Arbor Day and Franklin Square Park
Arbor Day and Franklin Square Park
by Mary Ellen Watts Poole
To celebrate Arbor Day, I decided to write about Franklin Square Park, known for its beautiful trees, and to share fond memories I have of the park. I recently was the presenter of a video for the Historical Society of a vintage historic marker which was about the Park. You may not have seen the video, so I thought you may enjoy a write-up.
Arbor Day is a holiday to celebrate trees. In 1907, President Roosevelt issued an “Arbor Day Proclamation to the school children of the United States”. This Proclamation stressed the value of trees and that forestry deserved to be taught in the school systems. It is important to note that the City of Southport has been recognized, receiving a Growth Award as a Tree City, USA, by the Arbor Day Foundation.
In early 1793, shortly after the City was chartered (1792), the City Commissioners of this new Town (later to be renamed Southport), set aside a large square of property that could only be used by civic, religious, or fraternal organizations.
The northwest corner remained an open area which was originally known as “’The Oak Grove” for its beautiful oak trees. Later, it was named Franklin Square Park, in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the foremost Founding Father, who helped draft the Declaration and also was one of the signers. This honor recognized that the City townsfolk were proud of the Country’s independence.
Today, the square contains Southport Baptist and Trinity United Methodist Churches, the Masonic Lodge Building, Franklin Square Art Gallery (which was originally a school), Southport Fire Department Downtown Substation, and the City’s Gym and Recreation Areas.
Mercedes Watts standing among the Four Sisters, 1938, Photo courtesy of the State Port Pilot.
A tight cluster of oak trees, fondly known as the “Four Sisters” stand regally between the Art Gallery and City Gym. The “Four Sisters” have been a favorite play site since at least the early 1900s. It certainly was my special spot in the Park. Many children that grew up in the City have fond memories of playing in and around the “Four Sisters”. Perhaps you are one of them. I hope these memories spark yours. The “Four Sisters” served as a home base for a great game of tag or a wonderful place to play house. They often were Pirate Stede Bonnet’s ship, a military fort, a mansion for a movie star, and my favorite, a British Castle, as the Sisters were the perfect venue for an afternoon tea party! The “Four Sisters” never failed to pique and satisfy a child’s imagination, that grew up in a small, beautiful seaside town.