Schedule of monthly meetings/ list of guest speakers

IMPORTANT NOTICE: FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY, AT THE SEPTEMBER 2008 MEETING, REVISIONS TO THE BY-LAWS WILL BE DISCUSSED AND VOTED ON. PLEASE ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING.

The Franklin Historical Society, Franklin, NH, will be meeting in the FRANKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY, 310 Central(next to the City Hall/Opera House, with free parking in the rear, and a back door leading to the elevator) unless otherwise posted. Meetings to be held the FIRST THURSDAY in the months of APRIL to JULY, and SEPTEMBER to NOVEMBER. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. Any exceptions to meeting location or time will be noted in the event description.

SCHEDULE FOR 2008 MEETINGS

APRIL 3, 2008-- "The Civil War Soldier" was presented by Mr. Warren Sommers, former teacher at the Franklin Paul Smith School and Bessie Rowell School, and civil war historian. Mr. Sommers discussed the daily trials and tribulations, routine, dangers, and life away from home for the typical soldier, while displaying pictures and artifacts to illustrate his talk. An audience of approximately 40 listened with rapt attention and asked questions.

MAY 1, 2008-- "Laconia State School 1901-1991: Understanding Our Past to Create a Better Future for People with Disabilities" was presented by Gordon DuBois from the New Hampton Historical Society. The history of the institutionalization of those deemed "in need of special care" was explored as a complex social phenomenon, mired in misunderstanding and resulting in sub-human conditions and a loss of hope for those confined.

MAY 10, 2008-- A SPECIAL EVENT: Community Day in Franklin, featuring a parade, booths, and entertainment. The Society had a table outside the Opera House/City Hall with books, t-shirts, magnets, and buttons for sale, with members Mark and sally Bussiere, Violet Dyer, Annette Andreozzi and President Leigh Webb to answer questions about the Webster/Tay House, fundraising, and membership. Several folks stopped by, and learned about our society and its future plans. At 3 pm there was a members tour of the Webster/Tay House.

JUNE 5, 2008-- There was a great turnout of members, relatives, and Franklin citizens to applaud the efforts of CHRIS LEWIS' students who presented their annual 7th grade History Exhibition. The students who constructed the projects were happy to talk about their individual experiences and new found knowledge. Those in attendance were encouraged to ask questions of the students and acknowledge their original work and research. The regular meeting of the society followed in the library, with refreshments provided by Dot Marceau and Norma Bushman.

JULY 3, 2008-- NOTE TIME CHANGE: business meeting was held at 6 pm, then refreshments, followed at 7 pm by an informative program From Humanities To Go!, " Covered Bridges of NH" will be presented by Mr. Glenn Knoblock. Relegated today to an appreciation borne of being "quaint", the covered bridge was a technological marvel that served this state well for more than 100 years. The talk was well attended, and all there gave very positive feedback on the event.

AUGUST SATURDAY, AUG. 9th, 4 PM-- At the Pesso's, the annual pot luck and retreat. This year the topic of discussion was the future of our society and the different responsibilities taking on a permanent home bring to bear. The weather was terrific, the variety of food was tremendous, and the social banter was informative and lively.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2008-- AT THIS MEETING, REVISIONS TO THE BY-LAWS WILL BE DISCUSSED AND VOTED ON. ALL MEMBERS PLEASE ATTEND THIS IMPORTANT MEETING. A tour of the Webster/Tay House, with guest State Architectural Historian Jim Garvin to point out the historic attributes of the building, and speculate on the possible configuration of the home in Webster's day. The challenges of federal funding will also be discussed. The Franklin Heritage Commission is respectfully invited to attend to add their input as we move forward in the restoration process.

OCTOBER 2, 2008-- Kenneth Cushing will discuss his ongoing work on the "Northern Railroad Book Project" with pictures and maps, delving into the significance of rails through Franklin. If anyone has photos of sidings near mills in the area or shots of trains in Franklin bring them to share.

OCTOBER 25, at 9:30 am-- A SPECIAL EVENT: the Franklin Historical Society will be hosting the AHSNH (Assoc. of Historical Societies of NH) annual meeting at the Webster/Tay House.

NOVEMBER 6, 2008-- Again, from Humanities To Go!, "Daniel Webster: NH's Favorite Son" will be presented by Prof. Richard Hesse of the Franklin Pierce School of Law, discussing Webster's early years and the famous Dartmouth Case before the Supreme Court which made Webster's reputation as a formidible lawyer of consummate skills.

DECEMBER (day and time TBD)-- annual members Christmas Dinner.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR, IN 2007

April 5, 2007-- ALEX RAY talked to an audience of more than fifty about his plans for the Webster Farm and will took questions about his proposed Rehab Center as well as the Franklin Historical Society's role as possible steward of the Webster Mansion (Webster/Tay House). Everyone was favorably impressed with Mr. Ray's candor and his plans to preserve the former home of Daniel Webster and the NH Orphanage to benefit the community.

May 3, 2007-- Annette Andreozzi, a Hollywood costumer for many years, will speak on preservation and storage techniques for textiles and period clothing. If you ever had a question on how to keep your great-great grandmother's wedding dress as fresh as the day it was worn, come to tonight's meeting.

May 12, 2007-- SPECIAL EVENT: the CHOOSE FRANKLIN Community Day Parade and Celebration. The FRANKLIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY again participated by setting up a table in front of the Opera House from 10 am to 2 pm and answered questions, talked about the Webster Bust Plaque and memberships, sold books, pins, magnets, and T-shirts, and generally promoted the idea that getting involved with history can be an enriching experience.

May 25, 2007-- A SPECIAL EVENT from 3-5 pm at the Webster Farm. About 40 people toured these historic grounds with the Society for the Preservation of NH Forests, the group which holds the conservation easement on the open land, in celebration of the perpetual easements now in place to ensure the property will never be developed. Alex Ray served fresh squeezed lemonade (He did the squeezing!)and your president, Leigh Webb, gave a short talk on the historical significance of the property in conjunction with the tour.

June 7, 2007-- CHRIS LEWIS presented her annual 7th grade History Project in the GYM of the FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL (200 Sanborn St.) from 7-8 pm to a reseptive crowd. The students who constructed the projects were happy to talk about their individual efforts. Those in attendance encouraged these students' appreciation of history and acknowledged their original work and research. The regular Society business meeting took place in the MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY and included a request by ELIZABETH JEWELL for vintage pictures of Franklin for her project to publish a "Then and Now" book about Franklin. If you have ORIGINAL PHOTOS of HOMES, BUSINESSES, MILLS, LANDSCAPES, or other INTERESTING ASPECTS OF FRANKLIN'S PAST please contact Elizabeth at 934-5530, or email her at thistle_down02@yahoo.com. Thank you!

July 5, 2007-- A musical treat! Jeff Warner, sponsored in part by the NH Humanities Council, entertained an audience of forty with a variety of historically accurate, enlightening and humorous songs. "Banjos, Ballads and Bones" was well received by all in attendance.

August 2, 2007-- NOTE TIME OF 6 PM: the annual "Pot-luck Picnic" for all members at the Pesso's home. Bring your favorite dish and a story to share.

September 6, 2007-- Dick Boisvert of the State Divsion of Historical Resources discussed the results of the SCRAP Webster Farm/Stevenstown Fort archaeological dig. There were bits of historical "treasure" unearthed, and Dick filled us in regarding the success of the venture with projected pictures of the interesting discoveries.

October 4, 2007-- Regular business meeting during which members present discussed a proposed agreement for occupation of the Webster/Tay House at the Webster Farm and the responsibility that such a move would entail. Valid points were raised by several members which need to be addressed as the negotiations with Mr. Ray move forward.

October 12, 2007-- SPECIAL EVENT: at 6 pm, under cloudy skies, the Franklin Historical Society unveiled the Webster Bust Plaque in front of the Franklin Congregational-Christian Church to honor the life of Daniel Webster and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the original bust dedication ceremony. A crowd of between 45-55 people, including our current beloved mayor and our mayor-elect, were on hand to acknowledge the importance of the information that the plaque imparted. After the unveiling, the group retired to the warmer interior of the church, to view the pew on which Daniel Webster would sit during services, and listen to remarks from Mayor David Palfrey. Gov. Lynch was unable to attend, but belatedly sent a proclamation to Society President Leigh A. Webb declaring October 12, 2007 as Daniel Webster Day. The reception that followed in Thompson Hall was catered and served by the Congregational-Christian Church Women's Fellowship,under the loving guidance of Mildred Piper. The plaque was mounted the next day in the wall below the bust, to educate and inspire all who pass by.

November 1, 2007-- Jennifer Carroll-Plante, of the Laconia Historical Society, presented a demonstration of the capabilities of PAST PERFECT, a program dedicated to creating an inventory of society archival material and collections, as well as tracking membership, mailing lists, and more. Curators from the Meredith and Hill Historical Societies took advantage of the seminar and made the exchange of ideas lively and informative.

December 9, 2007, 3pm -- Thompson Hall (Congregational-Christian Church) the annual Christmas (pot-luck this year!)dinner for members, family, and friends of the Society. A group of 30 members and friends enjoyed a sumptuous repaste of turkey, real garlic mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, baked vegetables, squash, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, Carlton and Mary Hams special holiday punch, topped off with pecan and apple pie, and fabulous pumpkin cream cheese roll for desert! President Leigh Webb gave an update on the Society's successful acquistion by probate court order of the items set aside from the auction of the Paul Gagnon estate. And the latest developments of the pending agreement with the society to lease the Webster/Tay House. Christmas cheer abounded, and best wishes went to member Mayor David Palfrey who was about to undergo bypass surgery the following Tuesday. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this well received event. (Mayor David had his surgery and is doing fine!)

MEMBERS OF OTHER NH HISTORICAL SOCIETIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND OUR MEETINGS AND BRING WITH THEM INFORMATION ON THEIR OWN GROUP'S ACTIVITIES TO SHARE WITH OUR MEMBERS. FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER HISTORICAL SOCIETIES' EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT www.historicalsocietiesnh.org

Membership Notes

Please contact our Treasurer, Carlton C. Ham if you are interested in becoming a member. Our dues are $10.00 per year for an individual, couple $20. Underage children can become members for only $1 a year! A 2008 roster is now available to all members in good standing.

The Society is proud to announce the sale of the brand new book by Elizabeth Jewell, "Franklin Then and Now" for $19.99 (plus $5 shipping). Get your copy now and it will be autographed by the author (a Franklin Historical Society exclusive). Filled with pictures and descriptions of buildings past and present, this is a "must have" for lovers of this city's history.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Alice Shephard's "A History of Franklin" for $25.00 + $5 postage, a FHS 25th Anniversary T-SHIRT for $10 ($12 for XXL) + $5 postage, a FHS 25th Anniversary FRIDGE MAGNET for $2, 3 for $5 +$1 postage, or a FHS 25th Anniversary pin-back BUTTON for $1+$1 postage (combining items will reduce the postage amount), send your check in the correct amount to the Franklin Historical Society, P.O. Box 43, Franklin, NH 03235.

Also for sale, through the estate of Albert Garneau the author, the book "The Official History of Franklin New Hampshire Vol. I". This hard cover book has over 700 pages detailing life in Franklin from its earliest times to about the middle of the 20th century. The cost is $50 (an additional $5 if it is to be mailed) and can be ordered by writing to "The History of Franklin", 5 Garneau Road, Franklin, NH 03235, or by calling his son Joe at (603)934-2270.

Important Announcements/ Special Events

It is with a heavy heart that the society notes the passing of our long-time curator and ex-president, Paul Gagnon, as well as our esteemed society historian and official city historian, Albert Garneau. Both were men who spent their lives in pursuit of preserving the history, traditions, and stories of Franklin for future generations to appreciate and learn from what came before. Both will be sorely missed and impossible to replace in the hearts of all those who knew them. Their untimely passing serves to teach us all the lesson that if we want our legacies to endure, we all must take the proper steps to insure that what we wish to save is passed on, by will or legally recognized document.

Historic Homeowners Support Group: Our last meeting was hosted by Elizabeth Jewell on Sunday June 22nd, with the topic of "creative gardening". If you are an historic homeowner who has been lovingly restoring your home, come join us! We share stories, tips, insights, and references! It is a fun way to get to know your neighbors and share the pride we feel in our special houses. Call Leigh Webb at 934-8222.

The Society wishes to express its thanks to JACK TOBEY, who answered visitors' questions, noted how many folks stopped by, and allowed the Daniel Webster Birthplace to be opened again during the summer of 2007 after it was shut down in 2005 by the state due to the deteriorating conditions in the Sawyer House which held the park office and rest rooms. Jack will again be "on duty" weekends at the park over the summer, starting June 21, 2008 (tentative opening). The Society is hopeful that the state will understand the importance of this site and recognize the historic signifcance of the Sawyer House, by investing in its rehabilitation for future generations to enjoy.

FINAL STAGE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE LEASE OF THE WEBSTER TAY HOUSE at the Webster Farm on Route 3 are ongoing between Alex Ray and your society president. The vote to decide whether the society should lease this historic building and be responsible for its restoration and upkeep was tallied at the April meeting: with 95 ballots sent out, 62 were received back (65%!)with a unanimous vote of YES. The officers and board will now work out the final details, with the question of ownership still in the mix, with a final agreement not far off. The society can now begin devoting energy and fundraising goals to match the $98,000 Save America's Treasures grant from the National Park Service to help restore this historic structure. Donations have already begun arriving, and special thanks of the Society are gratefully extended to HELEN PISANO, a long time member, DARLENE RYAN from Wells, ME, and WILLIAM and JUDITH COTT, whose donation was in memory of ERNEST and VIOLA RILEY. A vote was also taken to advance the $7,000 for the roof repair done last fall to Alex Ray as a show of good faith that a final agreement will be reached that will be acceptable to all.

The PLAQUE has been placed! Thanks go out to all those who donated, led by MR. JOHN LOW (of Palo Alto, CA, son of JEANNE SULLOWAY) who has been VERY generous with donations of money AND historical material for our archives; the CITY OF FRANKLIN; THE CONGREGATIONAL-CHRISTIAN CHURCH WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP and JUNE WEGLARZ; MARK and SALLY BUSSIERE; MRS. TAFFY JOHNSON; MRS. KAY JUDKINS SPRATT (of Coatesville,PA), ROGER HEATH (whose donation was in memory of E.M. HEATH, who owned a nearby store), JOHN GILE whose great-grandfather spoke at the dedication ceremony of the Franklin Memorial Hall and Opera House, JOHN MARRAPESE and his wife MARTHA PELLEGRINI (a Franklin native), ROBERT G. SHAWN and his wife SABRA LEE (WEBSTER) SHAWN, JIM CROWLEY of Franklin's ANTIQUE MARKET, STEVE BOTTOMLEY of the MOJALAKI GOLF CLUB, and YOUR SOCIETY. The plaque,explaining the significance of the Daniel Webster bust which now graces the space in front of the Congregational Christian Church, where Webster worshipped as an adult while in Franklin, was unveiled in a ceremony October 12, 2007, at 6 pm, by the bust. This event commemorated the 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORIGINAL DEDICATION OF THE BUST IN 1932. The first phase of this project, a sign proclaiming the Congregational-Christian Church as the place Daniel Webster worshipped as an adult, was placed on the pole on Route in 2005. The plaque now graces a place in the wall below the bust. Please stop by and learn the significance of the man, the bust, and the church. What remains in the plaque fund will now be dedicated to the Webster/Tay House Restoration and Grant Matching Fund.

A VERY SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO THE FOLLOWING for contributing to our growing Historical Society archive: JOHN SHEPARD (grandson of Alice Shepard, author of the first "History of Franklin" which is on sale through the society) of Franklin, for donating an incredible 8 boxes of historical research material used by his grandmother and father, with a promise of an additional 8 boxes still to come! This may well prove to be a treasure trove of information, and perhaps enough to compile a sequel to Ms. Shepard's much loved work. RALPH MAXWELL JR., of Peterboro for an 1844 bible printed here in Franklin; PRISCILLA GADZINSKI of White River Jct., VT for three 19th century letters from Franklin by a female mill worker; MAURICE TANDY, of Wells, ME, for contributing a model, plaque and paperwork regarding the commission and of the nuclear deterrent submarine the USS Daniel Webster (on which Maurice proudly served); JOHN LOW, of Palo Alto, CA, for donating a framed engraving of an early railroad snow plow, a Daniel Webster franked envelope addressed to John Taylor, a wonderful framed engraving of the famous picture of Daniel Webster sitting by a tree near the place of his birth, as well as a small framed photo of the Sulloway Mill, which had been owned and run by relatives of Mr. Low; ELNA JOHNSON (from Staten Island, NY) donated several wonderful period photographs of various buildings and scenes in Franklin; TOM BUGLEY, for a beautiful B&W framed photo of the Republican Bridge, along with its negative; BETH FROST of the Frost Insurance Agency, for an original oil-on-canvas of the Blanchard Farm by Nellie Putnam. Such generosity needs to be recognized, and we wish to acknowledge, in this public forum, Mr. Low's gift, given so that future generations will be able to appreciate the signifcance of the past and of the people who made our history; To DIANE MARDEN, VP of the Belmont Historical Society, for donating several period postcards and a Victorian-era photo portrait of two young ladies to our archives. This is a wonderful example of the kind of cooperation and sharing which is essential for small local historical societies to help themselves and other like groups to thrive and expand. We are most appreciative of this thoughtful gift; And to MARJORIE W. DuVAL, of Baltimore, MD, who recently wrote a touching letter recounting the joys of her childhood visits to Franklin, and including a picture of the J.F. Daniell residence for our archives, thank you so much for sharing with us.

Support the Franklin Heritage Commission by attending monthly meetings held on the second Thursday (hearings on the fourth Wednesday)at 6:00 p.m. in the Franklin Library meeting room upstairs, 310 Central Street (check with the City, 934-3900, to make sure meeting place or time has not changed). Please consider attending these meetings to see how the Historic Dictrict ordinance is being enforced for the good of Franklin.

The Historical Society donated a box of 28 copies of Alice Shepard's "The History of Franklin" to the Franklin Middle School in hopes of using the book as a text to encourage a curriculum of study focusing on Franklin's rich heritage. We firmly believe that the children in our schools should develop an appreciation of the city in which they live borne out of learning about its past.