Franklin set to celebrate 100 years

By Mark J. Yablonsky
FRANKLIN — A one-hour ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of Franklin Borough's official autonomy will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, on the gazebo portion of the park at Franklin Pond.

The event, which is considered a launch to a year that will honor the borough, will feature guest speakers, including local historian Dr. Bill Truran, Sussex County Freeholder Phil Crabb and borough councilman Nick Giordano, according to the borough's historical society. Other dignitaries are also expected and the event is open to the public free of charge, the historical society said. The event is part of what the historical society calls "From Franklin Furnace to Franklin Borough."

Local Boy and Girl Scout troops will present a flag raising, while students from Franklin's school band and chorus will perform a few selections, according to historical society president Judy Williams. Also expected is an ensemble from members of the regular Franklin Band. Originally, a community dinner was also planned, but that will be postponed until later this year, Williams said.

Franklin, once known as the "Model Mining Town of the East," has a long and illustrious history dating back to the mining years when it was known as a company town, since many of the town's elected officials were employees of the long-defunct New Jersey Zinc Co. The town slowly began losing that status when the Franklin mines were closed on Sept. 30, 1954, and the transition to a regular borough began. Franklin was part of surrounding Hardyston Township until gaining its official autonomy on March 18, 1913.