Anonymous (by mail) for an 1894 Judkins and Wallace receipt, made out to Fred Tilton (who worked at the Franklin Needle Factory);
And The Franklin Public Library, courtesy of Director Rob Sargent and the Board of Trustees, for a 1950 scrapbook (according to a slip of paper within, originally donated to the Franklin Historical Society in 1972 by Margaret Beaupre), of photos taken by Frank Problenz of a dinner show at the Webster Birthplace of “The Devil and Daniel Webster”, a folder relating to the 1998 Belknap Mill display of “The Inventive Aikens” which is now in the keeping of the Society, a 5 x 7 photo of the Sawyer House ell, and a tiny silver spoon with an engraving of the “Kenrick Farm” in the spoon’s bowl.
Franklin Historical Society
November 2024
Current Newsletter
Kathy Fuller for an 1890s era scrapbook of Victorian art, as reflected in advertising of various New England area businesses (including local Gilchrist businesses) . The flamboyant, vibrant, and colorful pieces are a joy to behold, and are so reminiscent of the period;
Thank you, one and all, for these fabulous additions to the Society’s collections. It continues to amaze and delight to discover the treasures which still exist to be found, examined, educate, and be appreciated.
Understanding history is not only educational, but can really be exciting, and fun.
Frank Genus for a double sided advertising page from a Concord business directory, circa 1874. The Society’s Franklin town directory from 1874 also mentioned two of the businesses featured on the page donated, with the page’s dimensions exactly the same as the Franklin directory—perhaps done by the same company (Price, Lee & Co.), printed in CT?
Happy Halloween! A holiday forever encapsulating the tradition of giving out copious sweets to children, increasing the likelihood of a visit to the dentist in the near future, and surely, causing the shaking of heads by pediatricians and dietitians everywhere. Now deeply into Fall, with the layers of multi-colored leaves littering the ground an indicator that the Society’s 2024 season is winding down, the last monthly meeting will be on Thursday, November 7th at 7 pm, at the Society’s museum at Webster Place (21 Holy Cross Road). The program will be a tribute to all veterans from Franklin who served this country with valor. Compiled by Kathy Fuller with help from Annette Cain, Donna Gilbreth, Christine Klink, Glenn Morrill, Adrianna Holgate from the Franklin Assessor’s office, and Glen Laramie from the Franklin Cemetery Association, the presentation focuses on those donning the uniforms of all branches, going back to the Civil War. As November is the month of Veterans Day, this program is both apt and timely, and intended to remind all that the service of those willing to sacrifice should never be taken for granted, or forgotten.
The talk will be followed by light refreshments provided by Sandra Burney and Cyndy Campbell, and capped by a brief regular business meeting, to which all are cordially invited. The event is free, and open to all.
This year’s final gathering of the Society will be the Annual Holiday Potluck Dinner on Sunday, December 8th at Thompson Hall, from 4 pm to 7 pm. As is the tradition, the turkeys will be provided by the Society cooked to perfection by volunteers, with garlic mashed potatoes and punch by the president, and all the fixings brought by attendees. With just a couple of favorite vegetables, at least a full meal is guaranteed! Members and friends of the Society are all welcome, and reminded that donations of non-perishable food items are encouraged to be brought for the Franklin Food Pantry, to share in the spirit of giving which is the hallmark of the holiday season.
Society updates: Unfortunately, after the Society’s and Cemetery’s sign post was moved from its original location due to the repaving of Holy Cross Road by Easterseals, it was subjected to enough of a gusting wind to blow it down.
Both signs were damaged, and have since been repaired (the Society’s at no cost). It was decided by both the Webster Place Cemetery Association and the Society to wait until Spring to determine, with Easterseals, a permanent location for the signpost (which will be new—rot at its base contributed to its failure).
Of special note: The Society was very fortunate this past month to receive significant cash donations from both Dave Liberatore and the Meridan Lodge 60, to help with ongoing expenses (like heating the room for the November meeting...) The Society is exceedingly grateful for these thoughtful, and timely, contributions.
October’s donations to the Society’s Archives: Once again the Society has benefited from the generosity of both members and strangers, who care about preserving Franklin’s past. In perpetual gratitude for these gifts, the Society thanks the following:
Charles Merchant of VT for two late 1930s/early 1940s photos of the Webster Birthplace cabin, one (below) showing the then still-existing outbuildings in the background of the recreated well and bucket sweep;
Franklin Historical Society-- Franklin, New Hampshire