Schedule of monthly meetings/ list of guest speakers

MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2010 (note that some meetings have tentative topics/speakers and may be subject to change)

APRIL 1, 2010---The Society's first meeting in 2010 featured the slide show of "Daniel Webster in Franklin" compiled from photos mostly in the Society's collection. The presentation highlighted the three areas most associated with Webster's life in Franklin to an appreciative and receptive audience. The business portion of the meeting was dedicated to nominations to the board and of officers for 2010-2011, updated committee assignments and responsibilities, set dates for building work parties, and touched on the recreation of a Victorian parlor in the front room of the Tay building, to include the antique secretary desk to honor the memory of long-time society scribe Joan Young.

May 6, 2010-- A talk on genealogy by Donna Hague Blinn, an Andover resident, founder of Heritage, a family genealogy research firm, and a referred expert on Ancestory.com, packed the house. Everyone left with a greater understanding of how to track youe ancestors, and equipped with useful tips on how to proceed. After the new slate of officers and directors was voted in, President Leigh Webb handed over the "gavel of office" to incoming Presdident Steve Foley.

May 8, 2010 (Saturday)-- SPECIAL EVENT: Community Day Parade and Celebration. The FRANKLIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY again participated by setting up a table in ODELL PARK, to answer questions, talk about the upkeep needs of the Webster/Tay House, accept memberships, sell books, pins, magnets, and T-shirts, and generally promote the idea that getting involved with history can be an enriching experience. The heavy rain dissuaded many from visiting, but we did sell two yard sticks...

June 3, 2010-- 7 pm. Another very successful CHRIS LEWIS annual 7th grade History Project in the GYM of the FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL (200 Sanborn St.). The students responsible for the projects were happy to talk about their individual efforts. Those in attendance were treated to a cornucopia of topics ranging from the Franklin Dam to Lou Gehrig (what, not Ted Williams?!) to Franklin Pierce and Henry Ford. A good turnout made for a productive evening.

July 1, 2010-- Archives Night! A presentation of photos from our collection, concentrating on Central Street, and North and South Main Street, as well as new acquisitions. Memories and stories were shared and enjoyed.

July 4, 2010-- CANCELLED The fundraiser at John Gile's house will NOT be held. The Society apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this late notice.

August 5, 2010-- a pot luck picnic, with a possible (weather permitting) tour of Historic Webster Place cemetery (where the parents of Daniel Webster rest for eternity).

September 2, 2010-- A history lesson, from the NH Humanities Council “The French and Indian Wars in New England” presented by Michael J. Tougias, noted author of historical tomes.

October 7, 2010-- Do you believe in ghosts? A discussion of paranormal investigations of historic buildings. The perfect Halloween topic...

November 4, 2010-- A meeting in conjunction with the Historical Home Owners, open to anyone with an interest in restoring or preserving vintage homes and the challanges they present .

December, 2010-- [Thompson Hall, time TBD] the annual Christmas pot-luck dinner for members, family, and friends of the Society. Everyone is invited.

WHAT HAPPENED IN 2009: April 2, 2009 -- "The Franklin Fire Department's Storied Past" presented by former Deputy Fire Chief, FHS board member, and Building Committee chair Steve Foley. This meeting was at the Fire Department museum, behind the Franklin Fire Department headquarters building on Bow Street, and was well attended by an appreciative audience which was regaled by Steve's insight. May 1, 2009-- at 6:30 pm the ad hoc committee to create an historic district around Webster Place will meet at Bettey Tobey's house to discuss the next steps in this worthwhile project. Call Bettey at 934-5542 if you wish to help. The next meeting is already scheduled. May 7, 2009-- 7 pm The meeting was for business only to determine work assignments to facilitate clean-up, landscaping, planning for exhibits, and to decide whether the museum will be open for this summer on weekends. May 9, 2009-- SPECIAL EVENT: 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 to answer questions, talk about the upkeep needs of the Webster/Tay House, accept memberships, sell books (sold 4), pins, magnets, and T-shirts (sold 1), and generally promote the idea that getting involved with history can be an enriching experience. Thanks to Pauline Feuerstein and Elizabeth Jewell for helping out. THURSDAY May 14 & 21, 2009--VOLUNTEER DAY at the WEBSTER TAY 6-9 pm. On May 14th Bettey Tobey stripped wallpaper, Audrey Lanzillo volunteered for tough cleaning chores while her brother Tom stripped peeling paint off the tin ceilings, Steve Foley removed several of the extraneous sinks, and with Dennis Swett took out the junk stoves and air conditioner loading Leigh Webb's pickup so he could drop them off at the transfer station Friday morning. Thanks to all! May 21, Steve Foley and Leigh Webb tried to drill out the old screw inserts for the Stevenstown Fort plaque, but were unsuccessful, the inserts being tougher than the drill bits on hand. Glenn Morrill was busy trying to get the upstairs door to close by chiseling the door frame, while Bob Morin was performing general clean-up. Steve Foley went back the next week and soldered the split joints in the hot water heating system and got the cold water turned on to the kitchen. The hard work was deeply appreciated! ALSO, the students who signed up to participate in the cataloging project, Maggie White, John Masse, and Jimmy Banks, are already helping to move the collection out of storage and into the house as the first phase in inventorying everything we have. This work is possible through a grant from the Franklin Savings Bank and will continue through the summer. Adult volunteer supervisers are needed. Please contact Leigh Webb. June 4, 2009-- 7 pm A great turnout for CHRIS LEWIS'S 7th grade class History Fair in the GYM of the FRANKLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL (200 Sanborn St.) The students who constructed the projects were more than happy to talk about their individual efforts. Those in attendance were encouraged to ask questions of these students and acknowledge their original work and research. Good job all around! The regular business meeting was held in the MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY after members reviewed the displays. July 2, 2009-- From Humanities To Go!, "Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn" presented by noted architectural historian Thomas C. Hubka of the University of Wisconsin, who discussed, to an overflow audience, how NH farmers came to connect their disjointed buildings in response to competition from other regions of the country. Attendance set a new record! JULY 4th SPECIAL EVENT! A fundraiser, courtesy of John Gile of both Los Angeles, CA and Franklin. Cocktails, dinner and fireworks were held at John's family home, 40 Gile Road in Franklin. Donations totaling $600 will be combined with the money from the city to purchase a notebook computer and projector, so that a Society representative can make presentations "on the road" to local schools, clubs, hospitals and neighboring historical societies. The food, the company, and the fireworks were great! Thanks to all who attended and contributed. August 6, 2009-- [NOTE TIME CHANGE to 6 PM] a pot luck picnic and retreat for members and their friends at our home, the Webster/Tay House at Webster Place. A SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT ADDITION: Robin Charles on harpsichord, Howard Slosek on violin, and Steve Foley with vocal stylings, played Baroque tunes, English and Scottish dances songs, and a bit of French Canadian fiddling, all sponsored by PHOENIX NON-FERROUS TECHNOLOGIES of Franklin. Wow! The evening was greatly enjoyed by all. September 3, 2009-- A real treat! Another Humanities Council program with Edie Clark, noted author who regularly appears in YANKEE Magazine. Along with the appropriate refreshment fare, Edie discussed "Baked Beans and Fried Clams: How Food Defines a Region", with anecdotes about Julia Childs and her effect on the culinary habits of New England. October 1, 2009-- A workshop for "The proper storage and treatment of vintage clothing and textiles" with Annette Andreozzi, Hollywood costumer and preservation expert. For those who missed it, a well done presentation with demonstrations of proper storage techniques and examples of the necessary archival supplies. November 5, 2009-- An "Identify Old Photos from our Archives" party. As a result of our recent cataloging project, there is a large file of unidentified pictures of people and places. Over 25 folks inspected, conferred about, and ultimately identified several of the photos, enjoying themselves thoroughly in the process. We shall be doing this again next year! December 13, 2009-- A smaller group than last year due to snow and sleet gathered at 4 pm. for the annual Christmas pot-luck dinner for members, family, and friends of the Society. By vote of the membership, attendees were asked to bring, in addition to their pot-luck contribution, a donation of non-perishable canned, jarred, or bottled food goods to be given to the Franklin Food Pantry. Three boxes of goods will be delivered to the Food Pantry on Tuesday. A feast of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, squash, home made cranberry sauce, with pies and cheese cake squares for dessert, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The tribute to Joan Young was announced, and it was decided that the Society will purchase an antique secretary to be placed in our re-creation of a Victorian parlor. A plaque will memorialize Joanie and all of her contributions to the Society over the years.

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! Renewal memberships are DUE in APRIL to receive the updated roster, schedule of events, and Letter from the President.

The Society is proud to announce the sale of the a book by Elizabeth Jewell (a Franklin resident), "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.

We are also proud to be selling the reprint of Mary A. Proctor's "The Indians of the Winnipesaukee and Pemigewasset Valleys" in soft cover for $10 (plus shipping).

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Alice Shephard's "A History of Franklin" for $25.00 + $5 postage and handling, a FHS 25th Anniversary T-SHIRT for $10 ($12 for XXL) + $5 postage and handling, 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/packaging 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.

The Society offers a PowerPoint presentation of "Daniel Webster in Franklin" as well as a slide show of several interesting photos from our collection of people and places (mills, schools, businesses, homes) in Franklin. These illustrated talks are available for free to any non-profit or school by inquiring to Leigh Webb, 934-8222. A "Franklin Then and Now" presentation is also being prepared for a future offering.

Important Announcements/ Special Events

The Society is still looking for the photo of Pvt. William A. Fenlason which at one time was hung in the GAR Room of the City Hall. Anyone knowing of its whereabouts is asked to call Leigh Webb at 934-8222. All responses will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Thank you.

Historic Homeowners Support Group: Our last meeting was hosted by Elizabeth Jewell on Sunday June 22nd, 2008 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.

Over the summer of 2009, the Society, through the magnanimous grant of the FRANKLIN SAVINGS BANK and administered by the NEW HAMPSHIRE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, was able to hire four Franklin High School Students to help sonsolidate and catalog the growing collection of Franklin ephemera, memorabilia, documents, and artifacts donated to the Society. These items are now safely stored in our building, where the effort to catalog and make them available for research will be an ongoing priority for the Society. The students involved were: Maggie White, John Masse, Jimmi Banks, and Jake Maynard.

The Society wishes to express its thanks: to Dick Batchelder of Bristol who did the turning of the column bases during our recent restoration of the Tay front porch. Mr. Batchelder also was kind enough to spend about 8 hours with Steve Foley installing the columns, suppling screws, tools, and expertise as a donation to the society; to CONCORD PHOTO AND ENGRAVING CO, INC for running proof sheets of engraved negatives of people and places in Franklin from the old Journal Transcript, acquired from a local auction; to STEVE FOLEY for replacing the STEVENSTOWN FORT PLAQUE after it became detached from the rock on which it had been fastened; and 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, 2008, and again this year, after it was shut down in 2005 by the state due to the deteriorating conditions in the Sawyer House which held the park office, museum room, activity space, and rest rooms. 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.

We have a permanent home! The final lease change was negotiated between Alex Ray and your society president, and we are both ready to sign the document in a public ceremony (it has already been signed by the parties in private) to be scheduled soon! 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 PAUL DOUCETTE, MARK and SALLY BUSSIERE, 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.

The WEBSTER BUST 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. It was recently re-painted in response to the salt corrosion it suffered over the winter, and now appears as it did when it was unveiled. 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.

FROM THE CURATORS A SPECIAL THANK YOU, for contributing to our growing Historical Society archive, goes out to: NORMA BUSHMAN for vintage clothing (some worn at the Opera House) and a 1940's basketball uniform, ceramic souvenirs, Franklin business memorabilia, vintage photos, and documents pertaining to performances at the Opera House; FAY MAHONEY for a 3x3 sesqui-centennial banner; MIKE MULAVEY for a treasure trove of photo negatives and two scrap books from Franklin recreational youth programs and athletic outings; BARBARA GUAY for a vintage reel-to-reel audio tape deck and recordings of her family, residents of Franklin for many years and the owners of the Pontiac car dealership once located at 601 S. Main St.; CELESTE COUTURE (RICHARDS) clippings, vintage photos, Franklin class of '29 memorabilia, and trophies from community events; RITA AND BOB NORANDER who donated copies of Rita's sister's books, "Echoes From the Mills", detailing her family's involvement with Franklin's textile industry and including first person accounts folks who once worked in the mills, and "In Their Time", the story of Helen LaPlante Duchesne's family in Franklin and Andover (the latter now on sale through the Andover Historical Society); PAULINE FEUERSTEIN for an archive of her late husband's (Martin Feuerstein) photos, certificates, and related memorabilia; BEV and BUZZ CLARENBACH for Victorian chairs, foot rest, and privacy screen for our front parlor project; RON REED and JIM COLBY of Boscawen for a "Police Safety Club" pin-back button, a Franklin Fire Dept. "Hook & Ladder" Badge, and a Jackman Drug Store medicine bottle; MS. MACY C. GOTTHARDT for a wonderful 1880's Victorian small autograph album from Franklin; MARVIN BLAIR for additional USS Daniel Webster memorabilia, to accompany the more than generous contributions made in the past; FAITH HIGGINS for a new (in box) dressmaker's form to facilitate displays of vintage clothing; MARK and SALLY BUSSIERE, for a projection screen for use with slide shows; CLAUDE and ALMENA BERNIER for sesqui-centennial memorabilia, newspapers with Franklin stories, and a terrific white glass "Souvenir of Franklin" covered dish; GERALD E. GOODWIN for a large format map of Franklin, from which smaller copies were made to promote Griffin Drugs (this thank you long overdue, for which the president sincerely apologizes), newspaper clippings and photos relating to Griffin Drugs, a stack of vintage postcards of the Odd Fellows building, (11) Webster Birthplace "Contributor" gold coins, and a booklet signed by Gene Daniell; LEE ANN DOUCETTE for (4) Orphans' Home Annual Reports from 1945, '47, '48, and '49; ROBERT AND BRENDA PERRY for a copy of the 60th Annual Report of the NH Orphan's Home and original 1872 notes by Florence Richardson and letters to Mrs. Daisy Richardson Stickney; MARVIN BLAIR, U.S.M.C. (Ret.) for an absolutely astounding collection of material relating to the USS DANIEL WEBSTER nuclear submarine from his father, the Commander of the sub's Blue Team, including a huge framed photo of the official launch, the flag which flew over the boat, the commissioning plaque, and a book signed by Edward Teller, one of the original members of the Manhatten Project; SHELLEY CARDIEL (Kirkland, WA) for a CDV (photo) of Grace and Leon Story by C.L. Hunt; STAN SAKOWSKI (Sun City West, AZ) for a picture booklet of Franklin from A.B.Hunt's Department Store in 1910; NANCY RIEMENSCHNEIDER for a grouping of pictures, postcards and other memorabilia from the Aiken Manor; PAULINE FEUERSTEIN for her husband Matry's merchant marine uniform from WWII and his picture; DOT MARCEAU for a wonderful collection of vintage Franklin postcards; CLAYTON GASSETT for more postcards, Franklin city yearly reports, and sesquitennial memorabilia; JOANNE COBBAN for two 1840 NH Sentinel newspapers with articles about Daniel Webster; 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 16 boxes (wow!) of historical research material used by his grandmother and father. 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, formerly of of Wells, ME, now living in Franklin, 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.