Franklin Township Historical Society
Spring 2024 Newsletter
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Meeting House revamp
The reorganization of our collection of township artifacts and historical items has continued, and the displays are becoming more open and easy to view. Stop by to visit during our twice-monthly Open Hours, 2:00 to 4:00 PM on the first Saturday and third Sunday of each month, now through October (also open by appointment). The Meeting House is located at 6510 S. Franklin Rd.
Additional vintage yearbooks now available
Franklin Central High School has given us 70 yearbooks, which not only has helped us fill in a few gaps in our collection but also means that we now have many duplicate copies available for purchase! Stop in and see if we have the year(s) you want, or email us at [email protected]. Yearbooks are $20 each.
Expanded Acton Campground book coming
An expanded edition of The Story of Acton Campground will be available later this spring, with additional history and more photos. These will be available for purchase at Open Hours, at our in-person events, and on our website, fths.org.
Did you know…
…that the man for whom the town of Wanamaker is named founded one of the first (if not the very first!) department stores in the United States? The John Wanamaker Store in Philadelphia, founded in 1861, was also the first store to use price tags! John Wanamaker was later the Postmaster General of the U.S.
Join us for these upcoming events!
Members’ Outing - May 7
Join us for a tour of the Decatur County Historical Society’s museum in Greensburg, Indiana. We’ll depart from the Meeting House at 10:00 AM for those who wish to carpool, and will have lunch at Storie’s, a diner on the square. This event is open to all current FTHS members. There is no charge to attend except what you choose to spend on lunch. Questions? Email [email protected].
Theodore Roosevelt Presentation featuring Gib Young - May 21
Join us May 21 at 7:00 PM for a very special joint event with the Southport/Perry Township Historical Society, and meet former President Teddy Roosevelt! Gib Young has been a professional historic interpreter for 25 years. He has portrayed Teddy Roosevelt over 600 times around the country, including at Mt. Rushmore and the White House. This event will be held in the Perry Township Education Center, 6548 Orinoco Ave. Enter through the center doors at the northwest corner of the building.
Antiques & Rummage Sale - June 7
Our Antiques & Rummage Sale will be held at the Franklin Township Civic League, 8822 Southeastern Ave, on June 7 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and June 8 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Donations may be dropped off on June 6 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Tax receipts will be available. We accept household goods, antiques, furniture, electronics, media, tools and toys, but no clothing or firearms. If you have items but cannot deliver them then, email us at [email protected] and we’ll try to make arrangements.
Old Settlers Day - June 30
On June 30 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, look for our booth at the Old Settlers Day street fair on Southeastern Avenue in Wanamaker. We will be offering our books and historical publications, the 1889 maps of Franklin Township, membership sales and renewals, vintage photos postcards, and more.
Marjorie Main Film Screening - July 20
Our Historical Society will sponsor the comedy Ma & Pa Kettle Go to Town, starring Acton’s own Marjorie Main, at The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana! The society will have a midday outing to Franklin on Saturday, July 20 to have lunch and see the film. Additional details coming on our website.
Franklin Road Library Display - September 1-30
During all of September, stop into the Franklin Road Library to see our display of historic election memorabilia! Enjoy seeing these artifacts from the last century of races for political office.
Big Run Cemetery Tour - September 7
On September 7 at 2:30 PM, join us for a free guided tour of the Big Run Cemetery that belonged to the Big Run Baptist Church (now our Meeting House). You’ll learn about the pioneers buried there, as well as the iconography of the gravestones. Afterward, stay and explore our collection. Arrive before 2:30 and park at the Meeting House. Guides will stop traffic on Franklin Road for the tour group to cross the road. (Note that some walking will be on uneven ground.)
Ghost Stories at the Meeting House - October 17
Bring a lawn chair and sit around a campfire at the Meeting House on October 17 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM for seasonal ghostly stories! Marshmallows and roasting sticks will be provided.
Harvest Dinner - November 2
Don’t miss our annual Harvest Dinner on November 2 at 12:00 PM, to be held at Grace Church, 6505 Franklin Rd. Enjoy a catered fall dinner, music, silent auction, and more. Ticket and menu info will be coming nearer the event date.
Christmas In Wanamaker - December 7
On Saturday, December 7, visit our booth at Christmas In Wanamaker from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Christmas at the Meeting House - December 8
On Sunday, December 8 at 6:00 PM, come to Christmas at the Meeting House. This annual holiday celebration includes carols from our Victorian pump organ, stories of Christmas tradition and history, punch and cookies, and a chance to see special displays and our recently added exhibits.
0 comments