Somerset County - Franklin Park - The Franklin Park Tragedy
Book signing at Six Mile Run Reformed Church (3037 State Route 27, Franklin Park, NJ 08823) on Saturday, September 14 at 2 pm. The church played an important part in the events discussed in the Franklin Park Tragedy book including the funeral for the murdered mother and child.
On March 1, 1894, two African American men broke into a home in rural Franklin Park and murdered a white woman and her daughter before her husband fought and killed the attackers. The newspapers called it the “Franklin Park Tragedy,” and the story captivated public attention nationally and abroad. Another tragedy came afterward, with the racist forced expulsion of many local African American residents.
Author Brian Armstrong, Vice-President, Central Region, of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey and former President of the South River Historical and Preservation Society, will tell the shocking story of this “sundown town” and how it evolved into the diverse community that exists today.
There will be light refreshments and a tour of the sanctuary after the signing. The sanctuary has not changed much since 1894 and you feel like you are going back in time when you enter it. Books will be available to purchase at the book signing.
There will be light refreshments and a tour of the sanctuary after the signing. The sanctuary has not changed much since 1894 and you feel like you are going back in time when you enter it. Books will be available to purchase at the book signing.
