Outside the Box

Jul. 28, 2009

Renaissance Man - Benjamin Franklin

This week our key historical figure, Benjamin Franklin. As we looked at the time line of his life it was easy to see that he didn't have much time to speak as he accomplished so much in his lifetime. I consider him to be a true Renaissance Man defined as "a man with extraordinarily broad and comprehensive knowledge".

From Benjamin Franklin

A replica of his printing shop and bindery were there. The National Park Service stationed two rangers to explain the process and show how the press worked including the content of the paper. Our family worked for a printing company for many years and the children had the opportunity to visit the press plant. It was interesting to contrast the operation of the two. This is a beautiful press.

From Benjamin Franklin

This is the bindery section of the shoppe.

From Benjamin Franklin

A book in the process of receiving it's binding.

From Benjamin Franklin

As we turned around the paper printed on the press was blown up and hanging on the wall.

From Benjamin Franklin

Our writing assignment this quarter will be to replicate a paper similar in style to this one. I thought perhaps this would help us out when the time came as far as layout and format.

From Benjamin Franklin

This picture is one of Benjamin Franklin's inventions. It is a quartet music stand. Now why don't they make these anymore? It is very practical.

From Benjamin Franklin

If you go inside the Post Office next door and up the stairs there is a museum. It took me awhile to figure out that the post office is a functioning one today. If you take an envelope they will stamp/cancel it for you with Benjamin Franklin's picture on it.