19 Historic Preservation Plan orderly elements of comfortable street widths, sidewalks, street trees, and building size and lot setbacks characteristic of ‘traditional town’ design. Today, these pre-WWII neighborhoods comprise the older core of the city. A number of these neighborhoods have interesting histories or possess distinctive character. An example is Hard Bargain, a traditionally African-American neighborhood whose continuity is visible in the mix of very early stone or frame houses and the occasional well-scaled contemporary house or even an occasional mobile home. Community institutions like churches and fraternal orders are anchors. An important house built by a former slave, Harvey McLemore, is being renovated and restored as a museum highlighting African-American heritage in Franklin. A Community Preservation Ethic & Legacy Franklin has a widespread community preservation ethic. For more than fifteen years, historic preservation has been an underlying current among community activities. Most of the historic Main Street and downtown neighborhoods have been restored and are in active use. Recent community events surrounding the Franklin Tomorrow Community Vision Plan confirmed that residents continue to feel a tremendous source of pride in Franklin’s distinct community character, which many specifically describe as ‘historic downtown Franklin.’ Moreover, there seems to be growing recognition that the rural landscapes and roads that link the countryside to the downtown are all part of what makes Franklin special. Active Preservation Organizations Franklin’s legacy of preservation is due in large part to the efforts of non-profit organizations that have played a critical role in preserving the heritage resources of Franklin. There are several preservation organizations in Franklin, an indication of the strong level of commitment by local residents to preserve their community’s historic resources. Local preservation organizations include: The Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County. The oldest preservation organization in Franklin, the Heritage Foundation is committed to protecting and preserving the architectural, geographic, and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County. In addition, the Foundation strives to promote the ongoing economic revitalization of historic downtown Franklin. The non-profit organization has a full-time
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