James Brooks of New Albany, Indiana then president of the Louisville, New Albany and Chicago Railroad, platted the town of Francesville in 1853. He named the town in honor of his daughter Frances. Brooks had purchased the plan from William Rees. In the same year, Alonzo Starr built the first house in town. The town was re-platted in 1862 by J. M. H. Allison.
Francesville grew around the railroad and became a center for the farmers to bring in their grain, and also become a bustling downtown with many different businesses. Hunting wild game and fishing were also important trades of the early years, as Francesville was very swampy until the drainage industry came into being, and swampland was tiled and became very fertile farm ground.
In the late 1950’s, the Francesville Town Board advertised for bids to construct a fire station. The costs submitted were out of reach at that time, and the project was put on hold, but Francesville needed a new fire station.
In January, 1961 the need for a fire station was again addressed as eleven community minded people met and formed a committee to discuss a means to build a fire station and municipal building. This new building was needed to house fire equipment to better protect our town and local community, and various offices.
A “Francesville Community Improvement Foundation” was formed and incorporated as a non-profit organization. There were nine directors, and the corporate certificate was issued May 10, 1961. These nine directors solicited funds from business firms and citizens of the community. They received donations and pledges to purchase land and construct the much-needed building.
Community members with trucks, tractors, shovels, or whatever was needed pitched in and construction on the new building began in the fall of 1963. Eight farm trucks made a trip to Bedford Quarries, in southern Indiana and returned with Indiana Limestone. The stone was then laid in the fall of 1964.
There was still lots of work to be done to complete this 56 x 72 square foot building that would house six pieces of firefighting equipment, several offices, public restroom, and a kitchen. All of this was to be completed with no taxpayer funds.
Well, when this building was finished in 1967 it was decided to have a parade and dedication which took place on September 22 and 23, 1967.
This was the beginning of the Francesville Fall Festival. Each year it is held for the local community to meet old friends and new, and be thankful for a wonderful place to live where people care about their neighbors.
Again, this September, the streets will be bustling with crafts, flea markets, vendors, carnival rides, and music to entertain all ages. Come and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun.
