A labor of love

Volunteers work to refurbish the old schoolhouse, By Mark J. Yablonsky FRANKLIN — Step by step and inch by inch, work on the former Edison Schoolhouse/Hungarian Church has been progressing over the past year. The old building, for so long a fixture on Evans Street, underwent a lot of work in 2009 and despite a bad economy, more is hoped for 2010. “We were very pleased with the progress that was made last year,” said Judy Williams, the Franklin Historical Society president who is one of the key forces behind the church’s restoration. “There was work that had to be done, and unfortunately, most people don’t always see it.” It’s on the inside The church, which was first moved from Evans Street to Main Street in late September of 2007, was placed on its new foundation last spring by Andy Burr, one of the professional movers who had helped with the relocation. From that point until December, a lot of interior work was done, including the installation of power lines and a power box by Bill Romaine, one of the professionals who has donated time and talent toward the project, Williams reported. Later came the installation of water and sewer lines and a storm water runoff tank, according to information recently published in the Zinc Town Times, the historical society’s official bulletin. Carpenter Rudy Haas then replaced some of the kitchen flooring, two sidewalls, part of the roof and a staircase. Another area electrician, Robert Letham, also helped in securing the building against winter’s ravages, as the season began, Williams said. Jim Williams, the former borough councilman, worked on the steeple, and made repairs to the soffit and fascia. A new roof will be needed, he said, “and then a crane has to lift it up and put it into place.” Band of volunteers “In nine months, the old building went from resting on cribbing to its permanent place on a sturdy foundation,” Judy Williams said. “Much work is ahead for us. Funding will be needed to replace the roof, fascia and soffit. Once the roof is completed, work on the siding will begin.” One of the two preservationists working with the group, Elizabeth Reeves, has recommended a tin roof for the building. For now, Judy Williams said, the roof is likely to get an asphalt-and-shingle treatment, until funding for a tin roof can be obtained. “Because of the economy over the past two years, funding for any type of these projects has become more difficult,” the historical society president conceded. “But the work needs to be done, and the funding needs to be pursued.” Community fundraisers planned One of the main goals of 2010, Williams said, is “to continue with pursuing fundraising efforts and revenue sources.” Toward that end, the historical society is planning a number of events, including the “kickoff” event, a Hungarian dinner this Saturday at the Franklin Firehouse. Next, the group is considering a class reunion for August, similar to one held in 2005. A square dance is under consideration, too, possibly for September, and on May 1, the historical society will take part in History Day at Sussex County Community College. A one-woman show called “We Live by the Whistle,” put on by area resident Jeanne Austin, had been postponed due to the heavy snowstorm on Feb. 27, and Williams said she hopes it will be presented this fall.

Dine for the cause
The Franklin Historical Society will hold a Hungarian Chicken Paprikas and Cabbage Roll Dinner on Saturday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Franklin Firehouse. Proceeds will benefit the continued restoration of the Edison Schoolhouse/Hungarian Church. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12 years of age, and can be obtained by calling Judy at 973-827-9001 or Betty at 973-827-7807. Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out quickly.