libraries is fascinating and inspiring. For example, merchant Jacob Edwards funded the library that bears his name in Southbridge, MA. He was also responsible for acquiring many of the most famous impressionist paintings now at the Museum of Fine Art!

In his presentation, local author and historian, Alan Earls, will help you look at our library legacy with fresh appreciation and excitement.

The museum opens at 1:00PM our presentation begins at 1:15.

Admission is always free and we are ADA accessible. 

Be sure to visit our gift shop which is run by the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum.

Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central St