05/28/2026
Thank you to Holly Mears Daniels for sharing these wonderful pieces of Franklin history!
We’re honored to receive several items that belonged to her father, Jim Mears, a true Franklin legend. Jim graduated from Franklin High School in 1957, where he excelled in football and baseball. He became widely known across the country for his incredible trap shooting talent—winning the Grand American Handicap (Junior Division), multiple state titles, and earning All-American honors multiple times in the 1950s.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Jim dedicated decades to serving his hometown. He served 13 years on Franklin City Council and as Mayor, and was recognized in 2019 with the President’s Award for his tireless community involvement. From coordinating Memorial Day parades and serving as American Legion commander to being described as “Franklin’s biggest cheerleader,” Jim poured his energy into making Franklin a better place.
Some of the items we received include:
- Sweater presented to him when he won the trapshooting contest
- The gavel he used as mayor during city council meetings
- A beautiful framed print of the historic Second Street Bridge (with the famous lions) from the Franklin Chamber Past Presidents Club
These pieces beautifully represent the pride, service, and community spirit that define Franklin. We can’t wait to display some of them proudly when our brewery opens scheduled for March 2027 so everyone who walks through can learn about people like Jim who helped shape this town.
Thank you again, Holly, for trusting us with these special memories of your dad. We’re grateful to help keep his legacy alive in downtown Franklin.
