Did you know that Southeastern Avenue was once only a trail cut through the woods on land bought from Native Americans? Or that the Acton Camp Ground was a widely known attraction where cottagers lived during the summer, and as many as 40,000 people gathered there on a Sunday afternoon? Did you know that Wanamaker State Bank president George Bowen saved the bank from disaster during the Depression by persuading depositors that their money was safe, on loan to their neighbors? That Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated actress Marjorie Main was born in Acton? That the building now housing Mike’s Midway Market was originally a one-room schoolhouse, or that there are 16 pioneer cemeteries in Franklin Township?
These are just a few of the fascinating facts and stories about this history-packed corner of Indianapolis, Indiana that we’d like to share with you!
The FTHS is a registered 501(c)(3) organization, and is funded entirely through membership fees, donations and the sale of our publications. Donations to the society are tax-deductible.
Our Mission
The Franklin Township Historical Society is a not-for-profit organization, devoted to the preservation and promotion of Franklin Township History, and the care of our Meeting House, the former Big Run Baptist Church, and the Big Run Cemetery.