VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN
[FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Indenbaum
Population:
2,937
FOUNDED IN THE 1820s, this historic
village got its name from the famous
author, scientist and politician, Benjamin
Franklin. Sometimes referred to as "The
Town that Time Forgot," Franklin was
incorporated as a village in 1953. The
Franklin Village Center was one of the first
registered historical districts in Michigan.
When the neighboring city of
Birmingham was chosen as a railroad
stop, Franklin, although larger and more
populated, settled into a quiet exis-
tence, removed from most major roads
and bypassed by the major transporta-
tion system.
Encompassing only 2.7 square miles,
Franklin has a strong Jewish presence in
Oakland County, and is home to some
prominent Detroiters, including Jewish
community benefactor Max M. Fisher.
The original plan by a developer in the
1920s, calling for curving roads and
large single-family lots, still character-
A
fter spending many of his
growing up years in the
quaint Village of Franklin,
Michael Indenbaum thought it
would be the perfect place to
raise his own family.
Michael, an attorney in
Detroit, and his wife, Leslye, a
dental hygienist in Royal Oak,
like Franklin's central location as
well as its many other attractive
qualities. They also like the pri-
vacy afforded by the wooded set-
ting of their home, which they
purchased 11 years ago.
"It's a neighborhood, yet you
have your own space," said
Leslye, "and it's easy to get any-
where from here. Plus, I love the
trees."
The family enjoys walking or
riding their hikes downtown to
shop or to attend one of the many
community events, such as the
"Music on the Green" concerts or
the annual Labor Day Franklin
Round-Up and Art Fair.
"I like being able to leave my
car at the gas station for an oil
change, and then walk to the
bank, the cleaners or the bead
shop," said Leslye. "We love it
here."
The Indenbaums belong to
Congregation Shaarey Zedek in
Southfield.
\/Iichael's parents, Sam and
Valerie Indenbaum, and his three
sisters — Sarah (Neal) Krasnick,
Amy (Dave) Green and Becka
(Harry) Wasvary — also are resi-
dents of Franklin.
"We have lots of friends here,
and my family lives nearby," said
Leslye, "It's a very homey feel-
ing."
izes the Franklin of today.
In the fall, Franklinites and residents of
surrounding areas flock to the cider mill
just north of the quaint downtown busi-
ness district for oven-warm donuts and
fresh apple cider.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT:
"The Franklin Cider Mill is a regular destination every fall," said Leslye Indenbaum. In the
winter we like sledding on the and in nice weather, the kids love the park behind the
church downtown. And Mike loves the Market Basket grocery — it's his favorite place."
Michael and Leslye
Indenbaum with
children Alyssa,
10; Lily Anne, 7.
Shoshana, 14,
not pictured.
SOURCEBOOK 2003-2004 •
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