Historic Franklin Tennessee book

Have a dad who loves historic Franklin, Cool Springs and Williamson County? Just in time for Father’s Day, there will be a book signing by local authors and photographers of the Heritage Foundation’s beautiful Historic Franklin coffee table book at The Factory at Franklin from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 19 in the courtyard between Stoveworks and Jamison Hall.

“This is a great opportunity to buy a Father’s Day gift that celebrates the history and current life in Franklin and Williamson County,” said Heritage Foundation President David Garrett.

Grandin Hood Publishers of Franklin produced the book, and the work of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Hood is featured in the pages. His daughter, Lauren Hood, and local photographer Michael Gomez – each having earned acclaim in their own rights – offer complements to a selection of rare artifacts and archival materials. Robert N. Moore Jr. is also a photo contributor of current events. A timeline of events takes readers through the staking of the first claim in 1780 through the present, with fascinating and insightful anecdotes that bring the past two centuries to life. Sidebar stories tell the stirring tales of the personalities that shaped the course of our history.

Local authors penned essays covering unique and heartening aspects of life in Franklin. Historian Rick Warwick highlights the common spirit of the past, present and future; Tandy Rice writes of childhood in downtown Franklin, and coming of age at Willow Plunge Swimming Pool; Thelma Battle recollects the early days of racial reconciliation, and the African-American heritage; Robert Hicks tells the story of Cousin Jane, who first introduced him to Main Street so many years ago; Bobby Langley remembers Franklin’s fabulous ’50s, Friday night football games and friends for life; and Jay Sheridan covers the Harpeth River’s influence on life in Franklin.

In addition to Saturday’s opportunity at The Factory to purchase a signed copy, the book is also available for $35 at local bookstores, or at the Heritage Foundation office at the back door of the Historic Five Points Post Office in downtown Franklin. Copies may also be purchased online at

The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County is a 43-year-old non-profit association with the mission to protect and preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural history of Franklin and Williamson County and to continue the revitalization of Downtown Franklin in the context of historic preservation.

Historic Franklin was underwritten by a bequest from Sara Reynolds Parks and by Bob Parks Realty and ParkTrust Development. Proceeds go to support the Endowment Fund of The Heritage Foundation. For more information, call the Heritage Foundation at 615-591-8500 ext. 17 or email info@historicfranklin.com.