Barn dance next fundraiser for historical barn

Franklin - If the city's historical society has its way, an original 19th century barn soon will be the newest addition to the historic village that already exists at Lions Legend Park.

To do that, the organization that has so far raised $24,000 will have to raise at least another $40,000.

The barn that sits at the Wendt family farm at 3617 W. Oakwood has been mostly disassembled. Society President Jim Luckey said once the disassembly is completed in the next couple of weeks, the pieces will be stored in the city yard at 77th Street and Ryan Road.

Luckey said the disassembly has been "meticulous work" and the assembly will be just as challenging in order to rebuild the structure to meet 1880s sensibility while meeting 21st century building codes.

"It will be a challenge, but we are hopeful we can get the barn installed in 2013," Luckey said. "We have had a lot of donations so far from local businesses."

In addition to numerous monetary donations, in-kind gifts have come from John's Disposal Service of Whitewater, JTL Logistics of Franklin and Giuffre Brothers Cranes, a company owned by a Franklin family.

Fundraising efforts have come from a Labor Day raffle sale at St. Martins Fair and an upcoming Harvest Barn Dance at the Hideaway Pub and Eatery.

The barn would be the sixth structure at Legends Park. Other original late 19th century buildings from Franklin's past include a cabin, chapel, schoolhouse, town hall and smokehouse.

"The eventual goal will be a living museum of farming life in Franklin that will be open to the general public for touring and to expand our current grade-school educational program," Luckey said.

If you go

WHAT: Harvest Barn Dance with music, door prizes and raffle

WHERE: The Hideaway Pub & Eatery, 9643 S. 76th St.

WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Nov. 11

COST: Tickets cost $7, or two for $12, in advance; $10, or two for $15, on the day of the dance

INFO: FranklinHistory.net