Schedule of monthly meetings/ list of guest speakers

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 and until the Webster/Tay House at Webster Place is ready for us to occupy. 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 2009 MEETINGS:

April 2, 2009 -- "The Franklin Fire Department's Storied Past" presented by former Deputy Fire Chief, FHS board member, and Building Committee member 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-- [*NOTE DATE AND TIME CHANGE*] VOLUNTEER DAY at the WEBSTER TAY 6-9 pm. On May 14th Bettey Tobey stripped wallpaper, Audrey Lanzillo scrubbed the bathroom (once again functional after being drained for the winter) 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 will discuss, through case studies, how NH farmers came to connect their disjointed buildings in response to competition from other regions of the country.

JULY 4th SPECIAL EVENT! A fundraiser, courtesy of John Gile of both Los Angeles, CA and Franklin. Cocktails, dinner and fireworks at John's family home, 40 Gile Road in Franklin. A suggested donation of $25 would be deeply appreciated so that the Society can purchase a notebook computer and projector, to be able to take history presentations "on the road" to local schools, clubs, hospitals and neighboring historical societies. RSVP to Leigh Webb, 934-8222. Historical Society members would only be asked for a $15 donation to help defray costs of the event.

August, 2009-- [exact date TBD] a pot luck picnic, retreat and tour of the Daniel Webster Birthplace. This year the topic of discussion will be the future of our society and the different responsibilities taking on a permanent home bring to bear.

September 3, 2009-- A real treat! Another Humanities to Go! program with Edie Clark, noted author who regularly appears in YANKEE Magazine. Along with the appropriate refreshment fare, Edie will discuss "Baked Beans and Fried Clams: How Food Defines a Region". The title needs little additional explanation.

October 1, 2009-- A workshop for "The proper storage and treatment of vintage clothing and textiles" with Annette Andreozzi, Hollywood costumer and preservation expert.

November 5, 2009-- TBD [CHECK BACK TO THIS WEB PAGE FOR UPDATED INFORMATION]

December, 2009-- [Thompson Hall, time TBD] the annual Christmas pot-luck dinner for members, family, and friends of the Society. Everyone is invited.

WHAT HAPPENED IN 2008: 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 WERE DISCUSSED AND VOTED ON. State Architectural Historian Jim Garvin pointed out some of the historic attributes of the building, and speculated on the possible configuration of the home in Webster's day. The challenges of federal funding were also be discussed. OCTOBER 2, 2008-- Kenneth Cushing discussed his ongoing work on the "Northern Railroad Book Project" with pictures and maps, delving into the significance of rails through Franklin. OCTOBER 25, at 9:30 am-- A SPECIAL EVENT: the Franklin Historical Society hosted the AHSNH (Assoc. of Historical Societies of NH) annual meeting at the Webster/Tay House, with president Leigh Webb speaking on the history of the property, the importance of its acquisition for preservation, and the ongoing challanges to find funding to properly restore the historical society's new home. NOV. 3 thru NOV. 10 (limited showing for one week only)-- A special exhibit entitled "Franklin Sees WWII" upstairs in the Franklin Public Library paid homage to Franklin veterans of World War II, as well as all veterans past and present, and honored those men and women now serving their country in uniform. This special display was dedicated to the memory of Cpl. Scott G. Dimond, and was in conjunction with the Opera House production of "War Bonds" on Thursday, Nov. 6th. A letter from Dr. R.O. Beaudet from Franklin, written while serving in North Africa and displayed as part of the exhibit, was read during the performance. NOVEMBER 13, 2008-- Again, from Humanities To Go!, "Daniel Webster: NH's Favorite Son" was presented by Prof. Richard Hesse of the Franklin Pierce School of Law to a packed house, discussing Webster's life and the famous Dartmouth Case before the Supreme Court which made Webster's reputation as a formidible lawyer of consummate skills. DECEMBER 7th, 3 pm setup, 3:30 pm social, 4 pm dinner-- annual members pot-luck Christmas Dinner at Thompson Hall. WOW! With over 30 in attendance, and an abundance of great food, another wonderful Christmas dinner passed into memory. Thanks go out to Judy and David Palfrey for cooking the turkeys and Glenn Morrill for helping to set up, serve, and clean up.

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

2008-2009 MEMBERSHIP ROSTERS AND SCHEDULES OF PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE TO PAID MEMBERS

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 2008-2009 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.

We are proud to also 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, 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

LOSSES TO THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP: On December 15th, 2008, the Society lost a long time member in James B. (Jim) Horman. Perhaps best known for his fantastic weaving talent, Jim had hand crafted the most beautiful scarves, some of which he donated to help raise funds for local non-profits. He was a gifted, gentle, caring man who will truly be missed. Last year, it was with a heavy heart that the society noted 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, 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.

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 and 20008 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 the end of June, 2009. 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 are SO CLOSE to the OFFICIAL SIGNING THE LEASE to the WEBSTER TAY HOUSE at the Webster Farm on Route 3! 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 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 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 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. 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: 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, 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.