Lock tree in Franklin continues to hold memories

FRANKLIN, Ky.- The Franklin Simpson High School welding program continues to bring joy year after year displaying sculptures throughout the county.

“In a lot of big cities, you’ll see locks hanging on a fence or on a gate or on a bridge,” said executive director of Simpson County Tourism, Amy Ellis.

It’s a common practice to secure memories by hanging in time. The community of Franklin has its own take on this concept, with a lock tree. Students at Franklin Simpson High School refer to it, as locks of love.

“Sometimes you do it as a couple and it symbolizes your love. If you look at the locks, you’ll see a lot of little messages on them,” said Ellis.

Former FSHS welding student, Padon Vaughn said, “I think it’s really neat. My parents, they’ve put their locks on it. I haven’t specifically hung a lock with my girlfriend yet. I need to.”

The lock tree was created by the FSHS welding program in 2019 to make a wish, a promise or a goal.

The tree is nestled at the corner of College and West Cedar Street in downtown Franklin.

“Every time, I drive by it, I’m like hey I did that right there. Nobody can take that away from me. I put my heart and soul into that and it’s beautiful,” said Vaughn.

It’s more than just pride in this project for Vaughn. Welding became a love on its own thanks to high school instructor, Jeremy Loveall.

Vaugh said, “I didn’t know anything about it whenever I came into it. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and welding is a big part of industrial maintenance and it’s really a big help for me because it shows and displays the work us kids can create.”

“The opportunity in our town to have a class like that, that takes charge and creates items like this that they are so prideful of, and our community has really embraced it,” said Ellis.

The Franklin Simpson High School welding class is also responsible for other landmark creations throughout the county. Maybe you’ve passed the fork in the road or stood in awe in front of the airplane wind vane.

If not, they’re all worth a visit to lock in a wish, a goal or a promise.