Thanks to those who voted for the
Franklin/Arma
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
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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
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)
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picture for a larger photo. Use your "back" button to return to this
page.
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
Work Day June 4, 2005 Helping hands uncovered the
original 3' sidewalk in front of the Franklin Community Park
The sidewalk runs adjacent to the Franklin Community Park &
Memorial Garden
FUN
THINGS TO DO ON THE SIDEWALK
Jill & Aiden Ashbacher
Sara Mitchell
Riding her bike
Zoe Mitchell, Ashton Lewis, Sarah Mitchell
Playing