Sights and landmarks in Franklin

Sights and landmarks in Franklin

1. See

   DeBence Antique Music World

   A museum dedicated to antiques related to music, such as phonographs, organs, and player pianos. Not only do visitors get to learn about the music-makers, you also get to hear all of them played. It may seem like an odd museum at first, but the tour is quite entertaining. Downstairs is an antique shop open year-round. You can visit the shop without taking the tour if you wish.

   The museum is open from April 1 to October 31 (groups over 20 may arrange visits during other times). Open from 11AM to 4PM·Admission is $8

2. See

   Fountain Park & Bandstand Park

   These parks flank the courthouse on both sides, with Fountain Park to the right and Bandstand Park to the left. The parks are over 200 years old, as they were incorporated into the original city layout in 1795. The Civil War Monument was built just a year after the war ended in 1866. It contains the names of over 400 men from Venango County killed in the war. It is one of the oldest Civil War monuments in the state. The Egbert Memorial Fountain in Fountain Park was built in 1886 in memory of Dr. A.G. Egbert who gave a lot of his oil wealth back to the town. Bandstand Park contains a Vietnam Memorial, Revolutionary War Memorial and, of course, a bandstand where the Franklin Silver Cornet Band, one of America's oldest traditional town bands, plays regular concerts every summer. Applefest takes place in these parks every October.

3. See

   Franklin Antique Mall & Wild West Museum

   Although most of the items are for sale, this antique mall is also set up as a museum. There are a wide variety of antiques and knick-knacks to look at, from armor to posters to toys. As antiques are sold and new antiques are brought in, you are likely to notice something new every time you visit.

   Entrance is free

4. See

   Saint John's Episcopal Church

   The Episcopal Church also shows off the city's former wealth, with its complete collection of Tiffany Windows and mahogany pews. From the outside the church is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. However, from the inside the church is even more breathtaking. St. John's Church includes one of three complete collections of Tiffany windows in the world. All of the windows in the church were commissioned by St. John's and created by the Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios. The "rose" window above the North entrance is the second largest Tiffany window in the world, also said to be one of Tiffany's personal favorites. The pews of the church are also quite beautiful, as the wood used to make them is all from the Amazon Rainforest in South America. Guided tours are available and may be scheduled by calling the church and making a reservation with a church docent;

   Self guided tours: Mon-Fri 8AM - 2PM (last: 1:30PM); Sun Eucharist: 8 & 10AM; Thu Mass: 12:05PM·$4.00/person, $3.00/person in groups of 30 or more

5. See

   Sibley Mansion

   Also referred to as Sibley Castle and River Ridge, it is the former residence of Joseph Sibley, the founder of an oil refining company called Galena-Signal Oil (the company building still sits in downtown Franklin today). Sibley gained a lot of wealth from his business and was a known friend of Rockefeller and President McKinley. In fact, President McKinley was traveling with Sibley when he was assassinated in 1901. The Sibley Mansion was built in 1913 and Sibley lived there until his death. Today the mansion is owned by Life Ministries and used for their retreats however, they do offer tours sporadically throughout the year.

   You must call to inquire about tour dates and make a reservation

6. See

   Space Capsule

   A very odd site indeed is the real space capsule from an Apollo CM located in front of the Dairy Queen. Only four of these capsules have not been converted into scrap metal; one is located in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and another is on display in Cape Canaveral. The one you see in Franklin is privately owned, along with the other which is not on display. If you're interested in learning more about it, enter the Dairy Queen. There is a tv inside displaying information about the capsule (along with ads for various Dairy Queen foods).

   Mar-Oct: 11AM to 10PM, closed Nov-Feb

7. See

   Venango County Courthouse

   The construction of the courthouse was completed in 1868. It was designed by Philadelphian architects and built by a local builder. It was made in the Italianate architectural style, most visible in its uneven towers. Inside the courthouse there are displays of Native American artifacts, such as arrowheads and pottery, from Venango County and nearby areas.

8. See

   Venango County Historical Society

   The Hoge-Osmer House is headquarters for Venango County Historical Society, and is also a house museum. The house was built by Thomas Hoge in 1866 at the close of the Civil War. The Newton Osmer family moved into the house in the early 1890s and made many renovations and additions.

   May – Dec: House Museum – Tue-Thu Sat 10AM – 2PM; Research Library – Wed Thu 10AM – 2PM, call first to make sure volunteer is on duty. Jan – Apr: House Museum and Research Library – Sat only 10AM – 2PM·Donation

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Franklin (CC BY-SA 4.0).