Page Contents for Ben Franklin, Texas

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Government

Historical Events

Community news

Community events.

Organizations, Churches, and Sports.

Libraries.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Texas state capital is Austin.
The population of Ben Franklin is approximately 150 (2000).
The amount of surface water is sq kilometers.
Ben Franklin is positioned 33.48 degrees north of the equator and 95.77 degrees west of the prime meridian.

Location

in northeastern Texas north of Interstate 30.
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History & History Related Items

The Simmons Family came here around 1835 to settle, along with the Birdwell and Hogue families. The new community was on the Simmons' land and named for Benjamin Simmon's son.
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The founding of Ben Franklin

1853

Attractions

Delta County Museum in Patterson.

Simmons Cemetery, Waller Cemetery
Ben Franklin T-Shirts & Postcards!
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Ben Franklin City Government

Ben Franklin Post Office
828 Farm Road 128 Street
Ben Franklin, TX 75415
Phone: (903) 325-4333

Ben Franklin Historical Events

1998, December
The Ben Franklin United Methodist Church (BFUMC) building Was 100 years old in December 1998.

Ben Franklin Community News

12 March 2004
BIG PROJECT UNDER WAY IN SMALL COMMUNITY
In the small Northeast Texas town of Ben Franklin, a big project is under way that will benefit not only the 100-plus residents, but also those in the nearby area. The project starts with the Ben Franklin Community Church and will proceed to include several community outreach programs, including after-school programs, a day care, food pantry, job search and interview support, and several ministries targeting seniors, youth, and inmates.

"These programs are forthcoming, but the building has to come first," commented Shanna Hoskison, long-time Ben Franklin resident and church member.

Already conducting church services in a borrowed, downtown-area building, church members know ultimately a building is needed, and more importantly, the programs planned by the church are also needed.

"Often the little bitty towns get passed up, and funds go to the larger cities where there are more people," Hoskison explained. "But even if we have just 10 people in need of a service, those 10 people are just as important."

Al Clark, Ben Franklin Community Church pastor, added detail about some of the planned programs' benefits: "In today's economy, it takes both Mom and Dad to make ends meet, and we want to give kids a secure after-school environment. And, when it comes to day care for small children, there's not anything around here, except maybe over-extended grandparents and day-care in neighboring cities."

Plans are to begin the foundation work for the new building around the first of June, Clark said. The goal is to have the building, and programs, established by spring 2005.

"The primary purpose of this building is obvious, but in addition to being a church fellowship, we hope the facility will be used in many ways to contribute to the community and surrounding area," Hoskison said.

Church members have long been involved in raising funds to support community projects, missionaries, and other endeavors, even when their own need for a new building is in their plans. Recently, BFCC's children and youth began an ongoing "penny march." The first march, concluded after two months of collecting pennies, raised over $ 200 that was sent to a missionary in Kenya, Africa.

Clark, who was "born and raised in Winnsboro," has worked to help pioneer several churches in the Northeast Texas area, including Winnsboro, Hawkins and Paris. "In the beginning, many of the programs will be served by volunteers; but the main person, who will oversee the outreach programs, will be a paid position," he added.

Church & community members have begun promoting the building project, which is the initial step in their endeavor, by posting information on the community's website, mailing out newsletters, and having the efforts mentioned in newspaper columns. One community member, who wishes to remain anonymous, has already risen to the occasion and donated a 2-acre plat for the building. Anyone wanting to assist with the Ben Franklin Community Church's building project, can call Hoskison at 903-325-4344, or visit the website

Ben Franklin Community Events

Every 3rd Saturday - from 7-9:30 pm
An "Evening of Gospel Music"Sponsored by the Ben Franklin United Methodist Church

The 3rd Saturday of every month BFUMC hosts an evening filledwith Gospel Music. There is usually a featured gospel group and locals sign up as they enter if they would like to participate that evening as well. Music is performed live, and some of the performers sing by tape. There are a few congregational songs as well so everyone gets a feel for the evening. Refreshments are served around 8 pm during intermission.
BFUMC's building WAS 100 years old in December 1998. The structure itself needs some repairs. Therefore during the event, a love offering is collected with the proceeds going towards the Restoration of this Historical Marker (1966).There are also available Ben Franklin Nostalgic Postcards. The entire set consists of 17 different photos and designs. The cost is $ 1 each or the set sells for $ 15.
Look at a sample and for further information at: http://gbgmchurches.gbgm-umc.org/benfranklinumc/

Ben Franklin Libraries

Delta County Public Library information

Delta County Public Library
300 West Dallas Ave.
Cooper, Texas 75432
Phone: 903-395-4575
Fax: 903-395-4556 Ben Franklin

Miscellany

The population of Ben Franklin was:
1884 - 200
1890 - 1,000
1904 - 343
1925 - 300
1929 - 500
1936 - 300
1945 - 250
1964 - 150
1990 - 75
2000 - 150