Our Story

OUR PAST: Over 100 years ago pioneers from many countries settled in this tiny community which came to be known as Franklin. The post office established its presence on October 27, 1908; the SNPJ lodge was formed on October 15, 1908; the first subdivision platted in Franklin was John Dollar's First Addition to Franklin which was platted February 18, 1909. In 1910 Franklin was known as a village in Crawford County. It was a station on the Joplin & Pittsburg electric railroad. It had a money order post office and was a trading center for this section of Crawford County. The population in 1910 was 150. In 1915 the population was 1,649. The community was on its way to becoming a thriving, bustling early 20th century town.

 In its early days it was a very active community. It boasted company stores, a theater, dance halls, bowling alley, 5 schools, churches, pool halls, several boarding houses, butchers, an ice cream parlor, garages, filling stations, auto wrecking service, barber shops, trolley and, of course, mining.      

Through time as the mining industry waned and many residents were forced to look for jobs the community dwindled in size. However, the spirit and closeness of the community remains to this day.

Franklin has remained a very close-knit community with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Too many times we take that for granted. Remember how everyone idealizes the 1950s, when people knew their neighbors and the kids were home playing in yards. Then, everyone took care of each other's kids and helped each other out. People are nostalgic for that way of life which may now be found only in a few rural areas. Franklin has retained that quality.

It's the place where everybody knows your name.   Just like a family. Like a family, this close-knit community gathered to grieve the loss of resident Josephine Maghe during the tornado of 2003. Remembering how much it hurts to lose someone helps us cherish those we have taken for granted

When we forget the past, we lose the anchor that keeps us from drifting.

We try to keep our history alive through monuments. We have monuments to various wars. We have museums that contain artifacts that tell the story of the past. We place monuments in cemeteries and study family genealogical records, all in an attempt to keep our "history" alive. We are gathered here to remember our history and the importance of maintaining this close-knit community. The families who continue to reside here are a living monument to the history of this community. While the building is gone the spirit of the people remains.

Remembering the past reminds us of our blessings. Isn't it a wonderful feeling to get out those old video tapes of the kids growing up? Isn't it a wonderful thing to page through a scrapbook or look at wedding pictures? Isn't it a precious thing to look through the photo albums and remember the people who have touched our lives and the events that enriched us? It's hard to look at those things and not be grateful for the blessings we've had.

We also need to remember the past because it spurs us on and keeps us focused.    It gives us the strength and courage to face adversity and to see that the tasks presented to us are accomplished. It has inspired the countless volunteers who are working so hard to see that this community is rebuilt.

Some of our neighbors are young and just starting out. Some have children. Some are empty nesters. Some are retired. Each family has different skills to throw into the community pot. Some know finances, some can cook, and some are handy with tools. We each have our own lives but we’re part of a family of neighbors.

The past is evidenced by all who have gathered today to honor this community and its residents. No matter where the future takes us, we will always remember our past.

OUR FUTURE: At the first anniversary of the devastating tornado of 2003, we gathered to celebrated “Remembering the Past” and “Looking to the Future”.   We thanked legislators, community leaders and volunteers and the media, who helped us along the way.  Everyone was very supportive. The presence of so many who gathered on this day speaks volumes for their support and caring for this community.

We continue to strive to accomplish our goals as we shared our vision for the future on that day.

Quotes from speech delivered by FCCI Chairman Craig Stokes:
”We see a bright future for Franklin. Much effort has been put forth toward several projects that will have a big impact on the community.   New sewers, community hall, community park, new homes, new streets and much more.

The quality of life we’d like to make possible for our children and grandchildren is evidenced by the hard work and dedication of the residents of Franklin.   Less than a week ago volunteers working arm in arm planted trees along Broadway. The day began with a severe thunderstorm forecast and raindrops started falling at 7 am. The volunteers began appearing. The volunteers included longtime residents as well as new citizens. Young and old joined forces to start the rebirth of Franklin. Suddenly the skies parted, and the sun warmed our faces and our spirits. As volunteers dug into the soil, the birds soared overhead watching their new home being established.

The camaraderie was evident as everyone who participated had a smile on their face. Laughter was plentiful. It reminded us of “the good old days” - “neighbor helping neighbor”  “all working together for the good of the community”.   This gives us all hope for a bright future.

Within the next two weeks a major cleanup campaign will begin. Many volunteers are ready to tackle this project and we hope to be joined by many more. Many hands will make the job move quickly.

We can only imagine what Franklin will look like in a decade and the challenges that the community will face. However, the future appears bright for today there is satisfaction in knowing this day of remembrance and reflection was a fitting tribute to Josephine Maghe and all those who suffered such tremendous losses.

It has been said that “What is good endures“, and Franklin will endure.

We see many glimmers of hope from outside and within. The surrounding communities as well as the national and international community have sent letters and cards showing that we are all “neighbors”.   There is good cause for hope.   We believe the residents of Franklin - along with our friends and neighbors - will be instrumental in returning Franklin to its former condition.
 
As a tribute to the 217 families who resided in Franklin on May 4, 2003, we are releasing 217 balloons as our closing ceremony.

We look to a brighter future for Franklin. As we watch the balloons disappear out of site, we can feel the balloons lifting our spirits. The spirit is still alive, still growing, still branching out. It means we are on solid ground. The spirit of Franklin remains!!!”