Franklin Co-operative Mercantile Institution
A Closer Look
Admission:
By Donation
Hours:
The Relic Hall:
Tuesday through Saturday from from 11 am-3pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day
The Hatch and Doney Houses and interpretive exhibits:
Tuesday through Saturday from from 11 am-3pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Telephone:
(208) 646-2290
In 1923, Franklin’s Idaho Pioneer Association bought the old Franklin Co-operative Mercantile Institution Building (located between the Hatch House and the Relic Hall) to use as a museum. Elliot Butterworth, a storekeeper and long-time Franklin resident collected momentos of the town’s past, which comprise the majority of the artifacts now displayed. When he ran out of room in the Co-op building, he led an effort to acquire new federal and state funds for construction of a new Relic Hall. The Mercantile building is not currently open to the public, but visitors are invited to enjoy the exterior view.