This corner store was built in 1845 by G.W. Waterhouse and Benjamin Shackelton. It has been owned by a number of families, between then and now. It has served as a General Store, a Post Office, an Auctioneer’s Office, and an Antique Store. During the 1930’s, migrant workers from area farms, rented rooms upstairs.
Quakertown Store is presently owned by Dorothy and Lloyd Wismer. They have owned it for the past 21 years. The Wismers both live in the building, and operate a Consignment/Antique Shop in the storefront.

I feel that the Quakertown Store is the most historical place in Franklin Township because it served as a “meeting place” for the community. Besides needing a place to purchase supplies and receive mail, people need a place to gather. A place to exchange news and discuss current events. Somewhere to go and play a game of checkers and catch-up on the latest happenings with your friends and neighbors. I am sure that a lot of important information was passed along, on those steps of the Quakertown Store.

Denise
Spring, 2002

The Quakertown Store

The most historic site to me is the Quakertown Store. My Nana and Pop live there and own the store. I think it is old because the way it is built and the way it is in the center of town. I think it could have been used as a store because of the convenience of being in the center of town. It was constructed in 1845,and was originally used as a store,post office,and house in one. Migrant workers lived over the store during harvests. When my grand parents renovated a Mexican Sombrero in the loft from a migrant worker. On one wall in the house there was a picture of a house with smoke coming out of the chimney that had "My House" written on it, most likely written by a small child. My grandparents sometimes think about how many people have touched the walls, and how many good memories there are. Below the living room there was a barber shop with a fire place, that is still here today. I wonder how many coins are under the floor? They say that the house is haunted by a ghost named Anebelle. There are so many things that I don’t know about. One day I will have my own historic site. I can’t wait!

Kaitlyn
Spring, 2002