Franklin School historical plaque at Franklin Park in Shawano, July 24, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A community in the Northwoods is celebrating its history, honoring the past while looking to the future as well.
On the corner of South Washington Street and West Division Street in downtown Shawano sits the entrance to Franklin Park.
“This area here, when people drive by here, people wouldn’t know that there used to be a school at this block,” said Ben Hartwig, Leadership Shawano County.
Ben Hartwig says two different Franklin High School buildings were on the site from 1902 to 1998. He says the bronze plaque features something relatively new too.
“People can go up, and read the plaque. Look at the images. Then can scan the QR code on the bottom. And that can take them to the Shawano County Historical Society website,” said Hartwig.
“It takes the visitor, to the web page for that property. And as we get more information and more research on that property, we can continue to upgrade that,” said Mike Oberle, Shawano County Historical Society Board Member.
Mike Oberle says the year’s goal is to install 20 plaques around the city. He says Main Street will be home to many of them.
“Many of the buildings that were built in the late 1800s, and early 1900s, are still in the downtown. The downtown business district is on the National Register of Historic Places since 1999. And we’re trying to promote that aspect,” said Oberle.
Whether it’s memories of the old Holtz Saloon, or the Murdock House, which dates back to 1890, Ben Hartwig says the area’s rich history could help the local economy as well.
“That’s kind of a way to draw people into the business. Even if they just want to go in, and look around, you never know. They might purchase something on the way out. So it’s a great marketing tool as well,” he said.
Officials say the plaque project could expand beyond the city limits to include historic sites around Shawano County as well.
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