During the Fall [of 1931], Charles B. Franklin, who was now in a poor state of health, requested and received permission to take a leave of absence from his duties in the Engineering Department, in the hopes that a rest would improve his condition.
Franklin dies in 1932, at age 46
Indian enthusiasts, as well as others within the industry, were greatly saddened in October at the news of the passing of Charles B. Franklin at his home in Springfield. During his leave of absence his health had at first improved somewhat. His condition worsened by Fall, however, and he succumbed from complications of a respiratory ailment. His death was a great blow to Indian, as during his tenure he had been responsible for the finalization of all designs since 1916, including the Powerplus engine, the lightweight models '0' and 'K', as well as the immortal Scout and Chief, and all of the various racing and hill climb machines.
Passing on as he did at the relatively young age of 46, it is interesting to speculate upon what further advanced designs might have come from his board had he lived on.
"Old Indians Will Never Die"
Through the passing of the years, the memories of the Indian Company's trials and tribulations have faded into the shadows of the past. The happier recollections are now kept alive for the present and future generations, through the viewing or fortuitous ownership of examples of Hedstrom's or Franklin's immortal motorcycles. During the more recent past some now-forgotten Indian enthusiast created a slogan which is now remembered by all Redskin devotees - "Old Indians Will Never Die".
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