DEPRESSION AND WORLD WAR II (1929–1945) In October of 1929, the crash of the Stock Market led to the start of the Great Depression. That same month, the Allen Manufacturing Company announced construction of a stove manufacturing plant on Franklin Pike, funded in part by Franklin residents with $175,000 of stock purchases to assist with the construction cost. The location provided easy transportation for employees while a railroad spur line transported manufactured goods. In 1932, due to financial troubles the Allen Manufacturing sold the building and became the Dortch Stove Works. In 1930, the town had a population of nearly 3,500 people. Despite the trend toward urbanization, the area surrounding Franklin remained a farming community. Most farmers raised corn, wheat, cotton, and livestock. Williamson County was a center of the equestrian industry and home to numerous horse farms and thoroughbred studs. In 1933, (26) Harlinsdale Farm opened as a Tennessee Walking Horse breeding facility, which became famous for the stud Midnight Sun, a Tennessee Walking Horse stallion who won two world grand championships. Nearly 90 percent of Tennessee Walking Horses trace their history back to Midnight Sun. Like towns across the nation, Franklin’s economy suffered during the 1930s, limiting new commercial and residential growth during that decade. Likewise, World War II restricted access to construction materials. Few new buildings were built during this period. Despite these economic conditions, the Franklin Theatre opened on Main Street in 1937. In the 1940s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal make-work program, renovated the county courthouse on the Public Square and constructed a new county jail on Bridge Street. The WPA completed the Williamson County Jail (NRHP 1972), now known as the “Old, Old Jail,” in 1942. The Art Deco architecture was similar in style to the Franklin Theatre (NRHP 1972) which opened in 1937. Otherwise, the New Deal had little impact on Franklin. POST-WORLD WAR II (1945–1975) During the mid-twentieth century, Franklin benefited from its proximity to Nashville, which had grown into one of the largest cities in the South. In the 1950s and 1960s, Nashville experienced civil rights protests, demonstrations, and violence, which resulted in businesses, institutions, and residents relocating to surrounding towns such as Franklin. 1933 1929 1930 1937 The Allen Manufacturing Company started construction of a stove manufacturing plant in 1929. The 1929 crash of the Stock Market led to the start of the Great Depression. (Source: Britannica) Harlinsdale Farm opened in 1933 Despite economic conditions of the time, the Franklin Theatre opened in 1937. Franklin and its surrounding area remains a farming community in 1930 Tennessee Walking Horse stallion. Winner of two world grand champions. (Source: Visit Franklin) Midnight Sun 52 FRANKLIN, TN | PRESERVATION PLAN
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