By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – In November, Shrewsbury selectmen approved a proposal to move one of two Shrewsbury Franklin Mile Markers from its current location near the Main Street onramp to I-290 East to Shrewsbury Town Common to help preserve and protect it.
According to Selectman Moira Miller, “the Board of Selectmen thought it made sense to move the Mile Marker to the common. The common already has several markers lining the sidewalks describing historic events that occurred in Shrewsbury. More people will have the opportunity to see it at the common and learn the historic significance of the Franklin Mile Markers.”
In July of 1775, Benjamin Franklin was appointed by the Continental Congress as the first postmaster general. He established the current U.S. Postal System, creating routes that began in New England and stretched across the colonies. Along the route, stone mile markers were erected to measure mileage from Boston. Many of these markers are now gone; those remaining are rich in historic value. Shrewsbury has two of these markers, the one that will be relocated and one at Dean Park, adjacent to Main Street across from the Artemas Ward House.
The campaign to move the endangered marker began last year when Shrewsbury citizen Bernie Forletta brought the issue to the attention of John Campbell, former Finance Committee member and current chair of Shrewsbury’s Historic District.
“I expressed my concern that there was a Franklin stone at the entrance of Route 290 East that was at risk of being accidentally damaged, if not destroyed,” Forletta said. “Another concern of mine was that other markers have gone missing. For the sake of preserving our heritage, this Franklin Mile Marker needs to be moved to a safer and more secure location, and it would be a shame for it to happen to Shrewsbury’s markers. It was my belief then, and still is, that the Franklin Mile Markers are a very significant part of Shrewsbury’s history. As a historian by inclination and education, I marvel that just a couple hundred yards from my home, so much of Shrewsbury’s rich history flowed by on The Old Post Road.”
Added Campbell: “I knew this prominent symbol of Shrewsbury’s history belonged in a more prominent place than the entrance of I-290. Our historic town common within the Shrewsbury Historic District seemed to me to be the obvious choice. The Historic District Commission was very supportive as well.”
Campbell did some digging and found that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was responsible for all the Franklin Mile Markers in Massachusetts. He reached out to them and they, in turn, proposed relocating it to the historic Schoolhouse #5 grounds situated at the corner of Old Mill Road and Main Street. However, this option was not suitable because of the lack of access and parking. MassDOT consulted with the Historical Commission who recommended relocation to Gauch Park on Main Street and North Quinsigamond Avenue near the lake, but this option also was not suitable for similar reasons. Other suggested locations were the lawn in front of the 1830 School House and the new Shrewsbury Public Library.
The Shrewsbury Historic District, which oversees historic integrity of the town common, as well as the First Congregational Church and Town Manager Daniel Morgado supported moving the marker to the common. The Board of Selectmen voted in favor of the move at their Nov. 10 meeting.
MassDOT will restore and move the marker at no expense to the town. Now, the question remains where on the town common to place the Mile Marker. Once it is decided, the Republican Town Committee has offered to purchase an appropriate sign to indicate the marker’s historic importance. Details of a formal unveiling and dedication will be forthcoming in the spring.
