Next Stop 1940–1969

Events

The Franklin County Fair continued to be a popular summertime event. The fairgrounds got a new grandstand in 1941. Since steel was hard to get because so much was used for equipment and vehicles for World War II, they used heavy wooden timber to construct it. (In the 2000s, the story of the grandstand will be continued!)

The Franklin County Fair was always a fun event in the fairgrounds, but in 1945 when World War II ended, the celebration was huge. 22,000 people from all over the county showed up at the fair that day to celebrate the end of the war.

The Hilliard Centennial was celebrated in May 30, 1953.

Two big train wrecks occurred in the area in 1952 and 1955.

Life

Dr. JW Reason was the community doctor for many years during this time. He was really more than just a doctor. He was also a school board member and community leader.

Rock music was started in the 1950s. This had a big effect on people, especially young people. 

Growth

This was the end of the small town of Hilliard as suburban neighborhoods were beginning to be built. Between 1950 and 1960, the population increased from 600 to 6,000 as 12 subdivisions were built. Hilliard was not the only area growing, all the townships, villages and cities were growing quickly in Northwest Franklin County now. Brown Township grew from 230 to 830 people from 1950-1960.

You can learn more about all of the towns in the Map Section of the website!

What’s Happening in the US and the World

World War II  (1939-1945)
The computer was invented in 1940 and was basically a calculator. The personal computer (the kind you can buy for your house) was not available until the 1980s.
Space Race of the 1960s was a time when the US and Russia were racing to build a rocket that could travel to the moon. Do you know who made it to the moon first?

You will find many more stories, pictures and articles on our journey through Northwest Franklin County in the topics across the top of the timeline!  All aboard!

References

Expansion Growth by Brooke Germaine

Edited and Compiled by Rich Boettner