Franklin in Franklin County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Franklin Relic Hall - 1937

Franklin Relic Hall Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011

1. Franklin Relic Hall Marker

Inscription. The log Relic Hall is a fine example of Depression Era rustic architecture. Completed in 1937, it also represents a successful early effort to preserve and interpret community history. The building was designed in 1935 by architect Chris Gunderson to evoke the region’s pioneer past. Constructing the Relic Hall was a cooperative effort. It was built on land deeded to the State of Idaho by the pioneer association using timber provided by the U.S. Forest Service. The Franklin Relic Hall is a landmark in the community and a tribute to Franklin’s earliest settlers.

The building was constructed of timber cut by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC, a federal relief program of the 1930’s provided work and vocational training for unemployed single young men. The CCC built roads, bridges and buildings and completed forestry projects on public lands. The Franklin Relic Hall is a landmark in the community and a tribute to Franklin’s earliest settlers.

Franklin resident Elliott Butterworth was the force behind the preservation of relics in the community. Butterworth emigrated from England at age 16 and lived in Franklin

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from 1869 to 1912 where he operated a general store. During that time, he collected and assembled more than a thousand items of memorabilia related to Franklin’s pioneer past, which he donated to the town of Franklin. His passion for history led to his founding the Franklin Pioneer Association in 1910.

The Idaho Pioneer Association at the first Idaho Day celebration in 1910. In 1923, this group purchased the FCMI store to display the artifacts collected by Elliott Butterworth. When the collection outgrew the building, the group led an effort for construction of a new relic hall.

Erected 1937 by Idaho State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 42° 1.033′ N, 111° 48.05′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Idaho, in Franklin County. It is on E. Main Street just east of 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Franklin ID 83237, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Photographed by Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011

2. Franklin Relic Hall Marker

The Relic Hall has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior.

this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Franklin Historic District (a few steps from this marker); ZCMI Co-op Building (a few steps from this marker); FCMI Store 1858 (a few steps from this marker); Hatch House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lorenzo Hill Hatch & John Doney Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Franklin's Pioneer School House 1860 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Birthplace of Samuel P. Cowley (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Fort of Franklin (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Franklin Relic Hall and Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Vincent Cascio, July 7, 2011

3. Franklin Relic Hall and Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. This page has been viewed 1,178 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.