Stories
Riding the Rails
Riding The Rails – Franklin Interurban Train The subject of building more commuter trains has been discussed in the last few years, but in 1904, there actually was an electric rail service in Franklin that began in the St. Martin’s area. St. Martin’s became a hub for travelers from Mukwonago,…
Loomis Pony Express
Most Franklin, Greendale, and Greenfield area residents have traveled along Highway 36, more commonly known as Loomis Road, but few know the origins of its name. In the early 1800s, the southwestern portion of Milwaukee County was largely a frontier. As townships began to transform the landscape, a pony express…
Early Franklin Sawmill Was Converted to a Gristmill
An 1840s mill was located in the southwest corner of present-day Whitnall Park. Through the years, the site of the mill had been protected by a barn located next to the mill site. The barn was constructed after the mill operation ceased. (The little red barn located north of Rawson…
The Legacy of Al Block
ALFRED “AL” BLOCK 1928-2018 Patriarch of the Franklin Historical Society Al Block died February 17, 2018 at the age of 90 after a long, distinguished life. He wore many hats, from teacher and administrator to war veteran and conservationist. But above all, he will be remembered as an educator who…
From Our Files – Elsie Martin
The photo below was sent to the Franklin Historical Society by Franklin native Lloyd Martin. Shown is his grandmother, Elsie Martin, and an unidentified woman sitting on chairs in the rear of an old farm truck. They were preparing to ride in a parade for the reopening of Rawson Avenue.…
Remembering The Area Called Harrisburg
The name was “Harrisburg,” and it once was one of four hamlets in Franklin that developed along major transportation routes, similar to St. Martins, Painesville and Oakwood. Harrisburg was located at the intersection of St. Martin’s Rd. and S. North Cape Rd. near the western edge of Franklin. A mile…
A Man of Vision – Franklin’s Tom Godsell
As the history of a city is written there are certain individuals who are usually recognized as being responsible for major changes in that city. One of those men was Tom Godsell — often called the “Founding Father of Franklin”. Serving as Town Chairman from 1949 to 1956, he was…
The Buckhorn Tavern – A Long and Colorful History
For Sale — 1.24 acres — Commercial Property. The realty sign at the northwest corner of Hwy. 100 (Ryan Rd.) and 27th St. is another reminder of changes for the old Buckhorn Tavern in Franklin. Facing an uncertain future, the business is one of two buildings on the corner that…