Sweet Remembrances: A Driving Tour of the Historic Franklin Cemetery

2009-09-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Sweet Remembrances: A Historic Cemetery Tour will be a celebration of life and death of some of the oldest families in Franklin, Louisiana

Saturday, March 27, 2010

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spend the day with us in beautiful Franklin, with over 400 historic properties, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll down a boulevard of cast iron lampposts with an early 19th century Main Street. Visit three of Franklin's oldest churches as well as two historic properties open to the public. Learn its history, enjoy its beauty and meet some of its citizens.

A Driving Tour of Franklin's Historic Cemetery, Main Street, Franklin

Some of the families included in the driving tour are as follows:

McKerall
Kramer
Berwick
Ibert
Litton
Birdsall
Godchaux
Sanders
Palfrey
Barbour
Schoenstein

Participants in the cemetery tour will be dressed in period clothing and will be stationed throughout the cemetery to enhance visitor's experience.

Tour begins at Shadowlawn, 906 Main Street, from 10 a.m.
Pick up booklets and enjoy refreshments. $10.00 per booklet

Shadowlawn, 906 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538 (Corner of Main & Adams)
Striking Greek temple built chiefly of nothern pine in 1833 by Simeon Smith. The rear of his home was attached to a smaller 1807 Greek Rivival building, which was originally a tavern operated by Barret. Shadowlawn remained in the Smith-Berwick-Snowden family for a century and a half. Now the home of the late Dr. Mildred S. Christian.

A descendent of the previous owner will be at the tavern.

Three Historic Churches will be open including Church of the Assumption, Main & Iberia Street, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 805 First Street and Asbury Methodist Church, 901 Main Street.

Grevemberg House Museum & Oaklawn Manor will also be open to the public.

Grevemberg House Museum
407 Sterling Road
Franklin, LA 70538
(337) 828-2092, www.grevemberghouse.com
On the National Register of Historic Places, Grevemberg House Museum is an 1851 Greek Revival style townhouse and is authentically restored. Four "Temple of the Winds" Corinthian columns grace the home, which contains fine antiques, documented wallpapers and early artifacts from St. Mary Parish. Tours take approximately 45 minutes. $10.00 per adult, $8.00 Seniors & Students 13-18 and $5 for children under 12.

Oaklawn Manor
3296 Oaklawn Drive, off Irish Bend Road
Franklin, LA 70538
(337) 828-0434, www.oaklawnmanor.com
This 1837 Greek Revival plantation manor is the residence of Louisiana's former Govenor, Murphy J. (Mike) Foster. Built by Alexander Porter, an Irishman, the walls are 20 inches think. The home is furnished with European antiques, lovely bird carvings and an extensive Audubon bird print collection. Tours take approximately 45 minutes. $10.00 per adult, $6 children & students.

The Fairfax House
99 Main Street
Franklin, LA 70538
337-828-1195, http://www.thefairfaxhouse.com/

Fairfax House in Franklin will host a tea at 2 p.m. $15.00 per person and reservations are required.

Chitimacha Museum
3289 Chitimacha Trail
Charenton, LA 70523
Phone: (337) 923-9923
http://www.chitimacha.gov/
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; Saturday by appointment; closed Sunday. Admission free. Handicap accessible.

The Chitimacha (Sitimaxa "People of the many waters") were the first inhabitants of the region. The tribe was well known for their basket weaving skills. Take a trip back in time through the history of the Chitimacha. View artifacts and brief videos.

Restaurants in Franklin Area

Forest Restaurant
1905 W. Main (Hwy. 182), Franklin
(337) 828-3300
Cajun cuisine & seafood
Hours: Monday – Saturday 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Hong Kong Kitchen
1828 Main Street, Franklin
(337) 828-9288
Chinese food
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Peking Buffet
1401 Northwest Blvd., Franklin (337) 828-9669
Authentic Chinese food
Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Great Wall Restaurant
212 Sterling Road #7, Franklin
(337) 828-5662
Chinese buffet
Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Iberia Cash Grocery
501 Iberia Street, Franklin (337) 828-0392
Sandwiches & burgers
Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Landry’s Hot Tamales
1104 Main Street, Franklin
(337) 828-3960
Plate lunches, hot tamales, sandwiches, poboys, burgers
Hours: Monday – Friday 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. & 5 to 7 p.m.

Raisa’s Seafood
1200 Main Street, Franklin
(337) 828-9333
Boiled seafood, take out only
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Polito’s Café
710 Main Street, Franklin (337) 828-0242
Poboys, salads and muffalettas
Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The Main Street Café
607 Main Street, Franklin
(337) 907-6083
Soup, salad & sandwiches
Hours: Monday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 5 to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & 5 to 8 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Baldwin/Jeanerette
Café Bayou
Cypress Bayou Casino, 832 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton
(337) 923-7284 or (800) 284-4386
Serving generous breakfast, lunch & dinner
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fresh
Cypress Bayou Casino, 832 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton
(337) 923-7284 or (800) 284-4386
Coffee Bar serving pastries, paninis and salads
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Chick’s Burger
502 Main Street, Baldwin
(337) 923-4390
Poboys, burgers & seafood
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Landry’s Seafood and Steakhouse Since 1969
20371 Hwy. 90–Frontage Road, Jeanerette
(337) 276-4857
Steaks and seafood, lunch buffet Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Grand buffet Friday & Saturday 5:30–10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Yellow Bowl Restaurant
19466 Hwy. 182 W, Jeanerette
(337) 276-5512
Country Cajun cuisine, lunch and dinner seafood buffet

Hotel Accommodations:

Best Western Forest Inn: Restaurant, pool, coin-operated laundry, lounge, meeting rooms, suites. Free high-speed Internet and microfridges in all rooms. 1909 Main St. (Hwy. 182), Franklin, LA 70538 Phone: (337) 828-1810 akuhlman@bellsouth.net http://www.bestwestern.com/

Comfort Inn & Suites of Franklin: Free hot deluxe continental breakfast, hairdryer, exercise room, swimming pool, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, and full cable television. Located within walking distance of restaurants and historical sites. WiFi in all rooms.1819 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538Phone: (337) 828-1134 Fax: (337) 828-3623 gm.la172@choicehotels.com http://www.choicehotels.com/

The Fairfax House: A luxury inn and resort on Bayou Teche featuring six guest suites some with private Jacuzzi baths, spacious porches, outdoor pool, tennis courts, boat and bicycle rentals, horseback riding and whimsical activities such as life size chess and a restored bowling alley. Facility available for rental. 99 Main Street, Franklin, LA 70538 Phone: (337) 828-1195 Fax: (337) 828-1198 http://www.thefairfaxhouse.net/

The Prevost House: Located in Franklin's expanded historic district. Experience the charm of this circa-1897 renovated home. The wraparound porch is perfect for evening cocktails, visiting with locals or just relaxing. Free Internet access. Credit cards: Visa, MC606 Palfrey St., Franklin, LA 70538Phone: 337-829-0417 theprevosthouse@bellsouth.net http://www.theprevosthouse.com/

Thiel House: A small home beautifully restored to reflect its Victorian roots. It is perfect for a honeymoon, romantic getaway, or just a peaceful, relaxing weekend. Located in Franklin's Historic District just one block from Main Street, Theil House is within walking distance to shops and restaurants.305 Adams St., Franklin, LA 70538 Phone: 337-578-5561 drbox208@yahoo.com

Directions - Highway 90 from New Orleans to Franklin. Exit Franklin Exit. Left on Highway 182. Takes you to downtown Franklin.

Highway 90 from Lafayette to Franklin. Exit Northwest Boulevard. Right onto Highway 182. Takes you to downtown Franklin

Sweet Remembrances: A Driving Tour of the Historic Franklin, Louisiana Cemetery

Sweet Remembrances: A Driving Tour of the Historic Franklin Cemetery