Croquet Competition at FTHS Meeting House

Franklin Township Historical Society invites one and all to participate in a croquet tournament at the Meeting House (6510 South Franklin Road) on Saturday, October 2. Sign-ups will begin at 1 p.m. with play starting at 1:45 p.m. This event is free and open to all ages. Light refreshments will be available.

For more information, contact Diana Stevenson at kimgada2004@yahoo.com.

Marjorie Main - Ma Kettle

Among Acton's many and varied claims to fame is that it is the birthplace of actress Marjorie Main. Although she appeared in more than 80 roles throughout her career, often opposite big-name stars such as Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne and Judy Garland, she is best remembered as Ma Kettle from the popular series of Ma & Pa Kettle films.

On October 8 and 9, the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana will be showing one of these classic films, The Further Adventures of Ma & Pa Kettle. If you haven't seen this local girl on the big screen, now's your chance! You'll also be supporting historic preservation; the Artcraft is a 1920s-vintage movie palace in care of the non-profit organization Franklin Heritage, Inc., and all proceeds go to the restoration of the building.

For more information, visit the Artcraft's website.

Phillip Gulley at Harvest Dinner

The FTHS is proud to announce that Phillip Gulley, author of 16 books and Emmy-winning television personality, will be the speaker Nov. 4th at the Franklin Township Historical Society’s annual Harvest Dinner. The event is open to the public.

Gulley, best known for his “Harmony” series and other widely-acclaimed books, also hosts "Porch Talk with Phil Gulley" on the PBS/WFYI television show Across Indiana.
The Wall Street Journal has said of him, “Philip Gulley [has] a charming sense of small-town life and a shrewd sense of life in general. A self-deprecating narrator, he knows how to exaggerate in a witty way.”

The event will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday Nov. 4th at the New Bethel Baptist Church, 8936 Southeastern Avenue, Indianapolis. Tickets are $25 per person and include a full dinner. Attendees will also be able to speak with Phillip Gulley afterward and have books autographed, if desired. To reserve a place, mail payment to the Franklin Township Historical Society, P.O. Box 39015, Indianapolis, IN 46239. For more information, contact Diana Stevenson (317-862-8822 or kimgada2004@yahoo.com).