Incident at Fort Granger

2:16 pm | Friday, Oct 31st
| No Comments

Franklin’s Pull-Tight Players are working together with the Franklin City Parks Department to present a special free one-day-only performance of “Incident at Fort Granger,” on November 8, at 3:00 p.m., at the Eastern Flank Events Facility next to Carnton Plantation.  The play will be performed on the back porch.  Attendees should bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on, and they are advised to dress warmly.  It is recommended for adults and children age 10 and older.  Refreshments will not be available for sale.  Visitors are allowed to bring their own, although no alcohol is allowed in City Parks.

The play is about an hour and a half long, without an intermission.  It will end shortly before sunset.  In the event of inclement weather, the play will be performed inside the building.  This is being done as one of the town’s Sesquicentennial events commemorating the Battle of Franklin.

The incident, well known to historians and Franklin natives, occurred on June 8, 1863, shortly after the Union fort was built.  Two Confederates, disguised as Union officers, came to Fort Granger for a reason still being debated, but were discovered and tried as spies.

The play, written by former Franklin resident Bob Holladay, was well researched and much of the dialogue was taken from newspapers and official records of the trial.  Directed by Peggy Macpherson, the cast features Vince Cusomato, Jeanne Drone, Ron Geagan and Nelson Bryan as the four Watchers.  Union soldiers are played by Jim Anderson, John Fraser, Jerry Sharber, Stan Ferguson, Jake Cannon, Jonathan Wilson, Hanes Sparkman, Mike Foster, Bill Jones and Mark Hyssong.  The two visitors to the fort are played by Preston Crook and Hunter Mason. Several re-enactors led by Mike Hoover, Captain of the 1st Tennessee Infantry, Company D, will be in the cast as Union guards and also as Confederate ambushers.

This play has been performed many times by the Pull-Tight Players since 1998.  It was first performed on the Public Square during Franklin’s Bicentennial.  Most of the cast have performed in it multiple times — sometimes in different roles.  It has been done  on the Pull-Tight stage, outdoors at Carnton Plantation, in Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, and, by special invitation, on the lawn of Tudor Place in Georgetown, Washington DC (the ancestral home of one of the  two Confederates).  Last year, on the 150th anniversary of the incident, the play was performed on the grounds of Fort Granger.

For more information, go to www.franklin150.com.

Battlefield Bourbon

1:30 pm | Friday, Oct 31st
| No Comments

Robert Hicks, battlefield preservationist and New York Times bestselling author announced today the launch of Battlefield Bourbon, a very small batch bourbon distilled, aged and hand bottled in Tennessee.  It is now available to the public and a portion of all proceeds from the sale benefits Civil War battlefield reclamation and preservation.

In making the announcement, Hicks said, “Something important happened on the hallowed ground of Civil War battlefields that should never be forgotten.  Whether it was ‘home’ or ‘country,’ ‘honor’ or ‘union,’ that drove them forward, they fought and suffered, even unto death, for their cause.  As a lover of fine bourbon, I wondered if there was a way to offer fine, very small batch bourbon and to raise funds for the battlefield reclamation.  May we raise a glass in honor of those who came before us, Lest We Forget.”

These words are on printed on the bottle along with “Lest We Forget” engraved into the wooden stopper cap of the 750 ml grandeur bottle.

Hicks has been described by the New York Times as “at the heart of the battlefield reclamation in Franklin.”  In founding Franklin’s Charge in 2003, he revived battlefield preservation in Franklin, after its battlefield had been removed from the “Ten Most Endangered Battlefields in America” to the “list of lost battlefields.”

Under his leadership, Franklin’s Charge was able to bring the Franklin Battlefield back to life — taking it from “lost” to an example of a community’s efforts that are, according to Jim Lighthizer, president of The Civil War Trust, “second to none in the nation.”

Battlefield Bourbon is produced in association with and bottled by SPEAKeasy Spirits, LLC in Nashville and Best Brands is the distributor. SPEAKeasy Spirits is an artisan distillery nestled in the Historic West Town neighborhood of Nashville.  SPEAKeasy Spirits’ Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream is the distillery’s flagship brand.

The source from the water used in making Battlefield Bourbon is taken from a spring on the Franklin battlefield.  By using water from the battlefield, Hicks is providing an opportunity to actually taste part of this hallowed ground.

Battlefield Bourbon is being released this week exclusively at spirits retailers and restaurants in Middle Tennessee.  For more information visit www.battlefield-bourbon.com.

Hicks added, “To commemorate the Sesquicentennial of the Battle of Franklin, our initial run is limited to1,864 bottles signifying the year of the Battle of Franklin held November 30, 1864. I have personally sign and numbered each bottle, as this will be treated no differently from any other limited edition in any other medium of the fine arts.”

Using the ‘allotment model,’ perfected by the highly praised Pappy Van Winkle, Battlefield Bourbon is very small batch with 91.2 proof.  The front label of the bottle depicts a late 19th century illustration of the Battle of Franklin.

Named last year by Nashville Lifestyles Magazine as the #2 in the top 100 Reasons to Love Nashville, Robert Hicks was described as Nashville’s “Master of Ceremonies.” They went on to say that “being a New York Times best-selling author should be enough – but not for Robert Hicks, award-winning author of The Widow of the South and A Separate Country. His passion for words is equaled by one for preservation, saving the history-steeped places associated with the Battle of Franklin.  Writer, speaker, leader, world-traveler, preservationist – one person really can make a difference.” Maybe now we can add, “Whiskey preservationist” to his list of accolades.

Battlefield Bourbon is a very small batch bourbon whiskey created with fresh spring water taken directly from the battlefield in Franklin, Tenn.  It is a bourbon with a cause, as a portion of all proceeds from the sale benefits Civil War battlefield reclamation and preservation.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

8:53 pm | Thursday, Oct 30th
| No Comments

FranklinIS bringing you the ultimate online gift guide filled with gifts for boys, girls, men and women of all ages!
Read the rest of this entry »

Martin Center Art Show

1:00 am | Friday, Oct 17th
| No Comments

If you’ve never been inside the FiftyForward Martin Center, here’s an opportunity to indulge your artistic side and enjoy the rustic stone and wood beauty. On Nov.  7-8, the center will open to the general public for its Eighth annual Martin Masters presents Zoe’s Gallery of Friends, an art exhibition and sale featuring works from more than 40 local artists.

Beginning with a preview party on Thursday, Nov.  6 from 5-7:30 p.m., attendees will enjoy wine, live music and great food.  It is a chance to preview the art and meet and greet the artists, including featured artist John Cannon.  Also, photography by John Guider. Tickets to the event are $35 per person. Then on Friday Nov. 7 from 10-7 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 8 from 10-3 p.m., the event will open free to the public.

Named after the late Zoe Wells, one of the annual event’s founding members and long-time art enthusiast, the three-day event has consistently drawn more than 600 people. Through art sales and preview party tickets, the Martin Center hopes to raise funds to support the further expansion of programs and operating costs.

About the Artist

This year’s featured artist is John Cannon.  John Cannon is a Nashville native, growing up in East Nashville. He graduated from Belmont College with a BA in English in 1974. From 1975 to 1978, he studied art at the University of Tennessee, Nashville. John left art and returned to literature, earning a Master’s Degree in Literature from Middle Tennessee State University in 1980.

John’s philosophy of art is straightforward: “Painting, the use of color, value and shading, seems to be the best way of all the arts to convey an emotional image to the audience. The expression in color of the artist’s individual impression of a subject is incredibly intimate. Viewing a work of art, in any medium or style, is the most direct way to experience the internal landscape of another human being. Art, therefore, for me, is a visceral sharing experience.”! www.johncannon.com

About the Photographer

This is the first year that a photographer has been invited to participate and we are thrilled that John Guider will join us.  John is a nationally recognized award winning photographer and author who lives in Nashville, TN. His work has appeared in major publications such as Print, Communication Arts and Graphis. He is the recipient of many awards including a national Addy Award, the Cancer Society’s Excalibur Award, and the Nashville Advertising Federation’s highest award, the Silver Medalist.

His work and his adventures have been the feature of numerous magazine, television, and newspaper articles and broadcasts. In 2009, Guider was a guest author on renowned journalist John Seigenthaler’s television program, “A Word on Words”. John has been a guest speaker at such functions as The Southern Festival of Books, PhotoArts Santa Fe, and the National Waterways Commission convention.  John’s underlying passion is his art and his work has been shown in museums and galleries across the country. His largest project, The River Inside, is the subject of a book by the same name and a popular traveling museum exhibition.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Gallery

For the first time……(your info here)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything you need to know about The Martin Center

·   The Martin Center is a private, non-profit agency providing services and programs to help people 50+ stay active and healthy as they age.

·   Located on 5.6 acres, the Center offers classes as varied as Pilates, tai chi, yoga and programs for writers, genealogy searches, musicians, wine enthusiasts, avid readers, card and board game lovers and budding artists as well as an on-site massage therapist.

·   The Center is a popular site for civic group meetings, reunions, birthdays, weddings and receptions.

What you need to know about Martin Masters presents Zoe’s Gallery of Friends:

·   The Eighth annual event will be held at Fifty Forward Martin Center, 960 Heritage Way, just off Concord Road near I-65 in Brentwood.

·   Thursday Nov. 6 preview party from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tickets $35

·   More than 40 local artists’ work will be available for sale

·   Prices will range from $5 to $10 for note card reprints of some paintings to more than $2,500 for original works.  Giclees will also be available from some of the artists. There will also be bins of unframed art that will give the consumer the option to frame elsewhere.

·   Wear comfortable shoes – all on one level, carpeted

·   Parking is free.  Plenty of handicapped parking available.

·   For more information, call (615) 376-0102 or log on to www.themartincentertn.org

Trick or Treat at the Mansion

2:22 pm | Tuesday, Oct 14th
| No Comments

Trick-or-Treating at the “Old Maney Mansion”

At the dead-end of North Maney Avenue you’ll find a tree-lined drive to the most famous mansion in Murfreesboro! The iron gates are open and the mansion, normally locked and secured, is ready to greet you on this rare night! Bring your little ghosts and goblins to the doors of the dimly lit Oaklands Mansion to offer their most haunting greeting. As the doors creak open to reveal the grand stair hall, and the family in mourning, you’ll see that this isn’t like any “haunted” house you’ve visited.

Victorian families stopped the clocks, shuttered the windows and draped their mirrors in black when a loved one died.  Before the time of funeral homes, the family’s parlor was the scene of their funerals and wakes.  Just like any home on Halloween, you can’t go in, at least not tonight.  Through the doors, you’ll see just enough of the inside of this sprawling Italianate mansion to wet your appetite to return for a full tour!

James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Historic House Museum said, “This is a unique opportunity to introduce kids to Oaklands in a new and exciting way! You’ll be helping to make special memories for them that will last a lifetime”!

By 1860, Oaklands was one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee and situated on an over 1,500 acre plantation! Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950’s, its very existence was threatened. Thankfully, the mansion was saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959.   Since then, the generosity of the community has provided for the restoration of Oaklands to its original splendor! By preserving the mansion and grounds, its unique history can be shared time and time again!

Trick-or-Treating at the “Old Maney Mansion” is free, open to the public and will take place at the doors of Oaklands Mansion at 900 N. Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro, TN on October 31, 2014, from 4:00p.m. until all candy is given away!

For more information, contact Oaklands Historic House Museum at (615) 893-0022 or email info@oaklandsmuseum.org

Event Details
Start date: October 31, 2014
Start time: 4:00 pm

Grand Ol’ Chili Cook-off

12:00 am | Tuesday, Oct 14th
| No Comments

The transformation of the Leiper’s Fork Chili Cook off into the GRAND OL’ CHILI COOKOFF was inspired by the musical environment of this community and general area. The idea is to create a festival type event that beckons the community and visitors to gather together to make new friendships and reunite with people in a festive atmosphere.

www.GrandOlChiliCookoff.com

An adorable mascot has been added to the event, and his name is GrandPeppey. He is a red hot Grandfather looking chili pepper who plays the guitar as well as conveys the message that our festival will be full of music and fun! This Forktober Fund Raising event has a lofty goal to raise $40,000 for the Leiper’s Fork Community Fund.

Located in the Pow Wow Field adjacent to Floyd Rd at 4121 Old Hillsboro Rd, ticket prices for the 13th Annual Chili Cookoff are $8 Adults – Kids 8 and under: FREE – Family Pak $25 includes 2 adults (16 and up) + 2 children (9-15). Tickets will be sold at the gate, which opens at 10am.

Features include: Live music from 3 bands, dancing, clogging, chili tasting, kids zone with blow up structures, mechanical bull, food vendors, artisan market vendors, prizes, costumes, unique scenes in various booths, Grand Ol’ Chili Stage, Hank Williams Sr impersonator and free parking! All proceeds go to the Leiper’s Fork Community Fund.

The Leiper’s Fork Community Fund helps a variety of people and merchants in the Leiper’s Fork Area. Helping families that fall on hard times and need groceries or help pay an electric bill is one of the uses of this fund. Another aspect of the fund is to contribute to the Hillsboro Kids Christmas gifts donations. And it is used to help bring free events to the community in an effort to help the merchants increase their foot traffic and ultimately their sales.

Expanding relief efforts in our area is an important mission as we want to make sure people have a safe place to live and food to eat. Tornadoes, floods, hail storms and other types of extreme weather have hit our area hard over the last 6 years, destroying homes and property and putting people in an unexpected state of shock and poverty. Establishing a substantial community fund will allow us to locally provide meals and relief supplies to the people affected right away. Helping each other in our community in times of need is an important aspect of rural living.  It’s important to meet immediate needs such as food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene items and blankets.

How to Help: Those who would like to help people affected by extreme weather disasters and other crises can make a donation to the Heritage Foundation earmarked for the Leiper’s Fork Community Fund.

MISSION STATEMENT:  To raise money in order to support the Leiper’s Fork Community fund which assists individuals and families within the community during difficult times.  Financial assistance includes payment of household bills, groceries and provides Christmas presents for families in need.  The purpose of the Grand Ol’ Chili Cookoff is to raise money and also to bring community members and visitors to the town for an old-fashioned fall festival. This event exemplifies the creative and all-inclusive atmosphere unique to Leiper’s Fork.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Lavana Deal, Lavana@grandolchilicookoff.com W: 615-791-9860   C: 615-478-8262

Brewsboro Fest

7:51 pm | Friday, Oct 3rd
| No Comments

The Fourth Annual Brewsboro Fest has been scheduled for Saturday, October 11th at The Avenue® Murfreesboro. The event will be held from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm and is expecting a sell-out crowd of 2,500. A portion of the ticket sales will go to benefit the Murfreesboro Young Professionals.

Attendees will receive a souvenir mug and will be able to sample brews from local, regional, national, and imported breweries. Attendees will be able to purchase and enjoy food from local restaurants: Boutique Burger Bar, Humpty’s, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Nashville Street Taco and Batey Farms.

Live music begins at 2:00 pm and will run through the event with local artist Mize and the Drive and DJ Tim Battle.

Free parking will be available at The Avenue® Murfreesboro near the Belk store.

Attendees will have multiple ticket-buying options. To purchase tickets in person, stop by Nissan of Murfreesboro on Memorial Boulevard or Humidor / Liquid Smoke on the town square. Tickets are also available online at BrewsboroFest.com. General Admissions tickets are $30.00 (plus tax) in advance but may be purchased at the event for $40.00 (plus tax) if it has not sold out. VIP tickets are available for $40 (plus tax) in advance and includes an early admission into the event. Admission to the event includes all beer samples and a souvenir mug. Hotel packages are also available and include a stay at the Embassy Suites on Saturday night plus two tickets to the event.

“We are very excited to bring Brewsboro Fest back to Murfreesboro again this year,” says Event Director, Candace Price. “We’ve received such great feedback from the attendees, brewers and sponsors over the last couple of years and look forward to another great event.”

More Brewsboro information can be found on Twitter @Brewsboro or online at BrewsboroFest.com or Facebook.com/Brewsboro.

Battle of Franklin

3:52 pm | Monday, Sep 29th
| No Comments
Tickets are ONLY being sold in advance! Click here to purchase your tickets!

On November 15 & 16, re-enactors from all over the country will recreate two different scenarios from the 1864 Battle of Franklin. A different scene will be depicted each day and admission is charged separately for each day.

Saturday, November 15: The Columbia Pike Sector and Fighting Near the Carter House
Sunday, November 16: A. P. Stewart’s Advance Against the Federal Left Flank
The re-enactment will be held on Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, adjacent to Carnton Plantation, and will involve strictly infantry and artillery.
The re-enactors will encamp on the grounds just south of Carnton and approximately 8-10 sutlers will set up in close proximity to the soldiers’ camps. Parking for spectators will be available on-site. Additional parking will be available off-site and free trolley service will be provided to transport spectators to and from the re-enactment. Food and drink will be available to purchase on-site.
Admission per Day:
$10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 12, free for children 5 & under

Giving Back

3:35 pm | Monday, Sep 29th
| No Comments

On November 15, Franklin, TN will remember the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.  There will be re-enactors from all over the country on November 15, and 16, bringing history to life.  JLB Works is excited about this community event and has donated all Eastern Flank Battlefield design with the signs around town commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.

In addition to their support of the Battle of Franklin’s Charge, JLB Works supports many local non-profits such as Hard Bargain, the Boys and Girls Club of Williamson County, Leadership Franklin, the Franklin Theatre, Community Housing, and CASA.

JLB donates a portion of its income to CASA to help children in need.  JLB’s owner Ken Royer said,

“Because we live and work in the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, TN area, it’s important to our staff to support local nonprofit organizations with their design, Web and communications needs. We understand that many organizations can’t afford to pay typical corporate prices, but we recognize how important it is for these groups to get the word out.”

Helping non-profits “get the word out” is exactly what JLB Works aims to do whether that is through email marketing, web design, branding, or copywriting.  JLB Works is dedicated to helping the community.  To learn more about JLB Works, visit www.jlbworks.com.

Pumpkinfest

3:08 pm | Monday, Sep 29th
| No Comments

Franklin’s favorite fall celebration is returning to Main Street this month, and this time it’s bigger and better than ever.

The 31st annual Pumpkinfest will take place on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., bringing a full day of free entertainment to families in the area. Presented by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, the festival will stretch along Main Street from First to Fifth avenues, and will also include portions of Third and Fourth avenues. Attendees can expect a day of live music, various contests, an array of arts and crafts booths, a chili cook-off and much more.

In addition, The Great Pumpkin will be making an appearance at Pumpkinfest after traveling across the country from Franklin’s sister city, Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada. Festivalgoers will have the chance to participate in a “Guess the Weight” contest where one lucky winner will take home a $50 gift certificate to Stroud’s Barbecue.

“Everybody in Franklin looks forward to Pumpkinfest each year,” said René Evans, the Heritage Foundation’s Festival Vendor Relations Manager. “We always try to mix things up by bringing new and exciting entertainment to the festival, and fresh vendors and artisans—but at the same time, we look forward to revisiting annual favorites as well.”

Other activities at this year’s Pumpkinfest include:

  • Two stages offering continuous entertainment from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

o   The Bethel University stage at City Hall will feature five performance groups from Bethel’s Renaissance program: two bluegrass bands, a Southern gospel quartet, a 15-voice group and a 55-member choir.

o   The School of Rock stage at Five Points will feature a variety of local performance schools and regional groups.

o   Then at 5 p.m. on the School of Rock stage, The People’s Church will present the Battle of the Bands, a competition between four teenage bands—the winner will go home with a cash prize of $500. For band audition information, email Danielle at dberg@thepeopleschurch.org.

  • Children’s activities will be located on Third Avenue South, and will include pumpkin painting, free games with small prizes offered by several local non-profits, pony and train rides, inflatables and more.
  • A separate area of attractions for older children will be available on Fourth Avenue North, and will feature bungee jumping, a mechanical bull and a spider web mountain.
  • More than 80 arts and crafts booths will feature unique, handcrafted wares that complement fall and the holiday season including jewelry, food and home décor items. Booths will be open along Main Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Over a dozen food vendors will be selling traditional street festival favorites like corn dogs and hot dogs, barbecue, funnel cakes and kettle corn, as well as fresh bagels, gourmet coffee, fish tacos and jambalaya.
  • A community swing dance will commence at 4:45 p.m. on the Public Square to the sounds of 5 Points Swing. Unsure of your swing dance skills?  Local dancers will be there to warm you up with brief instructions before the band starts up.
  • The Franklin Tomorrow Chili Cook-Off will feature 15 teams competing for the 12th annual title. A $10 ticket includes a 2 oz. sample from each team, and beer will be available for purchase in conjunction with the Chili Cook-Off. The tent will be located on Third Avenue South, between City Hall and the Courthouse, where competitors will be serving from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
  • An extreme pumpkin carving contest will feature the Leiper’s Fork Carving Club and their work. The public will have a chance to vote on their favorite carved pumpkin, plus the opportunity to purchase one via silent auction.
  • Children, adults and even pets can compete in four categories during the annual costume contest. The categories are: pets; children, ages 0-2; 3-5; 6-11; 12+ and groups. Registration is limited to the first 40 entrants in each category and includes a $2 entry fee. Those who wish to participate can sign-up from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. near the Bethel University Renaissance stage at City Hall. Competition will begin at 2 p.m.
  • Offsite parking will be available at both Harlinsdale Park and The People’s Church, with trolley rides to downtown for $1 per person each way, which will run from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Pets and strollers are not permitted on the trolleys.

Pumpkinfest is produced by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association. The annual October festival is just one of the many activities presented by the non-profit group, which was founded in 1967 to protect and preserve Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources. For more information, call 615-591-8500 or visit www.historicfranklin.com.sion, the Downtown Franklin Association.

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »