If you stood in front of what is now the downtown post office in about 1900 and looked west down Franklin Street, this is the view you'd see. That's Dr. A.B. Roberson’s Central Hotel and Pharmacy on the left; the university bought it in 1912 and built the Battle-Vance-Pettigrew buildings there. In the distance are the offices of Chapel Hill's mayor, Algernon Barbee; Louis Graves later began The Chapel Hill Weekly in the rooms above Barbee s office.

Who else was important to Franklin Street's history? Find out when the Chapel Hill Museum's permanent exhibit on Franklin Street's history opens in October. In addition to welcoming financial contributions, the museum is accepting photos, documents and memorabilia that help chronicle the story of this town’s beloved thoroughfare. Call 967-1400 to loan or donate and be a part of history.