Further Reading on Franklin

The Ecclesiastical Society in most early New England towns was the governing body and all white males 21 years of age or over who could read and write could belong to it and were expected to do so. This Society existed in Franklin until 1945 when it was dissolved. (A very late date). These Societies were the basis of the Congregational Church, which, to all intents and purposes, became the state church. President Coolidge said that "men show by what they worship, what they are." While narrow and puritanical in many of their views and precepts, our New England forebears laid the bedrock foundation of our nation. The activities of the Ecclesiastical Society thus become the earliest town history.

As in many towns, the formation of the Ecclesiastical Society preceded the "gathering" of the church body by many years, which was not uncommon. The Rev. Henry Wiles was the first settled pastor. He had lived among the people "on probation" for some time and on May 8, 1718, David Hartshorn and Thomas Sluman, on behalf of the parishioners, and with 42 signers, petitioned the legislature for permission to proceed with his ordination. This was granted; Rev. Willes accepted the call and held ten services in the parish that year. He was a Yale graduate, well prepared for the ministry, and served for 32 years at which time he was dismissed for being "unorthodox."

He was succeeded in 1752 by the Rev. John Ellis who served until July 1775 when he enlisted as Chaplain in the Continental Army. He is credited with being the only Chaplain to serve for the full duration of the Revolutionary War. He returned to Franklin when the War was over but was dismissed from his pastorate due to his prolonged absence, the church not having seen fit to grant him leave. He settled in town and is buried in the Plains Cemetery with his wife and several members of his family.

In March 1782 the Rev. Samuel Nott, a Saybrook native and Yale graduate became the third pastor after several other men had preached for varying lengths of time without receiving a call. Dr. Nott wrote in his diary that the Society was made up principally of "respectable farmers of peculiar character" who had dismissed two pastors (all they ever had) and that he had no particular wish to settle among them or any expectation that they would wish to have him do so. They did extend a call, however, which he accepted. He later confided to his diary that the "injudicious conduct" of many of his parishioners led him to believe that he was doing little good, but that if he left them they might never be able to secure another pastor. This great and good man served in Franklin for 72 continuous years, establishing a national record. Considerable detail on his pastorate and early life is set forth in this writer's history of the Franklin Church written for its 250th anniversary.

As early as 1746, doctrinal differences have arisen in the church body and in 1761 the General Assembly gave permission for the formation of the Eighth Society of Norwich or the Portipaug/Pautipaug/Potepauge Society which established what has been designated a Separatist Church in which all seats were free and the pulpit open for preaching to any Protestant denomination. Some material for the building was from the first church on Meetinghouse Hill which society was then preparing to erect a new church. After several unsuccessful attempts to secure a settled pastor, the Rev. Jesse Ives, a Yale graduate, was settled at an annual salary of 95 pounds, half in money and half in produce, plus 30 cords of wood to be delivered at his residence. He was preceded by Rev. Joseph Denison, also a Yale graduate, who served for two years without being settled as pastor.

Upon incorporation of the Town of Sprague many of the members of the Eighth Society church left to attend the new Methodist church there, and the Pautipaug Separatists dissolved, many of them returning to the mother church. Mr. Bailey Ayer had donated the bell used at Pautipaug and this was then declared the property of the Meetinghouse Hill church where it still rings out the call to worship. During the life of the Eighth Society, four school districts were established within its limits and land secured for a burial ground. For further information concerning this meetinghouse, reference can be made to the Franklin Church history of 1968.

The first book of town records says that the first town meeting was held on June 20, 1786 by order of the General Assembly. The West and Eight Societies had then been incorporated into the Town of Franklin. Mr. Ebenezer Hartshorn/e was chosen Moderator. A Town Clerk and Treasurer were elected; also 5 Selectmen and 5 Listers. A committee was appointed to make a settlement with the "Ancient Town of Norwich" as to the care of the poor and of other matters needing adjustment.

At a town meeting held on December 18, 1786 at the Meetinghouse, other officers were elected as follows: 2 Town Collectors, 1 State Tax Collector, 2 Constables, 6 Surveyors of Highways, 2 Fence Viewers, 2 Leather Sealers, 2 Grand Jurors, 3 Tithingmen, 1 Sealer of Weights and Measures, and 1 Poundkeeper. It was voted at this meeting that Deacon Joshua Willes' barnyard be a Town Pound and that he be the Key Keeper. Also voted that a stocks be erected on the Green near the Meetinghouse. All four-footed domestic animals were required to be identified with a brand or by ear cropping. This mark was recorded with the Town Clerk. A slit in the top of the right ear; a point cut out from the under side of the left ear; two slits on top of the left ear; three holes though the right ear; these are examples. Horses were branded. (How did they mark the geese?)

At a meeting held in January of the next year it was voted that swine be allowed to run at large "if well ringed." It was also voted that Mr. Comfort Fillmore's and Mr. Solomon Stoddard's barnyards be Town Pounds and that these persons be the Key Keepers. Another meeting had been called for January which was adjourned "immediately" to the home of Mr. Henry Willes. (The meetinghouse was doubtless too cold.) At this time it was voted that the town highway tax be payable in labor at 3s per day for a man and 8s for a man and team of 4 good oxen and cart.

Bridge problems appear early on the records and in 1789 it was voted to build a bridge across the Shetucket River where Elderkin's Bridge, so-called, had lately stood. This bridge cost $121 and was paid to 59 individuals. In 1791 it was voted to build a bridge near "Bingham Hill" wide enough for two teams to pass comfortably.

In 1792 the price for town labor was 3s for a man in the spring and 2/6 in the fall; 6s for a man, yoke of oxen and cart. The vote was 68 to 23 against "inoculation for smallpox". But in an earlier record it appears that Jonathan Rudd's house had been used as a pesthouse for inoculations and treatment of soldiers of the American Revolution with the disease. Mr. Rudd himself died of smallpox according to a record of Dr. Ashbel Woodward.

In 1795 mention is made of a tax of a penny a pound on the list of 1794 for the stage road between Norwich and Lebanon, to be paid in labor. From the "Turnpikes of New England" by Frederic Wood we learn that the Hartford to Norwich Turnpike was chartered in October, 1795 to connect the towns of Franklin, Lebanon, Columbia, Andover and Bolton. It was to have two toll-gates. However, in 1796 a resolution was forwarded to the General Assemble that the inhabitants of the Town of Franklin were "dissatisfied, aggrieved and injured by the setting up of a turnpike between Lebanon and Norwich and praying that such relief as consistent with wisdom, justice and equity be granted."

The only business of a meeting in July 1797 was a vote that the Selectmen "use their Prudence and Discretion with respect to supporting or removing Betty George as they in their Wisdom shall think proper." Nothing more is known of Betty.

About this time it appears that payments in pounds and shillings gave way to dollars and cents, since in the minutes of that year's meetings we find that the wages for a day's work was 67 cents in the spring and 50 cents in the fall and team work "in the same proportion."

This issue of turnpikes was a source of dissension between the town and state inasmuch as road and bridge repairs, not to mention toll-gates within the town, at first fell upon the town. There was also the matter of toll-houses to be considered. Most of these problems were ironed out by 1850. The Windham-Mansfield Turnpike was a product of the 1800 session of the legislature. It ran from J. Hyde's in Franklin to Windham Center, crossing the Shetucket River over Manning's Bridge. From Windham it continued to Mansfield, crossing the Natchaug River over Gilbert's Bridge, so-called.

A note in the records of 1801 stipulated that a copy of Gen. Washington's address (?) be lodged with the Committeeman of each school district for the use of the district.

By 1804 it was found necessary to purchase two hearses "to carry the dead to the Burying-ground." And a few years later the price of a man's labor on the road had risen to one dollar a day in the spring and 75 cents in the fall, one good yoke of oxen and cart or plow to be accounted equal to a man. Mr. Comfort Fillmore was receiving one dollar per year for the use of his barnyard as a public pound, he to be the key-keeper.

It would appear that the War of 1812 had little impact on the town since the early records are not concerned with it.
By demand of the East Society half of the town meetings between 1817 and 1823 were held there. But in October 1823 it was voted that all town meetings be held in the First Society at the Meetinghouse. Yeas 39: Nays 19.

In 1818 the freemen of the Town of Franklin voted to reject the Constitution presented to them by the Convention of the state. Yeas 80; Nays 38.

By 1824 the support of the town poor was under serious consideration. It was suggested that a workhouse be erected for them, but this was not thought feasible. The expenses for that year had been $552.52 for persons under the care of the town. Some of the town fathers thought it could be done for less, so at a regularly called meeting it was voted "to dispose of the town poor to the lowest bidder for the ensuing year." Mr. John Armstrong's bid of $449.00 was accepted. No mention is made of how many persons were so fed and housed. The terms of the contract read: "…he shall accrue in consequence of sickness or death or any application which shall originate from any source during the time of one year from the first day of November, 1825. (Bond required)." In 1826 Capt. Wm. Ladd made a bid of $420 for the job and it was so awarded.

By 1825 half of the town meetings were again being held in the East Society by a reversal of the vote taken a couple of years earlier. 

The care of roads and bridges continued burdensome and especially a bridge voted to be built over the Shetucket River near Z. Waldo/es. This vote was reconsidered at the next town meeting and shelved for awhile. An interesting vote taken in 1830 states that "horses, cattle, asses, mules, sheep and swine be restrained from going at large on the Public Highways and Commons in said Franklin for the term of one year from the first day of December next on penalty of 50 cents per head for horses, horned cattle, asses and mules and 25 cents per head for sheep and swine. Provided that each person owning only one cow may be permitted to allow the same to run at large provided the cow is furnished with a bell." Capt. Oliver Johnson, Jr. was at this time the poundkeeper. Amasa Hyde soon after was permitted to build a pound on his property at his own expense and when it was built it was constituted a town pound also.

In 1827 the town was directed to procure a set of standard weights and measures to conform to state and county standards. Twenty years later the records mention a bill to one O.N. Bentley for the following: 1 of gallons, 1 of 2 quarts, 1 of 1 quart, 1 of 1 pint, 1 of ½ pint, 1 of a gill, - (all of brass). Also iron weights as follows: 1 of 50 lbs, 1 of 25 lbs., 1 of 20 lbs., 1 of 10 lbs., 1 of 5 lbs., price of all to be $14.00. There were also some smaller weights and measures and some in use to be standardizes, the freight charge from New York to be considered and credit allowed for old iron. Total bill including the $14.00 above was $45.79, which we assume was paid.

The selectmen were continually plagued with matters of roads and bridges (even as now), care of the poor, maintaining the meetinghouse, keeping peace between the Societies, keeping the hearses and horse harnesses in repair, making sure that there were enough public pounds to serve the people and in convenient spots, administering justice to those who frequented the several licensed and unlicensed places where spirituous liquors were dispenses and properly punishing those who kept and those who were found in the several houses of ill fame.

In 1830 the town tax was three cents on the dollar and the highway tax one cent on the dollar to be paid in money and all at one time. But there were years when the highway tax could be worked out on the roads. The Rev. Samuel Nott was allowed to work out this tax on his own road but this privilege was withdrawn some years later.

Mr. Eleazar Ayer had need of a road by his grist mill and petitioned the town for one which request was denied, but he might build one at his own expense provided it was acceptable to the Selectmen, wide enough for two teams to pass and for a driver of oxen to walk beside his team. He built the road.

Mr. Oliver Johnson was appointed to provide a workhouse and house of correction at town expense, he to received three dollars to furnish it. 

The much discussed bridge between Windham and Franklin (Waldo's) was built by the Town of Windham sometime before 1835 and Franklin was billed for half of it which the town refused to pay and hired a lawyer (agent) to defend them in the court case.

A new meetinghouse had now been built and town meetings were held in the basement. By an Act of Congress in January 1837 a considerable sum in the U.S. Treasury listed as surplus funds, was distributed to the states who in turn apportioned it to the towns, the principal object being to benefit the town schools. The Board of Relief came into being at this time. Franklin's share of the money was $3200.00 of which only the interest could be used. Each of the eleven existing school districts received an equal share, irrespective of the number of pupils. Part of the money the first year was used for town debts.

By 1840 the town fathers were allowing the sale of ardent and spirituous liquors by Franklin residents without license or bond. This apparently led to some difficulties. Two years later it was limited to white electors of the won and for one year only.

The selectmen were instructed to procure a new and suitable book for the births, deaths and marriages and to have the old records copied into it.

Paying of toll on the roads which required it was very irksome especially to those who lived approximately halfway between the toll-houses and a vote was taken that those inhabitants would pay half the amount; also to relieve the poor man, if he had a yoke of poor oxen he would pay only half as much as a richer man with a fat yoke of oxen.

Roaming animals continued to be a problem, including geese. By vote of the town all these creatures were to be impounded and released to the owners only upon payment to the poundkeeper of certain specified fees set by the selectmen. This rule went into effect after having been published for four weeks in the Nowich Courier or the Norwich Aurora. Owners of real estate in the town were allowed to impound animals roaming on their property and were to be paid the same fees upon their release to the owners as to the poundkeepers; 4 cents for each animal per day for food and 4 cents each for water. However, more stringent rules were being enforced before 1850 under which "all horses, cows, mules, asses, sheep, goats, geese, etc. must be restrained from running at large on the commons or highways."

In 1843 it was voted that the selectmen be chosen by ballot and the vote be registered and checked. Collection of the town taxes was auctioned off to the lowest bidder; the first record says 1 cent on the dollar.

Through the 1850's much routine business was transacted concerning the maintenance of roads and bridges, purchase and sale of ardent spirits within borders of the town, changing the limits of certain school districts, opening a ford through the Yantic River, paying those whose tools had been broken on road work, etc. Six school visitors were appointed, these men to visit town schools at appropriate intervals to ascertain if discipline was being maintained and that the prescribed subjects were being taught in all districts. Girls could be kept out of school to help their mothers in the home and boys to help on the farm until a much later date than this. A treasurer to care for school funds had been appointed.

The "Center Burying Ground" was enlarged in 1858, the Ecclesiastical Society having been authorized to do so.

An interesting vote in February of this year concerned building a covered bridge across the Shetucket River between Franklin and Lisbon at a point known as Lord's Crossing. St a subsequent meeting this vote was rescinded in favor of another plan there having been four plans submitted from which to choose.

It is not clear how many town pounds were in existence at any one time but the records of 1858 speak of one being established near Baltic Village and one near the premises owned and formerly occupied as a hotel by James H. Hyde.

A town tax of 15 cents on the dollar was being paid and a highway tax of 3 cents on the dollar which could be paid for each fox killed in the town by any inhabitant of the town, he to take oath that the fox was killed within the town limits and to prove residence. In earlier days a bounty was also paid on wolves.

As to town elections: It was voted in 1859 that the names of the Assessors, Board of Relief, Selectmen, Town Clerk, Town Treasure, Constables and Grand Jurors hereafter to be elected "shall be voted for upon one ticket and deposited in one box provided for that purpose." Similarly, the names of School Visitors, Registrar, Agents and Treasurer of the Town Deposit Fund and Treasurer of the School Fund "shall be voted for upon one ticket and deposited in one box provided for that purpose," These boxes were to be left open for ballots until 3:00 p.m. on election day.

At a special meeting held early in 1860 it was voted not to oppose the setting off of the Village of Hanover (now in Sprague) from Franklin. A committee of three men wad appointed to assist in establishing the line.

During this year a Board of Education replacing the system of school visitors came into being. There were at this time ten school districts.

There were four public sign-posts: one at Meetinghouse Hill, one at East Franklin at the meetinghouse, one at the fork of the road near F. Ladd's house and the other at or near Baltic Village.

The sum of $2400.00 was needed by the town and the selectmen were authorized to lay a sufficient tax to raise this sum. There were over one hundred names on the list of tax abatements.

We have arrived at the year 1861 and President Lincoln was calling for volunteers. No specific mention concerning a response appears in the records until July 1862. Then we read this: "Resolved that the sum of $50.00 be paid out of the Town Treasury to each resident volunteer who may be enlisted from this town before the first day of September. Selectmen authorized to borrow money to pay the bounty "if necessary." This vote was taken at a special meeting held at West Franklin.

On August 23 in East Franklin: "Voted - The Town of Franklin will pay to each volunteer from this town (who shall be a resident hereof) who shall enlist prior to Sept. 1, 1862 for the term of 9 mo. the sum of $150. in addition to the bounty of $50. previously offered by this town to three-yr. volunteers."

On August 30, 1862 in East Franklin: "Voted - The Town of Franklin extend the county of $200. to every volunteer who enlists before 6 o'clock on Tuesday morning or until the number required to be furnished from this town to make its quota shall have been obtained." (Enlistments were apparently very slow.)

Also in 1862 at East Franklin, the following preamble and resolution were read and unanimously adopted: "Whereas, We the peaceful inhabitants of the Town of Franklin have good reason to believe that there are now in our midst two or more notorious houses of illfame resorted to by residents of this town for purposes in violation of all laws under God.

"Resolved that the selectmen be instructed and are hereby authorized to proceed immediately to make complaints (and the Grand Jurors and Constables shall cooperate with the Selectmen) and resort to all lawful means to bring the guilty parties to justice and prevent if possible any further violations of this kind in this town." What happened later is not recorded.

In January of 1863 a committee was appointed to consider "the propriety of building a Town House" and in April of that year it was voted to do so upon a location recommended by Capt. Oliver Johnson, the Selectmen to constitute the Building committee. The building of the Town House seems to have proceeded very expeditiously since a meeting held in October of that year is marked in the records as having been held at the Town House.

President Lincoln was calling for 300,000 more volunteers and a committee was appointed to raise the required number of men to fill the quota of the town. The records do not state the number, but the committee reported back within a month and their report was accepted, so we may assume that the quota was raised. A conscripted person was allowed to buy himself off by paying a bounty to some other man who was willing to serve. The town stood ready to pay the bounty if necessary, even to the point of borrowing money to do so. It would be interesting to know more of just what took place at this time so crucial in our history.

Difficulties in the administration of schools had arisen and a resolution was introduced in town meeting that a Select School for the more advanced pupils be established in the Town House, the parents or guardians to be responsible for all expenses of supporting the school and responsible also for any damage done to the Town House by the pupils attending. A committee of five men was appointed to hire a teacher and to be responsible for general oversight.

The price of labor on the roads had risen to $2.00 per day per man; $2.00 for a team and 50 cents for a plow. The highway tax was two mills on the dollar, payable either in money or labor.

As late as February 1865 more volunteers for the Army or substitutes were needed and the selectmen were empowered to act according to their best judgment in procuring them. There were apparently slightly over 140 voters on the lists at this time.

In October 1866 it was voted "that the chair appoint a committee of three to investigate the matter of claims for money paid for volunteers and substitutes and report some system of equalization of bounties at a future town meeting."

At the same meeting the selectmen were instructed to provide eight signposts. A fox bounty of $3.00 was again voted and at the next meeting rescinded. The matter of the fox bounty arose at every town meeting for many years. The amount varied from $2.00-$4.00 and sometimes depended upon whether the amount taken in for dog licenses would cover it.

Besides the usual town officers there were now two fence viewers, one sealer of weights and measures, one registrar of vital statistics and a Town Board of Health.

A new hearse was bought in 1871 and two old ones disposed of. The cost: $450.00.

The matter of licensing the sale of "spirituous liquors" kept coming up. A close vote of 41 to 38 in favor in 1878 held for three years when it was again on the agenda. This time the vote was clear: 50 to 25 in favor. (159 names on the voting list.)

Mr. Peter Pettis had offered a library to the town but there was no suitable place to house it, so the matter of acceptance lay dormant for several years. In 1894 a vote was taken to postpone the matter indefinitely. It appears not to crop up again until 1916 when the selectmen were authorized to partition off a proper space in the church gallery and move the books there, a librarian to be in charge. 

Three poundkeepers were named in 1892: George E. Starkweather, W.H. Larkin and John Burdick. So it would seem that many animals were still roaming. The Town House had suffered some depredations and was now being kept locked and only the Debating Societies and Caucuses could use it without charge. ($2.00)

The first mention of political party labels appears in October 1898: 16 Republicans, 24 Democrats and 24 Independents. In 1900 a ballot box marked "For Women's Ballots" had none deposited therein. Wooden voting booths were erected eight years later.

"Rate bills" for 1892, 1893 and 1896 were ordered audited and were to be handled as the Selectmen thought best - within the law. Total amount - - $44.81 Again "rate bills" for 1904, 1905 and 1908 were ordered similarly handled. Amount not stated. The tax rate in 1908 was nine mills on the grand list for current expenses of the town and an additional four mills for school needs. Three pieces of road were voted widened, cost not to exceed $50.00 Total number of votes cast: 64.

Again, a box marked for women's votes in 1912 had no votes placed in it.

At a special town meeting called in October 1914 it was voted to make application to the State Board of Education for a Supervisor for the town schools. Yes: 31. No: 7. State supervision of schools had begun.

As late as this a town pound was deemed necessary and Thomas Newman's barn and barnyard were so named. The school tax was four mills on the grand list and eight mills for town expenses. One and one-half additional acres had been purchased for the Pautipaug cemetery and provided with an iron fence which the selectmen were to keep painted.

In 1917 the tax rate was 16 ½ mills and the tax collector received 1 ½ % on all monies paid into the town treasury. Salaries of the Board of Relief, Selectmen, Town Treasurer, Registrars and their assistants were doubled the next year.

The handling of fire outbreaks had always been a problem and involved much risk. In 1922 it was voted to enter into an agreement with the Selectmen of the Town of Norwich whereby the Yantic Fire Engine Company would respond to all calls within a radius of one mile from its fire hall and all calls beyond this limit would be at the discretion of the Foreman of the Company. The Town of Franklin would pay the Town of Norwich the sum of $30.00 for all calls responded to within its limits. This was an equitable arrangement and was adhered to for several years.

World War 1 had come to an end and the selectmen were authorized to erect and maintain a suitable memorial to the men and women who had served in the War. They were assisted by Frederick S. Armstrong, Frank W. Date and Benjamin F. Davis. This granite memorial can be seen on the church lawn on a site near the road.

The overall tax rate was now 20 mills. Herman Gager, Milton Beckwith and Thomas Newman were the selectmen. The most important event at the beginning of this decade was the granting of nationwide suffrage to women. In 1924 Nellie T. Ross was elected Governor of Wyoming after the death of her husband and in 1925 Miriam Ferguson was elected Governor of Texas. Women had come a long way.

Names appearing on lists of town officers and other public servants include: Kahn, Armstrong, Starkweather, Mabrey, Daniels, Race, Ayer, Lathrop, Date, Hyde, Robinson, Lamb, Brassil, Baldwin, Miller, Chamberlain, Rodman, Carboni, Crandall and others.

Assessors were receiving four dollars per day for a nine-hour day. An Inspector of Highways was hired whose duty was to inspect all highways once each quarter, hear complaints and order repairs at his discretion, his salary to be regulated by the selectmen.

Lloyd P. Ayer became First Selectman in 1923. His policy was to keep the town out of debt and as a lifetime resident he was well qualified to know the best ways of achieving this purpose.

The town hall was in need of repairs and enlargement and $1700 was voted for these needs. However, the hall burned in March 1927 and a special town meeting was called to authorize the building of a new hall on the same site. There appears to have been no opposition and the work went forward quickly. Heat was furnished by a stove which many present-day residents still remember.

(On May 20, 1927 Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh left Roosevelt Field, N.Y. on his non-stop flight to Paris, making the 3610 miles in 33 ½ hours.)

There was agitation in the town about hiring a nurse and a teacher of music for the school system. When brought to a vote, the nurse was approved on a part-time basis, but the motion for a teacher of music was lost.

The "Dirt Road Bill," so-called was approved by the State Legislature in 1932 and explained at town meeting by the Highway Commissioner. It was left with the Selectmen to choose the roads to be improved under this act, subject to the approval of the Commissioner. This was a highly important bill and its chief purpose was to "get Connecticut out of the mud." The Connecticut State Grange (Patrons of Husbandry) and other farm organizations worked for many years toward this end and exerted much influence in the legislature toward its passage. Three of the roads to benefit first from the Act were the Meetinghouse Hill Road, Baltic Road, (Pond Road, so-called) and Pleasure Hill Road. For a long period of years, the town did not accept any federal aid for roads. A 20-mill tax generally prevailed, dropping occasionally to 18 mills or 17 ½ mills and one year to 16 mills.

A snow plow was bought in the 1930's era, the School Board required to itemize its expenses and present a budget, and the Selectmen were receiving $100 per year for their services.

One delegate from the 20th Senatorial District and 15 alternates at large were sent to Hartford at the call of the Governor to vote on ratifying the 21st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States (repeal of the 18th Amendment). It was ratified by a small majority.

The town voted $100 in 1936 toward the expenses of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the town. This was carried out with fine cooperation between town and church groups and a goodly display of antiques in the town hall added much interest. Many townspeople and guests graced the occasion in dress of the period being celebrated.

Then came the HURRICANE of 1938. Floods and destruction everywhere. The Sodom School practically destroyed. Roads blocked. Others washed out. Bridges gone. Church severely damage. Who will ever forget it? Brains and brawn, courage, foresight, not to mention money were needed and provided in this and all the hard-hit towns in the area that life might be resumed with a degree of normalcy.

By 1942 the estimated expenses of the town for the ensuing year were $6500 and those of the School Board $17000. Day laborers were receiving 50 cents per hour and $1.25 was being paid per hour for truck and driver. Snow plow operators received $2.25 per hour. The First Selectman's salary was now $200.00, the Second and Third Selectmen being paid $100.00. School Board members received $2.00 per meeting attended.

The Second World War was upon us and our town, as always, met its obligations. C. Albert Beckwith gave the use of a building for first aid purposes and W.J. Brassil the use of a building on Meetinghouse Hill as an Aircraft Warning station. Many of us recall the hours we spent there. Mr. Brassil was charged no taxes on the building and land while so used. Benjamin P. Davis was Chief Aircraft Observer; Bernard Crandall was Chairman of the Rationing Board. It is especially noteworthy that the Carboni family has seven sons in service, five of whom volunteered at the same time. In the words of President Lincoln during an earlier war: "a costly sacrifice to lay upon the altar of freedom." Thankfully, these boys all returned home uninjured.

Lloyd P. Ayer retired as First Selectman in 1944 after more than twenty years of faithful and dedicated service. A heartfelt expression of thanks was given him at town meeting. He was succeeded in office by Stanley E. Armstrong, a lifelong resident of the town.

The need for a centralized elementary school was becoming very apparent and vigorously discussed at each town meeting. A vote was taken to set aside two mills of the town tax money each year for its construction and in the meantime to arrange for a suitable site, there being many suggestions in this regard. Only three towns in New London County at this time had any one-room schools. Franklin still had six, with approximately 100 pupils.

In 1945 a committee of nine persons was appointed to study proposed sites for a school and report back at a later meeting. At a special town meeting held on January 1, 1946 called for this purpose, the committee reported on 19 sites studied. About a third of them could not be bought because of the owner's unwillingness to sell. Some were deemed too expensive; others were found unsuitable for differing reasons. There was much discussion but no vote taken on any site. The committee was instructed to carry on.

On May 8, 1946 longtime Town Clerk and Treasurer, Benjamin P. Davis, was taken by death. He was a true public servant and his devotion to the town's well being unquestioned over the years. His wife, Charlotte F. Davis, being found qualified for the position, was elected his successor and Elinor B. Armstrong appointed as Assistant. The Town Clerk's salary at this time was $275.00 per year.

During this year the schools were wired for electricity; the Meetinghouse Hill schoolhouse was sold; the town expenses estimated at $10,000; and laborers for the town were receiving 75 cents per hour.

In 1947 a committee was appointed to establish a permanent memorial honoring veterans of WWII and $500.00 was voted for this expense. This memorial is also on the church lawn. A motion to move the WWI memorial stone to another location was lost.

School consolidation became the burning issue at town meetings and in 1949 the proposition to use two schools for grades 1 through 4 and two schools for grades 5 through 8 was approved, with bus service as needed. The hiring of one less teacher would help defray this expense. Gas type heaters would be installed in these schools and a similar heater installed in the town hall.

At a special town meeting early in 1952 the purchase of a voting machine was approved and $1250 appropriated. This machine was used for the first time in October of that year.

Two years later the committee appointed to work on a suitable and obtainable site for the new school was dismissed with thanks (perhaps at its own request) and a new committee of five elected and requested to report back in two months. They did so and recommended the purchase of the Evanyshyn plot which had been offered. A vote was taken which resulted in the affirmative, this being subject to the approval of the selectmen and to any other investigations needed for building qualifications provided by the state. This vote was rescinded in June and five more sites presented with prices ranging from $625.00 - $1000.00 per acre. All of these sited were subsequently rejected and the committee authorized to spend up to $500.00 if necessary for professional assistance.

In 1955, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Leach offered approximately 10 acres of the Holton land for a school site and this offer was accepted in February 1955. It was voted to elect five people to a Building Committee and appoint five others. Those elected were Herbert Lappie, Roy Linden, Milton Beckwith, Henry Wolosenka and John Carboni. The committee was authorized to secure plans for a consolidated school and instructed to report back within three months. They did so and in May presented a satisfactory plan for which they were authorized to secure an architect to draw plans and specifications for a building which would cost approximately $100, 000. Mr. J. Kovarovics was awarded the contract for its construction in April of 1956 on his bid of $124,806. There were four others. This long awaited building was ready for occupancy in October of 1957 and a suitable dedication carried out, with plaques placed honoring the givers of the land.

The next year the one-room schoolhouses were offered at public sale at the town hall, all buildings to be moved in 90 days unless purchases by the owner of the land on which the building was standing. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Perkins offered the newly-formed Historical Society the use of the Lebanon Road schoolhouse for as long as they might desire and it still stands on its original site. The Society meets monthly and presents programs which are both interesting and instructive. The schoolhouse is now owned by the Historical Society and will be preserved although it is not at present used for meetings.

The size of house lots began to be of concern and a town ordinance was passed which would hopefully "insure the health, peace and welfare of the residents of the town." Ordinances were also put in force concerning the use of trailers and mobile homes as residences. 

Since education is everybody's business, nobody was surprised when in 1959 an appropriation of $4000 was needed to build a kitchen at the new school and a storage area. Subsequently, two mills of the town tax was voted for future needs at the school, this to be set aside each year.

The population of the town had grown to approximately 1000 and many persons had decided Franklin was good place to live and had built homes there. Many of these people soon became active in church and town affairs.

A Fire Company had been formed and equipped; the church had completed classrooms and a kitchen under its building; action taken to set up a suitable memorial to Korean veterans; problems concerning a town dump partially cared for; expenses for the Memorial Day celebration included in the town budget, - all by the early 1960's.

Mrs. Helen Gural became Town Clerk and Treasure in 1960, taking office on December first. Anthony Carboni (Tony) was first Selectman, having succeeded Stanley Armstrong who served faithfully for 15 years. About this time the Selectmen were relieved of their duties as a Zoning commission by the appointment of a Zoning Board of Appeals consisting of five elected persons and three alternatives.

A municipal building for town offices and a community meeting hall had been under consideration for several years and in 1962 Elton Thompson was appointed chairman of a committee to investigate probable costs. The committee functioned promptly and efficiently bringing in a report before the year's end offering three building plans of different sizes. Senator Christopher J. Dodd (then Congressman), had apprised the committee of a federal plan called the Accelerated Public Works Projection which might furnish 50% of the total cost if the funds were not already depleted. (Upon investigation this was found to be the case). Questions concerning size and site of such a building, whether a meeting hall was necessary, if a kitchen should be included, area of parking lot required, etc. could not be conclusively answered, although there was very creditable unanimity on many points.

A committee had been working for some time on plans for an addition to the elementary school, with fine cooperation between the committee, the Board of Education and the townspeople. 46,000 sq. ft. were required for the building area and extra for grading. In Many 1964 the town voted $80, 000 to defray the total expense, the Building Committee to proceed at once with all detail plans and construction. They proceeded with such dispatch that the building was ready for occupancy in 1965. Two extra teachers were hired but requests from parents for a kindergarten were rejected at this time.

Plans for specific highway building, maintenance of roads, care of culverts, drains, excavations, driveways, size of building lots and reasons therefore, continuing use of trailers and mobile homes for residence, are all set forth in much detail in the records of a town meeting held in August 1966.
A 43-mill tax was laid in 1967.

In this year the town bought six acres of land from Miss Alice Giddings for $2500 per acre, part of which would be used for cemetery purposes and the remainder as a town recreation site. The Lions Club did a great deal of work there as a community service, starting almost at once and over the succeeding years have given liberally of funds, labor and planning to make the site usable and attractive. There is a baseball field, a tennis court and other facilities freely available to townspeople. There is an active Recreation Committee which coordinates its plans with other committees.

People from far and near look forward annually to the horse show hosted by the Lions Club on its permanent show grounds behind Giddings Park proper. This show is well-known and popular and runs the gamut of equestrian activities: pleasure and equitation classes; Western, English and saddle seat riders; jumpers, racers, children's classes and others. This popular and exciting show is held in August.

By 1967 the First Selectman was receiving a $2000.00 salary and the salaries of other town officials were adjusted upward.
The need for a town municipal building seems to have given way to increasing needs at the school which was filled to capacity by late 1969. Facilities such as a library, teachers' room, more parking space, etc. became apparent. A school secretary was much needed and a strong recommendation made that a town resident be hired. School enrollment was continually rising.

The School Building Committee, Mr. John J. McGuire, Chairman, had met faithfully each month since appointment, and in 1970 was authorized to hire an architect to draw plans and specifications for the addition to the school building. These plans were completed and adopted in 1971 and the Committee highly commended for its work. Two years later when their immediate duties appeared to be at an end, they were dismissed at their own request and cited for a long period of service to the town.

To those who may wish further details concerning matters pertaining to the school, the town records are available.
In 1970-'71 emergency ambulance service had been established with Lebanon; Yantic bridge had been closed permanently, having been declared unsafe for traffic and there being no money for repairs; ten acres of land had been purchased from the Konow brothers to become part of the school property; First Selectman Carboni was appointed Building Inspector; and mandatory services for Special Education under P.L. 627 complied with.

Town office building needs had been held in abeyance for some time but plans and specifications were put out to bid in 1970, cost not to exceed $115,000. Since the plans also involved the inclusion of the Fire Department and its equipment, the cost of $140,000 was approved at a special town meeting in March 1971. Peter Abel was the architect. All pertinent details governing this construction are set forth in the town records. The building was in use in 1972.

About this time the First Selectman's salary was raised to $3600 with an increment of $300 annually until $5000 had been reached; and the positions of School Superintendent and School Principal were combined in one person.

Much difficulty was being encountered with conforming to state regulations concerning disposal of solid waste and wetlands preservation. Differing solutions were tried over the years with varying success. A building boom had taken place on Hyde Park road, so called, and it was taken into the town road system in 1973.

Many special events took place throughout the nation and in all Connecticut towns during 1975 to commemorate our nation's 200th birthday. Even the kindergarten children were part of some celebration. The historical plaque at the Town Hall was dedicated on May 3, 1975 with appropriate exercises and approximately 100 persons in attendance. U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd (then Congressman) and Senator James J. Murphy, Jr. brought greetings. Eugene A. Manning, descendant of the earliest town settler, John Ayer, gave brief remarks. Ex-servicemen Arthur Robinson and John B. Ayer unveiled the plaque. A time capsule was buried on this occasion.

All 169 towns complied with a request for setting aside one day for special remembrance and received in return a flag from the American Revolution Bi-Centennial Commission of Connecticut.

In this year the town voted $1200 to support a Senior Citizens program for nutrition and certain activities, with an extra sum to hire a coordinator to work one day per week. Mrs. Jean Carboni was appointed to this position and a finer choice could not have been made.

First Selectman Anthony Carboni was defeated for office in 1975 after serving for sixteen years. All citizens of the town benefited much from his dedicated service and many good wishes were extended to him. Sadly, he was taken in death that same year. Memorial gifts of money in his honor have accumulated to a favorable sum whose interest is used annually to help a Franklin young person pursue a higher education.

Mr. Carboni was succeeded in office by Stephen J. Konow, Sr. who gave the town four years of diligent and conscientious service.

During that time contracts were entered into with Bozrah to share Public Health Nursing Service and to use their dog pound at a fixed rate per day. This was a satisfactory arrangement for a number of years.

The anticipated town budget at this time was in excess of $210,000, over two-thirds of which would come from local taxes on a grand list total of $13,056,780 with a 39-mill tax. In December 1978 the town voted an appropriation for aerial mapping of the town for assessment purposes. This was accomplished by an East Hartford based firm and resulted in the revaluation of all taxable real estate and all specified personal property-holders and adjustments had to be made in accordance with the mapping unless owners could prove them incorrect.

A memorial stone honoring the town's Korean and Vietnam veterans was dedicated on Memorial Day 1978. It stands on the church lawn. There are no gold stars.

Since 1902 the town vote barring all sale of intoxicating liquors had been in effect. In 1965, by special vote of the town, package store permits became legal. In 1975 the question raised its head again. Many questions had to be answered and a great deal of discussion and argument resulted. Town Attorney, Richard L. Norman answered the questions and informed the voters that they had three options: (a) to permit sale of all intoxicating beverages; (b) permit package store and restaurant sales of wine and beer only; (c) no permit. The subsequent vote showed 54 votes for (a); 53 votes for (b); and 69 votes for (c).

Mrs. Grace B. Curran was elected to the office of First Selectman in November 1979. She is the granddaughter of Mr. George Kahn who was First Selectman in 1921-1923. There are very few women in this position in out 169 Connecticut towns, so this is an interesting "first." Note: 1986 has just dawned and Grace is still in the top spot and doing an outstanding job.

The old town hall, situated on church property, had been used by the Grange and other town groups over the years and now needed repairs and better maintenance. Certain repairs had been started and suggestion was made to the selectmen that title to the building be turned over to the church when these repairs were completed, which was done. VFW Post No. 9066 organized in 1977 was interested in using it as a regular meeting hall and were willing to assume its care and maintenance as well as make any changes suitable to their needs. Upon completion the church gave the veterans a long term lease. This was accomplished in March 1981. The building has no historic value.

In 1980, Tax Collector, Denison W. Miner sent out 3000 tax bills. 

From being a purely agricultural town, Franklin had now become partially industrialized with the advent of Agway, Kahn Tractor & Equipment, Uncas Bottled Gas, the Franklin Mushroom Farm, Anderson Supply Co., gas stations, eating places and more.

The problem of waste disposal, as with most towns, was becoming increasingly troublesome. Several sites which had been used in town had become inadequate or no longer available. A long and detailed contract with the towns of Bozrah and Windham is now in force; the former to receive solid waste, - all properly designated in the contract. This material is picked up by collectors from Franklin residents only and charged for by the town at the receiving stations.

Many committees and commissions had been elected or appointed over the years to conform with state and federal directives; as the Economic Development Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Directors of the Thames Valley Council of Community Action, Committee on Mental Health and several others. A list appears at the end of this history and the elected previously and retained in office are not included in the list. 

By 1980-81 highway maintenance equipment was greatly expanded with the addition of a pickup truck, and International dump truck, a garden tractor with mowing attachment, a back-hoe and jet sander. The new section of the town hall was completed and two more air-conditioning units installed. This completed total air-conditioning of all offices and the large hall which had previously been done.

Work was begun on a portion of road that was expected to attract business to the Franklin Industrial Zone in the southern part of town. 1300 feet of road was built with state funds. At this point more money was sought in order to complete the road to a terminus with Route 32.

A major rainstorm occurred in June 1982 with much damage to the old Yantic Bridge which had been closed to traffic for a number of years. It was so badly battered as to necessitate its removal. A section of the Old Willimantic Road was washed away and major damage done to homes and businesses in the area. Much crop damage also resulted. Both federal and state funds were made available for repair purposes since the Governor had declared a state of emergency for this section of town.

In 1983 it became necessary to conform to the uniform fiscal year of the state and this was accomplished with funds which had been set aside especially for the purpose.

This was the year in which tax litigation with the Ralston-Purina Corporation (the Franklin Mushroom Farm) began. Total cost of the facility was approximately $16,000,000. It was assessed at almost $8,000,000 and was sold for approximately $2,000,000. The new owners contended that they should pay taxes on the sale price and not the assessed price. The decision was made by all elected officials of the town to go to court for a settlement since this might well become a precedent-setting case. After a long and tedious period of litigation, the State Superior Court rules against the town which made it necessary to raise the tax rate by several per cent. The case is now under appeal with the State Supreme Court.

An Economic Development Commission was formed to pursue the Industrial Park proposition. A federal grant was applied for, the grant to be 50% federal money, 25% state money and 25% town money. The federal grant was approved in September 1983 on the last day of the federal fiscal year and the Economic Development Commission proceeded with engineering work. However, in June 1984 the federal government audited the project and notified the town that there were faults with the grant administration. Consequently, work was stopped on the project until necessary documentation could be done. In the meantime, $100,000 already spent from its treasury. This and the Mushroom Farm controversies were very costly and frustrating.

Mrs. Helen Gural, after 24 ½ years of faithful service in the office of Town Clerk and Treasurer, resigned on June 30, 1985, retaining the office of Treasurer. She was succeeded by Mrs. Grace B. Sterry who had been Assistant Treasurer since November 1984. Agent of the Town Deposit Fund had been tied in with this office since 1837. 

This was a fund deriving from the sale by the U.S. Government of the Western Reserve Lands, so-called, in 1795. This money was divided between the states who, for a period of years spent the interest as they saw fit. However, the original intent had been that it be directed toward educational needs. Until 1798 all matters pertaining to schools had been delegated to the Ecclesiastical Societies, but in this year the General Assembly placed education of children in the hands of town officials. In 1835 the Western Reserve money was designated a Town Deposit Fund whose interest must be used in the education field. In 1984 it was voted at town meeting that this fund be discontinued and in June 1985 that the money remaining be used for expenses of the Bi-Centennial Celebration which would be upcoming in 1986. The sum now stands at about $2500.00.

4-H clubs were being formed in town in the early 1920's. Over the years they embraced almost every phase of youthful interests: livestock, cooking, sewing, public speaking, gardening, arts and crafts, competitions of many kinds (county, state, national) and others. The New London County 4-H Camp, off Kahn Road, is a very popular place in season where many hundreds of youngsters under capable counselors have learned not only the "how-to" things for which they came, but also sportsmanship, consideration of others and safety principles which last a lifetime. An auction with its accompanying rummage and food sales has been held in the spring for many years to help defray maintenance expense, to assist building projects and to help provide good living facilities. This money-making venture is eagerly anticipated over a wide area and always well-attended.

The present administration believes the outlook for the town to be optimistic and challenging. A balance between homes and businesses should maintain a level tax base. Growth has been gradual and there is a strong commitment to maintaining the town's rural character. It should be noted that it's Fire and Medical Department is one of the best in the state for its size. The Department has grown from one rebuilt piece of apparatus in 1955 to the present department of seven pieces of equipment and an ambulance.

Recreational facilities for townspeople are increasingly being cared for at Giddings Park and Town Hall. The Senior Citizens enjoy a nutritious dinner there every Tuesday at noon or earlier, with some kind of program preceding. On certain days a nurse is in attendance to check blood pressures and other ailments. Surplus commodities are distributed when available. A comfortable van picks up persons who do not wish to drive or cannot do so, as well as taking them shopping in Norwich or Willimantic once a week if they are properly signed up in advance. Many trips are planned by Mrs. Carboni in the course of the year and they are greatly enjoyed. The banquet and entertainment furnished by the Lions Club to the Seniors as an annual event is a real bonus and much appreciated.

The reader will observe that less has been written about recent history than about the earlier years. Much of this history is so current and ongoing that some future writer will need to evaluate it and bring it up-to-date.

Now back to our beginnings! In those days the church directed not only its own affairs but also most of the community and economic endeavors. In direct contrast, many people today are saying: "It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you live a good life." But beliefs do matter. Listen to the late John Foster Dulles: "Our American political institutions are what they are because our forebears were deeply religious people. As soon as a community was founded, a church was built. Also, whenever a community was founded, its members developed practices and ways of life which reflected their belief in God; that He is the Author of a moral law which all can know and should obey."

Our church has had a pastor in residence most of the time since 1717. It has a present membership of approximately 250 and the various organizations and groups within its nurture now function under the leadership of the present pastor, Rev. Robert W. Wright who came to Franklin about seven years ago. Many of our townspeople, of course, worship at other churches.

The "Church on the Hill" is the fourth to stand there, but in different locations. It is still a Congregational Church, but after two separate mergers is now designated as part of the United Church of Christ. This was accomplished in 1961.
Franklin is a good place to live!

REMEMBER: THE TOWN IS YOU! THE STATE IS YOU! THE NATION IS YOU!