Germantown Water Utility

Germantown Water Utility Municipal Water Report Information

Franklin, named after Benjamin Franklin, was established as one of two towns created from the original Town of Kinnickinnic by Wisconsin's Territorial Legislature in 1839. Franklin bordered Greenfield to the north, Oak Creek to the east, and Racine and Waukesha Counties to the south and west.

Historical records describe varied terrain quality - some excellent land alongside rougher, rocky areas. Originally, Franklin was heavily forested with hardwood species including walnut, butternut, and hickory. Wildlife thrived in the area, with bears, panthers, wolves, wildcats, deer, and wild turkeys in abundance. The Root River provided the primary drainage system throughout the Town.

Early life was rustic - typical attire consisted of buckskin garments over flax shirts and slippers. The town's early officials were determined individuals who resisted annexation attempts by Milwaukee. They even disappeared for several weeks until the City charter arrived from Madison in 1956.

After declaring intention to incorporate from town to city status in 1956, town officials strategically avoided petition servers who sought to block the incorporation attempt. Franklin, initially part of the Northwest Territory, was formally organized as a township in 1841 and named to honor Benjamin Franklin in 1839. The township encompassed 36 square miles and remained primarily rural for over a century before becoming known as a "City of homes" by 1956.

The fear that Milwaukee would attempt annexation prompted Franklin to incorporate as a fourth-class City. Milwaukee had been expanding its boundaries, with the rural towns of Franklin and Oak Creek being potential targets. Milwaukee specifically sought to annex a portion of Franklin from 27th Street to Ryan Road to 51st Street to the Town's northern boundary.

During an April 1956 annual meeting at the old Town Hall (now relocated to Lions Legend Park), Town Chairman Thomas Godsell voiced residents' opposition to piecemeal annexation of their community. He called for an investigation to combat "the threats to beat down our Town." To meet incorporation requirements for fourth-class City status, town officials included the House of Correction inmates in population counts, gathered petition signatures from 100 residents and half the property owners, conducted a census, and passed a referendum. Under new legislation, the Town needed 5,000 residents and $20 million in assessed value to achieve fourth-class City status.