Historic Sidewalk
in the 8 Wonders of Kansas Customs Contest.
The historic sidewalk was one of the 24 finalists.
While we were not chosen as one of the 8 Wonders we are
very proud of the sidewalk and invite you to take a walk on this historic site.
National and Kansas Historic Site
Guinness World Record Holder
March 16, 2007 Franklin/Arma Sidewalk is listed on National Register of Historic Places.
November 18,2006: The Franklin/Arma Sidewalk is listed in the Register of Historic Kansas Places, the state register. The Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review has approved the nomination of the Franklin/Arma Sidewalk to the National Register of Historic Places. The nomination will be forwarded to the office of the Keeper of the National Register in Washington, D.C. where it will be evaluated by their professional staff. If they concur with the findings of the Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review, the property will be granted inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. This property is now protected under the Kansas HIstoric Preservation Act (K.S.A. 75-1715 through 75-2725)
Future Plans
Our plans include clearing and restoring the sidewalk the entire 1.7 mile length. If you or an organization you know would like to take part in this project please send us an e-mail with your contact information. Once we have all the details worked out we will contact you. Our plans are to have it divided into sections such as "adopt a block". Send your info to become part of this historic restoration. Thanks. franklinkansas@yahoo.com
"Fun things to do on a sidewalk"
Click on picture for a larger photo. Use your "back" button to return to this page.
 Phyllis Bitner, Chairman Heritage Committee Arriving for Board of Review Meeting |
 Sarah J. Martin National Register Coordinator Cultural Resources Division Kansas State Historical Society Presenting Application to Board of Review |
 Several Members of the Board of Review listening to presentation |
 Sidewalk as it existed in 2006 |
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Longest sidewalk connecting two towns
Possible explanations about the sidewalk:
- There was a WPA project to build the sidewalk.
- The sidewalk was not a WPA project.
- A vote was taken if the residents of Franklin wanted a sidewalk or a sewer. They chose a sidewalk.
- Also have been told the sidewalk was built when the high
school in Franklin was closed. There was concern about the kids
from Franklin walking to Arma high school so the sidewalk was built for
their safety.
- The sidewalk runs 1.7 miles.
Many stories but not enough facts
yet. It appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records perhaps
in the 50s or 60s as the longest sidewalk between two towns. Another
possibility is that it appeared in Ripley's Believe it or Not.
It's also been said that it appeared in Life Magazine in approximately
1938. Does anyone remember anything about this? Please
e-mail me at memrylane@yahoo.com
Following are facts that are
available thus far on the sidewalk:
- The funding was awarded for the project in August, 1936.
- The project was completed in June, 1937.
- The plans called for ditching, hedge removal, a 3 foot wide concrete sidewalk in some places 4" thick and in some places 5" thick.
- This was a federally assisted project that ran from the south edge of Franklin to the south Arma city limits.
- Project #69-8FA-40-A. (More to come)
 August 18, 1936 Article in Pittsburg Headlight-Sun |
 August 21, 1936 Article in Pittsburg Headlight-Sun |
 Sidewalk in 2006 |
Many areas of the original sidewalk still in very good condition |
A few bumps in the road |
Some sections are covered by years of grass and dirt but the sidewalk lays beneath 3 feet wide |
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 Work Day June 4, 2005 Helping hands uncovered the original 3' sidewalk in front of the Franklin Community Park |
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 The sidewalk runs adjacent to the Franklin Community Park & Memorial Garden |
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FUN THINGS TO DO ON THE SIDEWALK
 Jill & Aiden Ashbacher |
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 Sara Mitchell Riding her bike |
 Zoe Mitchell, Ashton Lewis, Sarah Mitchell Playing |
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 Katie Mullen Doing Cartwheels |
 Katie Mullen Playing Hopscotch |
 Agnes "Aggie" Goodman & Frances OBlak Neighbors visiting |
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 Katie Mullen Running |
 Katie Mullen Skipping |
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 Katie Mullen Sidewalk Art |
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 Brenda & Craig Stokes Walking the Dog (Maggie) |
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| Franklin
Home Page |
E-mail franklinkansas@yahoo.com |