Franklin in Johnson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Monumental Memories
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 6, 2026
1. Monumental Memories Marker
This large unpublished photo was taken as part of the December 1940 LIFE magazine photo essay, "A Small Town's Saturday Night." This photo shows Franklin residents enjoying The Historic Artcraft Theatre, Nick's Candy Kitchen, and other downtown staples - many now lost to history. The left side shows a full block of historic buildings demolished in the 1970s for a bank, later replaced by the county building beside you. Visible here are Franklin Pharmacy, Franklin National Bank, Civil War cannon, Colonel Vawter Memorial, and The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Built in 1922, the Artcraft's facade has gone through many design changes. In this photo, the marquee hadn't yet been remodeled into its current Art Deco style (added in 1948). During restoration in 2015, Franklin Heritage, Inc. uncovered much of the original marquee seen here, with today's version built over it.
Monumental Memories is a Discover Downtown Franklin program supported by the Franklin Public Arts Advisory Commission, Franklin Heritage, Inc., and the Johnson County Museum of History. It was created to promote historic preservation, educate residents and
this page online
This 1912 colorized postcard shows a southward view of North Main Street, mirroring the main photo on this display. Interurban electric railway service between Franklin and Indianapolis began June 6, 1901 and ended September 8, 1941 following a high-speed collision (you can see the red and yellow interurban station just to the right of the automobile). The building at far right was originally built as Johnson County's first hospital and is now Main & Madison Market Café. The white brick McCaslin Home on the left was later expanded into the Willard Hotel, now a popular restaurant and bar.
This 1909 photo features the Franklin Interurban Station and the Star Building, which was the longtime home of the Franklin Evening Star newspaper. At left is what was the C.H. Terrill Piano and Organ store, with an attorney's office above. Both buildings were demolished to make room for a drive-through bank and parking lot in 1973 (see photo below right).
This unpublished 1940 LIFE magazine photo captures everyday life on the courthouse square. The water
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 6, 2026
2. Monumental Memories Marker
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1901.
Location. 39° 28.843′ N, 86° 3.318′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Indiana, in Johnson County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23 N Main St, Franklin IN 46131, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and specifically in Greater Indianapolis. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Johnson County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnson County War Memorial Honor Rolls (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated To The Historic Artcraft Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnson County Spanish American War Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnson County Revolutionary War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnson County Court Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to All U.S. Veterans Who Have Honorably Served (within shouting distance of this marker); Province Hospital (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
