Historic Woodland Road Cemetery
A historic plaque has been established honoring the
old Immaculate Conception Burying Grounds.
The bronze plaque which will be erected at the Old Woodland Road Cemetery includes a picture at the top taken of the old Immaculate Conception Church, circa 1890, which was located on what is now known as Cork Hill Road.
The photo of the church is from the 1890's and the pastor at this time was Fr. James Cunnelly. Fr. Cunnelly was responsible for the building of the Lyceum, the parish hall, which was built in 1893. According to a letter found in the Stephens Collection at the Franklin Library many Irish families in town were represented in this picture: McEntee, Glynn, O'Malley, Quinn and Condon.
Fr. Martin is pictured here with parishioner, Carol Crowley.
Carol is responsible for the research and inspiration in establishing and designing the plaque.
Our sincere thanks to Paul Ferguson for his professional assistance in acquiring this important historic marker.
This historic marker is located at the old Catholic cemetery located on Woodland Road in Franklin. The cemetery is situated in a residential area and is not easily visible from the road because of the rolling hills that are secluded by large boulders that hide it from view; but it has been there for more than 130 years. There are many headstones that bear testimony to loving families that were born, lived and died in the Franklin area. Crosses still stand in remembrance of those who long ago passed into eternity.
The cemetery is owned by Immaculate Conception church; the first burial took place in 1864. A property survey from 1865 refers to it as the R.C. burying ground. It is a little over 1 acre in size. 358 feet on one side, 392 feet on the other; both sides are 146 feet long. The original Immaculate Conception church was located on what is now known as Cork Hill Road and stood midway between Franklin and Ogdensburg with a wagon path leading up to the cemetery. 
