Ken and Lois Stalter

Ken Stalter is an artist, farmer, and town history buff! His artwork is seen throughout the village. He carved wooden statues to represent the 12 Stations of Christ for the Episcopal Church. In our slide show presentation, there are at least three pictures that were drawn by him: The “Bush” building, the Stilson Hardware Store (both burned), and the digging of Pat’s Pond. He has painted many pictures of the American West, local places, and old farming. He has carved birds, animals, and people. His wife, Lois Stalter, has collected many types of clothes varying through the Civil War to today. Ken first moved to Franklin in 1956 with Lois.

Besides being an artist, Ken has been a farmer here in Franklin for many years. He was first interested in farming in eighth grade. He had a job working for his neighbor, doing things like milking goats, feeding pigs and mowing hay, and found he really liked farm work. He first started real farming in 1948 as a hired man. He bought his own farm in 1956. He had pigs, chickens, horses, milking cows such as Guernsey’s, Jerseys, Holsteins, and Ayrshires, and goats.

Ken Stalter has pretty much always been interested in drawing and carving. He remembers carving things when he was ten. His paintings and carvings are inspired by what has happened, things he sees, and of coarse, things he likes.

Lois Stalter has always been interested in fashion. She started collecting clothes when she was little, about 60 years ago. She kept things from her family, and when people knew she was interested in collecting clothes, they started to give her clothes. Lois loves fashion from the 1950’s and before. If you’re wondering how many clothes she has, there’s way too many clothes to count! She has all types of clothes, but mostly women and children’s.

My grandparents are very special people. They rock!

Submitted by:

M.S.