History of Franklin Newcomers & Friends
In 1971, when Fran Kober moved to Franklin from New Jersey, she was very disappointed to learn there was no Newcomers Club in town as there had been in the town she left. After speaking to a member of Medway Newcomers about starting such a club in Franklin, she placed an ad in the paper, seeking to meet other newly arrived residents in town. Five people answered the ad.
Shortly after that, she placed a second ad for new people to meet and socialize. Twenty enthusiastic people responded and the club was born with Fran as the first president.
The main purpose of the club was to meet new people and socialize. Dinner Group was the main interest group; Arts and Crafts followed. As the club gained momentum, other interest groups were added at members’ request. One of the most popular was bowling – both the couples night and the ladies’ daytime league.
The club has grown in its 35-year existence to over 100 families. Members organize events such as Gourmet Dining, Quilting Group, Ladies Day Out, Men’s Outing, Preschool Field Trips, Movie Night and much more. In 2004 a babysitting co-op was formed and the organization formed its own website.
Some of the friendships started in the early years are still going today even though the people are no longer members. Both new and old residents alike have found the Franklin Newcomers to be a wonderful place to get involved with fun activities.
The scope of the club has broadened to include community service as an integral part of member activity. The annual Franklin Newcomers’ Craft Fair and Holiday House Tour have become traditions in the town. The club annually donates thousands of dollars to local Franklin organizations such as the Food Pantry, Senior Center, Franklin Library as well as provide scholarships to local high school seniors.
